Controversial plans to reshape parliamentary boundaries in East Renfrewshire are set to bring major changes.

In the proposals drawn up by Boundaries Scotland, Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor would be joined in a revised Renfrewshire South constituency by Newton Mearns South, Eaglesham, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and an area of south-west Paisley.

Johnstone, Elderslie, Howwood and Newton Mearns North would continue to be part of this constituency for elections to Holyrood.

The changes to Renfrewshire South would increase the constituency's population by almost 10,000 to 61,966.

Giffnock, Thornliebank, Clarkston and Busby would be part of a new constituency, along with neighbouring Carnwadric, Kennishead and Priesthill.

It would be called Glasgow Priesthill and Giffnock and replace the traditional Eastwood seat.

Boundaries Scotland, which is an independent body funded by the Scottish Government, is carrying out what is only the second review of constituency seats at Holyrood.

It is proposing to redraw the boundaries of 26 constituencies to reflect "significant change" to the electorate since the previous review in 2010, partly due to those aged 16 and 17 being given the right to take part in Scottish elections.

A spokesperson said: "The population of different areas changes over time.

"The aim of the review is that each MSP is elected by roughly the same number of people. Therefore the constituency boundaries have to be moved to reflect these changes."

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur said he is “considering the proposed changes carefully."

Meanwhile, Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw has criticised plans to break up his constituency.

He told the Barrhead News: “I am both shocked and dismayed to learn of these proposals to take Eastwood off the map as a parliamentary constituency at Holyrood.

“The integrity of Eastwood is totally dismissed in the plans and it’s existence as a distinct local area seems to have been given scant regard in formulating such unacceptable proposals.

“Separating the communities of Eastwood into two different parliamentary constituencies would dismantle essential local relationships that have been built up over decades and by the residents who call the constituency home.

“Eastwood is also home to Scotland’s largest Jewish community, with the Giffnock and Newton Mearns synagogues recently merging into the one place of worship.

“It is a serious concern that the plans would divide the Jewish community in Eastwood into different geographical constituencies, including the removal of Giffnock and Newton Mearns as belonging to the same parliamentary seat.

“In previous decades, unwanted attempts to merge the former Eastwood District Council with Glasgow were rightly defeated following a hard-fought local campaign.

“It is certainly a cause of major concern that the constituency proposals to dismantle Eastwood may serve as a forerunner for plans of this nature being put back on the table in future.

“I am clear that under no circumstances must Eastwood and East Renfrewshire lose their distinctions by becoming dragged into a much larger local authority."

A public consultation on the proposals is open until Saturday, June 17, with Mr Carlaw hoping local people will register their objections.

The Conservative politician said: “I urge local residents, community councils and voluntary groups to protest loudly by responding to the consultation and demanding that these proposals are revisited and ultimately abandoned.”

Boundaries Scotland chairman Ronnie Hinds has pledged that all responses to the consultation will be considered.

He said: "We strongly encourage people to make their views heard. We particularly want to hear suggestions for alternative boundaries that comply with the legislative requirements and for constituency names."

Maps of the proposed new constituencies can be found online at https://boundaries.scot/reviews/second-review-scottish-parliament-boundaries.

To take part in the consultation, visit https://consult.boundaries.scot/reviews/2nd_review_scottish_parliament_boundaries.