Media Guide for the Count at Braehead Arena - Scottish Parliamentary Election Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May 2021
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Scottish Parliamentary Election
Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May 2021
Media Guide for
the Count at
Braehead Arena
www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SPElection2021
1Welcome
This media guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know about
the Count at Braehead Arena, the facilities and arrangements in place to enable you
to cover the Count safely, including what to expect when you arrive.
The arrangements for the Count will feel different to previous elections with additional
Covid-19 health and safety measures in place to keep everyone safe, reduce the risk of
spreading the virus and protect the integrity of the Election.
It is vitally important you do not attend the Count if you have any of the symptoms of
Covid-19: a persistent, continuous cough, a high temperature; or a change in your sense of
taste or smell, or if you are a confirmed contact of someone who is self-isolating. If you are
unwell, you must self-isolate at home and book a test.
If you are well, you do not require a test before attending the Count. Covid Safety Officers
will be in place at the Count to support you to facilitate safe access and exit from the Arena
and enable you to follow the enhanced health and safety measures in place.
These measures are in place to protect you and everyone who is involved in running the
Count.
Dates and location
Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May 2021
Braehead Arena, Braehead, 25 King’s Inch Road,
Glasgow G51 4BN
Media contact
Renfrewshire Council Corporate Communications team manage all media arrangements
for the Count at Braehead Arena.
Head of Marketing, Communications and Events, Louisa Mahon is the Team Lead,
supported by Corporate Communications Manager, Lucy Adamson.
At the Count, members of our team will be available to facilitate interview requests
with candidates and confirm election information.
Lucy Adamson 07899 061 033
David Christie 07970 661 965
Graeme Crawford 07817 063 593
Out of hours, any urgent queries can be directed to our Duty Communications Officer
via 07535 520 071.
In advance, please direct any election preparation and accreditation queries
to Graeme Crawford by email to graeme.crawford@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
2Accreditation
Due to the Covid-19 additional health and safety measures, there are limited spaces
for accredited media and we are unfortunately unable to facilitate photographers. A
Count photographer (Kieran Chambers) will provide pool photography at various times
throughout the day.
Any media wishing to attend the election must arrange accreditation in advance by
contacting Graeme Crawford by email to graeme.crawford@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Accreditation will not be possible on the day and if you wish to change your accreditation,
this must be arranged in advance.
Your accredited Count ID badge will be available for collection at the Arena Count
registration desks. Bring a suitable form of ID (passport/driving licence/NUJ card) with you
to the Count to receive your ID badge.
Arrival and registration
Free parking is available at Braehead Arena and Braehead Shopping Centre and you are
advised to park in the Green car park at the Marks and Spencer end of the shopping centre.
Parking for broadcast vans must be arranged in advance as part of the accreditation
process.
Accredited media can access the Count from 8.30am on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May.
Separate arrangements have been made directly with broadcasters.
On arrival, make your way to the registration desks located at the ground floor entrance
to Braehead Arena (accessible via the shopping centre and next to Costa). This is clearly
marked with signage to direct you.
Remember to bring suitable identification with your name, such as your passport, driving
licence or NUJ card to complete the registration process and receive your ID badge.
You should always wear your ID badge and this badge cannot be swapped with anyone
else at any time during the two-day Count. If you lose your pass, please speak to a member
of our Corporate Communications team.
Once registered, you are welcome to exit and enter the Count at any time during
proceedings, this includes leaving to access refreshments, cafes, and restaurant services
available at Braehead. The food mall is situated on the first floor of the shopping centre,
immediately outside the Arena. Please note the availability of these services will be subject
to the current restrictions. You may bring your own food and drink with you into the Arena
and consume it at your allocated seat.
3Hygiene measures and physical distancing
We have taken every necessary step to support the Covid–19 safe operation of the Election
Count. Measures will be enforced through the duration of the Count for the health and
safety of all in attendance and your co-operation is greatly appreciated. If you are in any
doubt about the measures in place and your responsibility to follow the measures, ask one
of our Covid Supervisors for assistance. We will always be on hand to assist.
Hand sanitising
Hand-sanitising stations are positioned throughout the Count venue and you are reminded
to use these regularly, especially on entry and exit.
2-metre physical distancing
You must always observe 2-metre physical distancing, unless you are part of one
household. A one-way system will be in place, clearly marked, to ensure this is maintained.
Face covering
You must wear a face covering when moving and circulating within the Count venue. You
can choose to remove your face covering while seated, but you must continue to observe
2-metre physical distancing.
One-way system
A one-way system is in operation throughout the venue and direction of travel is clearly
marked. Please always follow this one-way system and do not gather on walkways. Covid
supervisors will be on site to help maintain physical distancing where required. Please do
not take offence if you are asked to move along. We want to ensure a safe environment for
everyone in the Arena.
Toilet facilities
Toilet facilities will be clearly marked and will be inspected and cleaned regularly. Please
make sure you follow guidance on maximum numbers. This will be clearly displayed.
