Scottish Referendums

West Dunbartonshire

Electorate: 72,622
Area (Hectares): 16,223

This region lies between the River Clyde and the southern end of Loch Lomond. Its population is concentrated in the former shipbuilding towns of Clydebank and Dumbarton and the industrial towns in the Vale of Leven. The areas in the north and east of the region are mostly rural. The major industries are whisky bottling and blending, engineering, electronics and the service industries. Many people in the council area commute to work in Glasgow.

Labour hold almost two thirds of the seats on the council and the parliamentary seats of Clydebank & Milngavie and Dumbarton. The SNP also have some support in the area but have yet to translate this into electoral success.

Results of 1979 referendum:

The regions were different in 1979, West Dunbartonshire 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)