Scottish party leaders cast votes as public go to the polls

The leaders of Scotland’s main political parties have been to the ballot box with their families as voting continues in the 2024 general election.

Polling stations opened at 07:00 and will close at 22:00, when counting will begin.

Boundary changes have reduced the number of constituencies in Scotland from 59 to 57, with a number of constituency names changed as well.

The BBC, like other broadcasters, is not allowed to report details of campaigning or election issues while voting is taking place.

It was a family affair for some of Scotland’s most recognisable politicians, with children and even pets joining them at the polling stations.

First minister and SNP leader John Swinney cast his ballot at Burrelton Village Hall, Perthshire, accompanied by his 13-year-old son Matthew.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was joined by wife Furheen and son Aliyan when voting in the south side of Glasgow.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross held hands with his wife Krystle as they carried their two young sons to the polling station at Fogwatt in Moray.

Dog photos have become popular with photographers on election day – and in Edinburgh, Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton obliged by bringing his cockapoo Bramble to the polling station at Davidson’s Mains Parish Church.

Scottish Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater were voting in Glasgow and Edinburgh respectively.

Despite the July date, voters heading to the polls have been greeted with temperatures well below the norm for the time of year, continuing the trend of poor weather throughout the summer. A significant wind chill is expected throughout the day along with showers.

This is the first national election in Scotland where photo ID is required to be allowed to vote.

It was used in the Hamilton and Rutherglen West by-election last year, with 22 different forms of ID being acceptable.

These include a passport, driving licence, bus pass and Young Scot card.

The first indication of how parties might have fared will come at 22:00, when the BBC, ITV and Sky News publish the results of an exit poll.

Scottish results are expected to begin arriving from 01:00, with the majority being declared between 03:00 and 05:00.