Health and safety risk assessment
Broadcast media must submit their health and safety risk assessment in advance.
4Media area
The media area is in Block N and P of the Arena tiered seating and members of the media
will be allocated a seat in this area by the communications team and you should remain in
your allocated seat when inside the Arena. A clearly marked one-way system to access and
exit your seating will be in place and Covid supervisors will be available to direct you.
Due to Covid-19 health and safety arrangements, access to the Count floor is not possible
for any members of the media. Media should follow the Count process from their allocated
seating area, viewing the verification announcements and declaration of results via the
screens next to the stage. If you have any questions or require clarification, please ask
a member of the communications team who will be able to assist.
Interviews
If you wish to interview a candidate or elected candidate, you can request this through our
Communications team and they will be brought to an interview area within the media area.
Please do not move around the Arena to speak to candidates or elected candidates.
Advance arrangements have been arranged with accredited broadcast media,
who have a dedicated area for filming and conducting interviews.
Filming and photography
Please ensure no ballot papers or counting screens are shown when filming or taking
photographs of the Count.
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 additional health and safety measures, photographers are
not able to attend and we are unable to facilitate filming or photography on the Count
floor during the Count or at the time of declarations.
Our Communications team will have a count photographer who is able to provide pool
photography. Filming and photographs of candidates will be facilitated in the media area,
always maintaining physical distancing.
5Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available provided by Braehead Arena.
• Search for Wi-Fi
• Select Braehead free Wi-Fi
• Input email address when prompted.
We will also provide a network for media use, but Wi-Fi availability and network speeds
will be monitored throughout the count to ensure the smooth running of the election.
Any excessive use may require the user to switch to the alternative free Wi-Fi network.
Thank you for your cooperation.
• Username: RC_Event
• Password: Med1a5678#21
Charging facilities for phones and laptops will be available in the media area on a
rotational basis, but laptops won’t be able to be plugged in permanently from the
allocated seat.
Evacuation procedure
If there is an emergency evacuation of the Arena, please follow the instructions of the
Communications team, leave by the nearest emergency exit and go to the assembly point
at Krispy Kreme.
In the event of extreme weather, the assembly point will be at the entrance to Marks and
Spencer, but this will be clearly communicated if this is the case so please proceed to
Krispy Kreme unless instructed otherwise.
Once Scottish Fire and Rescue has confirmed it is safe to return to the building, the Count
staff will return first. The media and all other attendees will only be allowed to return to the
building once all election staff are in place to ensure the security of the voting process.
6Election information Returning Officer Sandra Black is the Regional Returning Officer for the West Scotland Region and the Constituency Returning Officer for three constituencies: Paisley; Renfrewshire North and West; Renfrewshire South. Constituencies Paisley; Renfrewshire North and West; and Renfrewshire South are three of 73 constituencies which each elect a constituency MSP to the Scottish Parliament through the ‘first past the post’ voting system. The candidate who receives the largest number of votes in the constituency wins the seat. West Scotland Region There are eight Scottish Parliament regions and each region elects seven MSPs to the Parliament. Votes are cast for a political party, or for a candidate standing as an independent. Regional MSPs are allocated seats using a formula which considers the number of constituency seats an individual or party has already won within the Region. The West Scotland Region list covers the constituencies of Clydebank & Milngavie, Cunninghame North, Cunninghame South, Dumbarton, Eastwood, Greenock & Inverclyde, Paisley, Renfrewshire North & West, Renfrewshire South and Strathkelvin & Bearsden. Electorate Paisley Electorate 55,698 Postal votes applied for 13,135 Renfrewshire North and West Electorate 56,179 Postal votes applied for 13,618 Renfrewshire South Electorate 52,796 Postal votes applied for 12,229 West Scotland Region Electorate 322,600 (2016) Figures correct on 8 April 2021 unless otherwise stated. Final figures unavailable at time of publication. 7
Polling
Polling for the Scottish Parliamentary Election takes place on Thursday 6 May 2021. There
are 68 polling places with 201 polling stations across the three constituencies, venues
including community centres, village halls and bowling clubs, with 402 ballot boxes being
collected and brought to the Count as well as more than 120 postal vote ballot boxes.
Staffing
Around 500 polling staff will be employed at the polling stations, assisted by cleaners
and Covid marshals. Some 200 staff will be supporting the Count each day in varied roles,
including cleaning staff, Enumerators and Covid Supervisors.
