A local inquiry is set to take place over proposals to alter two Scottish Parliament constituencies in Ayrshire.

Boundaries Scotland is proposing to amended the existing boundary of the Cunninghame South and Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituencies to balance the size of electorates across them.

East Ayrshire Council has already registered its strong objection to the proposals.

The inquiry will be held on December 12 at The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock. Two sessions will be run, the first at 2pm until 4pm and the second at 6pm until 8pm.

The inquiry will be chaired by Sean Murphy, Sheriff Principal of North Strathclyde, and will provide an opportunity for councils, elected representatives and local people to put their views forward.

No changes are being proposed for Ayrshire's other three Holyrood constituencies.

Professor Ailsa Henderson, chair of Boundaries Scotland, said: “Our consultations are strengthened by local people and organisations contributing their views.

"Whether you support or oppose our provisional proposals for the constituencies in your area we very much want to hear from you.

"Responses are particularly helpful when they include specific suggestions for improvements and if they comply with the legislative rules within which we work.”

Boundaries Scotland consulted on its proposals for constituencies for the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.

13 responses were received relating to the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley and Cunninghame South constituencies.

East Ayrshire Council formally objected to the proposals, which triggered the local enquiry set to take place.

Anyone who wishes to speak at the inquiry is invited to register by emailing boundaries.scot@scottishboundaries.gov.uk or telephoning 0131 244 2001.

Information about the local inquiry is being made available in council offices and libraries, and is also available on the Commission’s website at www.boundaries.scot.