One of the most surprising results of local government reoganisation in the 1990s was the creation of Clackannanshire Council.
The smallest mainland council centred around Alloa serves around 52,000 people.
Council leader Ellen Forson says the council cannot ignore challenges and is always keen to work with neighbouring councils and other public bodies.
But she believes the council area itself works.
She said: “We are large enough to deliver effectively, but small enough to understand our communities, respond quickly and maintain a close connection between local people and those making decisions on their behalf.”
The reaction so far gives a foretaste of the intensity of the debate which is likely once solid proposals are published.
Blair McDougall, Labour MP for East Renfrewshire, has warned of the risk of the area – which includes some of Glasgow’s affluent suburbs – being absorbed into what he fears could be a larger city authority.
In the 1990s Labour fought to save Strathclyde Region and opposed the redrawing of Glasgow’s boundaries.
The reorganisation was opposed by most Scottish MPs and many within Scottish local government.
That level of controversy is unlikely this time.
The proposals will come from Holyrood and the SNP has more councillors than any other party.
But the powers of the new authorities, the practicalities of change and the simple geography of some council areas are still likely to provoke a huge discussion.
