The case of the disappearing ward

By Giancarlo Rinaldi
South of Scotland reporter, BBC Scotland news website

Suggestions to rename the ward are now being sought

A small stretch of southern Scotland is hoping to make a return to the nation's political map.

For years the scenic district of Eskdale had featured in the council ward names of Dumfries and Galloway.

However, it disappeared in a boundaries review to be replaced by Annandale East - sparking outcry along the River Esk.

Perhaps residents should have known their luck was out when they saw they were numbered 13 among the new wards being proposed for the region.

The first hint that Eskdale might slip out of political existence came in 2005.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland produced initial proposals for 13 multi-member wards in Dumfries and Galloway in March that year.

'Save Eskdale'

Three months later it suggested that the area be named Annandale East.

It provoked a political response at every level as local councillors, MSPs and MPs made the case for a change of heart.

Questions were raised about its fate in the Scottish Parliament and a "Save Eskdale" campaign was even launched.

Nonetheless, when the country went to the polls earlier this year, the name was nowhere to be seen.

That could have been the end of the story but the people of Langholm and its surrounding area would not admit defeat.

Langholm is the main town in the 'vanished' district

Their campaign continued and, in response to representations, Finance Secretary John Swinney agreed to look at the options for renaming ward 13 once more.

It was followed by the issue of a varying order with the suggested revised names for the ward being "Annandale East and Eskdale" or simply "Eskdale".

Local opinion seems to be in favour of the former but the matter is being debated by councillors in Dumfries and Galloway this week.

Whatever their decision, a two-month consultation period will be open until 24 October this year.

After which, it is hoped, the name of Eskdale might once again return to the ward list across the region.