Fife is on course to be part of a political earthquake as counting continues in the General Election.
With a seismic shift in politics predicted across Scotland, and the polls closing at 10pm, counting for the North East Fife, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and Glenrothes constituencies got under way at the Michael Woods Centre in Glenrothes, while the Dunfermline and West Fife count was under way at the Pitreavie Sports Centre.
With 50% of the boxes counted in Glenrothes around 11.50pm, an SNP source told The Courier that early indications were well ahead in all three constituencies.
The source said these predictions, from an SNP perspective, were likely to drop as the rest of the boxes were counted.
In many ways North East Fife was the most fascinating battle area, with Sir Menzies Campbell holding it for the Liberal Democrats for 28 years.
But North East Fife SNP candidate Stephen Gethins isn’t prepared to claim victory yet.
He said: “The votes haven’t been counted yet. We’ll see how the night progresses and take it from there.”
Glenrothes SNP candidate Peter Grant said: “I’m confident we’re going to have a fantastic night for the SNP across Scotland.
“There’s definitely been a big swing from Labour to SNP in Glenrothes. It’s too early to say anything for definite.
“To come anywhere close to taking the seat will be a victory. If we can take the seat it will be one of the biggest upsets in Scottish political history.”
Commenting on the national polls putting the Tories on 316 and SNP on 58, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath SNP candidate Roger Mullin, who is hoping to overturn retired Labour MP Gordon Brown’s 23,000 majority, said: “My response to that is be very wary of exit polls. The margin of error can be much greater.
“I would be very surprised if we took 58 in Scotland. That would be extraordinary. I would be cautious at this stage.”
Declarations for the Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and North East Fife counts are expected any time between 1am and 3am.