Vote counting in the Scottish Parliament election is set to commence on Friday morning, following the conclusion of polling on Thursday. Ballot boxes across Scotland will be opened at 9am at designated counting centres, with the first constituency results anticipated around midday. Further declarations are expected throughout the afternoon and evening, and the overall outcome should become clear by Friday night.
Election Overview
Voters in Scotland are electing 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), which will determine the next first minister. As polls closed at 10pm on Thursday, party leaders expressed gratitude to their campaign teams for their efforts over the past six weeks.
Party Leaders' Statements
SNP leader John Swinney stated: “Our campaign focused entirely on the priorities of the people of Scotland – improving the NHS, supporting people with the cost of living and delivering the fresh start of independence. And that is exactly how we will govern, if that is the choice that the people of Scotland have made.”
Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie remarked: “We ran an ambitious campaign and we are proud of it. We have championed a serious plan and have put forward a serious and credible candidate for first minister, Anas Sarwar.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “As the polls close, I want to thank all the Scottish Conservative candidates, activists and volunteers who have worked tirelessly across Scotland to get our message out over this campaign. I am proud of our manifesto which was full of ambitious policies to get Scotland working again after two decades of SNP failure.”
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay commented: “The Scottish Greens are grateful to everyone who has put their trust in us and backed our positive and hopeful vision for Scotland. We are also grateful to everyone who has made this election possible, including everyone who will be working and volunteering at the counts.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “As polls close I would like to thank all of the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidates and activists who have worked so hard to deliver a positive and energetic campaign from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands.”
Leaders Cast Their Votes
Earlier on Thursday, the main party leaders visited their local polling stations. Mr Swinney voted in Burrelton, Blairgowrie, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar voted at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow with his wife Furheen and their two sons. Malcolm Offord, Reform UK’s Scottish leader, cast his ballot at St James’ Church in Edinburgh. Mr Cole-Hamilton voted at Davidson’s Mains Parish Church in Edinburgh with his wife Gill and dog Bramble. Mr Findlay arrived by bicycle at Cleveden Secondary School in Glasgow. Ms Mackay voted at Laurieston Community Hall near Falkirk with her partner Alex and their son.
Electoral System
Under the Scottish Parliament’s electoral system, voters elect 73 constituency representatives and a further 56 MSPs via eight regional lists. This mixed-member proportional system ensures that the overall seat distribution reflects both local preferences and party strength across Scotland.
