The election winners and losers so far

May 8, 2021

Sam Shedden

Engagement Editor

Good morning,

And so we go again.

In this bizarre election we now enter the second, and final, day of vote counting. We will know the identity of all of Scotland's 129 MSPs by the end of the day but before then there are still 81 seats up for grabs.

Our website (and our newspaper) today is jam-packed with election news, analysis, commentary as well as your regular dose of Saturday features and arts news for those needing a respite from politics. We've got so many excellent stories on our site today, I thought it best to cherry pick some of my favourites and those I think make essential reading with your morning coffee today.

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Yesterday was a very good day for the SNP. Yes, they may struggle to secure the majority they desperately seek but the threat of a united unionist now seem unfounded. The nationalist's astonishing electoral success will continue.

As our Westminster correspondent Alexander Brown opines, "Watching the results come in yesterday, it was striking how many seats the SNP gained or held that could have been taken away from them if the unionist vote had simply united." There may be many voters whom dislike the SNP, but not enough to set their principles aside and vote tactically.

With the list vote results coming in today we will discover if the predicated strong performance from the Greens materialises and if Labour can push the Tories off second spot.

We hope you stay with us today.

Thanks for reading,

Sam Shedden


	Scottish election 2021 results: The winners and losers

	There seems to be one major winner in the first slew of results to come out of the Scottish elections – the SNP.

Scottish Election 2021 results: Unionism seems to be the hardest word as Scotland rejects tactical voting

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With SNP on course for victory, spotlight will eventually turn on Johnson's refusal to allow Indyref2 – Henry McLeish

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Scottish Election 2021 RECAP: Election results and updates from across Scotland

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Election TV watch: A cat intruder in Kirkwall, fascist salutes in Glasgow, a power cut in Dumfries

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'Unbelievable' - Ally McCoist claims 'absolutely vital' Rangers star is worth £30m

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Jackson Irvine pierced his own ears. He's just what Hibs need if they're to avoid another "Chernobyl" at Hampden

It is very easy to get sidetracked in conversation with Jackson Irvine, for Hibernian’s rock ’n’ roll rampager is fascinating away from the park. For instance, music. Knowing the big Australian plays the guitar I ask him which Jackson he prefers. The Jackson 5 or “Jackson”, the country and western standard. Jackson Browne, the mellow troubadour, or something shoutier like Bruce Springsteen’s “Jackson Cage”?

Hamish Watson hopes the inclusion of so many Scots in the British & Irish Lions squad can inspire the nation’s youth

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