Sam Shedden Engagement Editor

Good evening,

We're nearing the end of day one of vote counting. Winning candidates have already popped open the champagne while the losers are left in a reflective mood as ballot halls empties. As of 8:30pm here are how things stand:

Total seats (change)

SNP: 38 (+3)

Liberal Democrats: 4 (0)

Conservatives: 3 (-2)

Labour: 1 (-1)

So far 46 out of 129 seats have been called and we're expecting, at most, two more tonight.

It's good news for the SNP at this stage. They have secured three of the swing seats they have targeted. A big political beast in the form of Angus Robertson snatched Edinburgh Central back from the Tories and he will likely play a significant role in Nicola Sturgeon's next administration. Will it be enough to get the majority they seek? Still too early to say but the momentum is certainly with the nationalists.

Things are looking less rosy for Alex Salmond's Alba Party who face electoral oblivion. From the former first minister to a clutch of far-right extremists, the fringes of the Holyrood election have been occupied by a lively roll call of characters, but the early signs are that their impact on voters has been negligible, writes Martyn McLaughlin.

And what about Nicola Sturgeon herself? She swept to victory in Glasgow Southside but received a dent to her substantial majority from Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Keep following our live blog for the latest updates, we'll be here till the counting stop and back bright and early on Saturday when it restarts.

Thanks for reading,

Sam Shedden

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