Decision time as voters in the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency head for the polls in the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary election
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Voters across the north of Scotland are heading to the polls today after campaigning in the Scottish Parliamentary elections came to a close yesterday.
Polls opened at 7 o'clock on Thursday, and a slow but steady stream of voters had begun to cast their ballots at polling station around the Highlands.
A dull and damp morning across much of the north – with wintry showers in places – could impact the turnout, although nationally a record number of people registered to vote by post in this election.
A number of safety measures including physical distancing are in place at polling stations and people are being warned that they may have to queue if the polling station is busy.
Voters will also be expected to wear a face covering, sanitise their hands and, if possible, bring their own pencil. Masks, hand sanitiser and disposable pencils will all be available at polling stations.
People are being asked to cast their vote for a constituency candidate as well as a separate vote for a party or individual to represent them on the wider Highlands and Islands Regional List.
Standing in the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross seat are:
- Harry Christian – Scottish Libertarian Party
- Marion Donaldson – Scottish Labour Party
- Struan Mackie – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Tina McCaffery – Freedom Alliance – Integrity, Society, Economy
- Molly Nolan – Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Maree Todd – Scottish National Party (SNP)
Unlike previous elections, votes will not be counted overnight. Instead, the votes in the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency will be counted at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall from 9am on Friday.
The regional list votes will be counted at Inverness Leisure.
Results for the constituency are expected to be announced on Friday afternoon, with the list results following later on Saturday.
