Scottish Referendums

Renfrewshire

Electorate: 156,239
Area (Hectares): 26,139

This region lies on the River Clyde to the west of Glasgow. It includes the industrial town of Paisley and surrounding towns but the west of the region is more rural in character. Paisley is the economic centre of the region, with Glasgow airport and the large Hillington industrial estate also providing jobs. Most jobs are in the light industrial sector.

Like most of central Scotland, Labour is the dominant party here. They hold all three parliamentary seats covered by the region, and have control of the council. The SNP are the second party with a sizeable group on the council.

Results of 1979 referendum:

The regions were different in 1979, Renfrewshire was part of Strathclyde region.

	Yes	No	Turnout
All Scotland	51.6%	48.3%	63.8%
Strathclyde	54%	45.9%	63.2%

ICM/Scotsman poll published on 22 August 1997:

Question: Should there be a Scottish Parliament?

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)