As Edinburgh voters head to the polls today (Thursday 6 May) for the Scottish Parliament Election, preparations are already well under way for an election count like none before.
Instead of the traditional overnight count, Edinburgh’s count this year will take place over two days at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.
Throughout the planning process, our elections team has sought guidance from public health experts, consulting extensively with the Director of Public Health, to make sure the event runs as safely and as smoothly as possible.
On Friday 7 May the results for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western will be announced, while results will be declared for Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Pentlands and Edinburgh Northern and Leith as well as the list/Region vote results on Saturday 8 May.
Safety measures in place at the count
- Everyone must wear a face covering when moving and circulating within the count venue, unless they are exempt.
- Hand sanitising stations will be positioned throughout the venue.
- Physical distancing will be in place.
- Regular cleaning, including at touch points.
- Contact tracing system with all people attending the count.
- One-way systems in parts of the building.
- Room capacity limits will be in place.
- Enhanced ventilation at the venue.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said:
The arrangements for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election feel very different from previous elections. Throughout our preparations our elections team has sought guidance from public health experts and we’ve put in place extensive additional Covid-19 health and safety measures to help keep everyone safe, reduce the risk of spreading the virus and of course protect the integrity of the Election.
We’re taking all the necessary steps to support the COVID-safe operation of the election count at the Highland Hall. In line with Public Health Scotland (PHS) guidance every effort has been made to make sure the centre is well ventilated, hand-sanitising stations are positioned throughout the venue, facemasks are worn whenever people move about the venue and that everyone observes two-metre physical distancing at all times. Count assistants will adhere to two-metre distancing but don’t have to wear a face covering when seated on the count floor.
The safety of everyone working at the count is of utmost importance and measures will be enforced by our marshalls throughout the duration of the event for the health and safety of everyone present. I want to thank the team for their efforts so far and look forward to delivering a robust process in these unprecedented times.”
The results from the count will be tweeted live from @Edinburgh_cc as they are announced by the Returning Officer, with the hashtag #SPE21RESULT.
Ends