North Ayrshire Council has warned Arran could have less representation than at present after the historic Islands Bill was passed last week, writes Hugh Boag.
For while the island will now be able to have its own ward, it will consist of only one elected member – one fewer than the two who the live on the island now, although they also represent Ardrossan.
The council was contesting the equity rule – which originates back to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 – and requires there to be the same number of voters per councillor across an individual local authority area.