Ayrshire decides: Scottish Parliament Election 2021
Counting is now underway at three centres across Ayrshire.
Last updated 7th May 2021
Counting is underway in Ayrshire for the 2021 Scottish Parliament Election.
Three venues are being used locally - Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr, Galleon Leisure Centre in Kilmarnock and St Matthew's Academy in Saltcoats.
Estimated declaration times for each constituency in Ayrshire are as follows:
Ayr - Friday 7th May, 4pm.
Cunninghame North - Friday 7th May, 4pm
Cunninghame South - Friday 7th May, 4pm
Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley - Friday 7th May, 5pm
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley - Saturday 8th May, 5pm
There are 73 constituencies and eight regional seats up for grabs across Scotland. A total of 129 MSPs will be elected. The results from the eight regional seats are expected on Saturday evening.
It is expected the Ayr seat will play a key role in the SNP's hopes of securing an overall majority. It has been held since 2000 by John Scott of the Scottish Conservatives.
In the last Scottish Parliament Election in 2016, it was held by a narrow 750 votes. It is expected his biggest rival will be Siobhian Brown from the SNP, who has played a prominent role in the town as a local Councillor.
We will be speaking to all candidates throughout the day.
It will also be all eyes on North and East Ayrshire constituencies to see whether of not the SNP can hold their majorities.
The turnout for the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency was 61.53%. A total of 40,712 votes were cast.
We will also find out who will be Jeane Freeman's successor in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley seat after the former Health Secretary announced she was standing down in August 2020.