Conservative candidate Alexander Stewart has said that today could be “challenging” for his party.
He’s in the running to be elected in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, having served the area for a decade as a regional representative for Mid Scotland and Fife.
Stewart told the Advertiser at today's count: “I think today is going to be an interesting day for many parties.
“Clackmannanshire and Dunblane has always been a challenge for us.
“I’ve been elected for the last ten years on the list, and even the list today might be challenging. I’m confident but I think the SNP will probably continue to have this seat here.
“Labour are coming back from where they were before, they’ve run a steady campaign here and maybe that gives them a chance to recuperate some of their losses in the past.”
Reflecting on his time in office, he said: “It has been a real honour to represent this area and live in this constituency for the last decade.
“It’s not the area that we would always see as a heartland for us as a party, but I’ve certainly made an impact in the time I’ve been here. If that is to change, then I accept that because that’s the democratic process.
“I’ve certainly been an advocate for this constituency, and I will continue to be that even if I’m not an MSP at the end of the few hours we’re going to go through.
“In all my time in Parliament, I have sat there and challenged the government of the day, and the SNP. I still have great difficulty that their main priority in this election is to break up the United Kingdom, when there are so many other issues affecting constituents and communities.”
If Stewart isn’t elected via the first past the post system, he could still return to Holyrood if the Tories receive a decent enough vote share on the regional list.
Asked what makes Clacks special, he said: “The Wee County is a good name for it, because it brings together small communities that live side by side and support one another.
“I’ve been to so many events and supported so many organisations and individuals who are doing their best they can to try and improve the area, and that in itself is inspiring.”
Keep up to date with news from the count by following our live blog.
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