Argyll & Bute

The Result

Electorate: 69,995
Area (Hectares): 692,967

Argyll & Bute is on the Atlantic seaboard of western Scotland and includes many of the inner isles such as Mull, Islay, Jura, Tiree and Bute. The area is famous for its whisky distilleries and beautiful scenery and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. After tourism and distilling, the main employers are forestry, farming, boat building, fishing and fish farming. Due to the geography of the region communication links are poor, which may account for the fact that 10% of the population are Gaelic-speakers.

The seat has been held by Ray Michie for the Liberal Democrats since 1987 but the SNP held the seat between 1974 and 1979 and the Conservatives from 1979 to 1987. Personalities are more important than parties in this area and about two thirds of the local councillors are independents. As with much of rural Scotland, Labour have a low level of support here - they came fourth at the last General Election with only 15.7% of the vote.

Results of 1979 referendum:

ICM/Scotsman poll published on 22 August 1997:

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		68%		21%		11%
Strathclyde		71%		16%		13%

Question:Should a Scottish Parliament have tax-varying powers?

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		56%		36%		8%
Strathclyde		56%		36%		9%

(Total Sample Size: 1,001, Fieldwork: 19-20 August 1997)