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Council confident of 'efficient' vote count after 2024 delay criticism

BBC A large sandstone building with a flat frontage and lawns in front of itBBC
Results will be delivered for two constituencies and the south of Scotland list at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries

A council criticised over the time it took to count votes at the 2024 general election has said it is confident results will be delivered in an "effective and efficient manner" for the Scottish Parliament.

The local authority in Dumfries and Galloway was among the last in Scotland to declare two years ago - hours after the outcome had been expected.

It blamed the "wide and diverse" area it covered, staff holidays and a large number of postal votes.

Results from two constituencies as well as one list result will be delivered from Dumfries on Friday.

The count at the general election was an overnight one and results were expected from two constituencies at about 04:00 but the final declaration did not come until 10:30.

This year's count will not start until 09:00 on Friday in a move aimed at reducing costs and increasing public engagement.

The general election count took place at the DG One leisure centre but the Scottish Parliament results will be delivered from Easterbrook Hall on the Crichton Estate.

A short council statement said: "Accuracy is our biggest focus during any election count and not speed.

"This being said, we are confident that the two constituency results and the list result will be delivered in an effective and efficient manner on Friday 8 May, following polling on Thursday 7 May."