Candidates
Paisley
George Adam Scottish National Party (SNP)
Scott Bevan Scottish Green Party
Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party
Russell Findlay Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Eileen McCartin Scottish Liberal Democrats
Renfrewshire North and West
Johanna Baxter Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party
Marty Bell Scottish Family Party
Natalie Don Scottish National Party (SNP)
Julie Pirone Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Ross Stalker Scottish Liberal Democrats
Renfrewshire South
Tom Arthur Scottish National Party (SNP)
Christine Cosh Scottish Liberal Democrats
Andy Doig Scotia Future
Paul O’Kane Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Co-operative Party
Derek Stillie Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
8West Scotland Region
Robert Watson Abolish the Scottish Parliament Party
Chris McEleny Alba Party
Caroline McAllister Alba Party
Ellen McMaster Alba Party
Delia Henry Alba Party
David Griffiths All for Unity
Catherine McCall All for Unity
Paul McLafferty All for Unity
Senol Jason Ali All for Unity
Calum Robertson All for Unity
Rhona Cameron All for Unity
Robert Aikman All for Unity
Jill McGowan Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy
Maria Smith Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy
Grant David Stirling Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy
Mark Niven Turnbull Freedom Alliance - Integrity, Society, Economy
Ian Inkster Independent Green Voice
John Ramsey McCallum Reform UK
Wayne Kenneth Darnell Reform UK
Peter Sievwright Reform UK
Martyn William Greene Reform UK
Andy Doig Scotia Future
Jackson Carlaw Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Russell Findlay Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Jamie Greene Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Pam Gosal Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Julie Pirone Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Andrew Polson Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Derek Stillie Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Maurice Corry Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Caroline Hollins Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
David Rocks Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
9Liam McKechnie Scottish Family Party
Martin Llewellyn Bell Scottish Family Party
Matthew Lynch Scottish Family Party
Mary Toal Scottish Family Party
Cecilia Tortolano Scottish Family Party
Ross Greer Scottish Green Party
Carolynn Scrimgeour Scottish Green Party
Scott Bevan Scottish Green Party
Erin Crawley Scottish Green Party
Ross Collins Scottish Green Party
Emma Sheppard Scottish Green Party
Charley O’Hear Scottish Green Party
Jackie Baillie Scottish Labour Party
Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party
Katy Clark Scottish Labour Party
Paul O’Kane Scottish Labour Party
Johanna Baxter Scottish Labour Party
Matt Kerr Scottish Labour Party
Fransesca Brennan Scottish Labour Party
Douglas McAllister Scottish Labour Party
Katie Pragnell Scottish Labour Party
Gurpreet Singh Johal Scottish Labour Party
Edward Grady Scottish Labour Party
Nairn McDonald Scottish Labour Party
Katy Gordon Scottish Liberal Democrats
Jacci Stoyle Scottish Liberal Democrats
Susan Catherine Murray Scottish Liberal Democrats
Ross Stalker Scottish Liberal Democrats
Rod Ackland Scottish Liberal Democrats
Eileen McCartin Scottish Liberal Democrats
Ruby Kirkwood Scottish Liberal Democrats
Jonathan Ralph Rainey Scottish Libertarian Party
10Michelle Campbell Scottish National Party (SNP)
Stuart McMillan Scottish National Party (SNP)
Kenneth Gibson Scottish National Party (SNP)
Rona Mackay Scottish National Party (SNP)
Colm Merrick Scottish National Party (SNP)
Lorna Douglas Scottish National Party (SNP)
Annette Ireland Scottish National Party (SNP)
Debra Torrance Scottish National Party (SNP)
Gavin Lundy Scottish National Party (SNP)
Jonathan McColl Scottish National Party (SNP)
Daniel Kennedy Scottish National Party (SNP)
Peter Morton Scottish Renew
Jim Halfpenny Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Lynda McEwan Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Ian Kerr Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Janice MacKay UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Eunice Normansell UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Robert Hill UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Sharon Boyle UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Ian Emery UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Maurice Campbell Independent
James Morrison Independent
11Count process
The first stage is verification, where Enumerators count the ballot papers from each polling
station to verify the number of ballot papers matches the number of papers issued,
as recorded on the Returning Officer’s ballot paper accounts.
Once all the votes have been verified, the Returning Officer will announce the total votes
cast and the percentage turnout.
Staff then count the number of votes cast for each candidate.
The order in which this process will be followed for the ballots for the three constituencies
and the regional ballots from each of those constituencies is set out in the Declaration
and Results section.
Candidates and Agents can observe the count from specified viewing points on the Count
floor. They can also view and participate in the adjudication of disputed ballots.
The Returning Officer shares the provisional result with candidates and their agents, who
can ask for a recount of the votes. The Returning Officer can refuse the request if they think
it is unreasonable.
The Returning Officer will declare the number of votes cast for each candidate and will
then announce the name of the candidate with the most votes as the elected Member of
Scottish Parliament.
This process is carried out for each of the three constituencies in Renfrewshire: Paisley;
Renfrewshire North and West; and Renfrewshire South.
The West Scotland Region ballot follows the same process and the results of the list votes
are declared for each of the three constituencies.
These are then combined with the results from all other constituencies in the region and
the seven candidates are elected based on the total number of votes combined with the
seats already gained by candidates or parties.
Declarations and results
At the Scottish Parliamentary Election Count at Braehead, results will be declared for:
• Paisley constituency—Friday 7 May
• Renfrewshire North and West constituency—Friday 7 May
• Renfrewshire South constituency—Saturday 8 May
• West Scotland Region—Saturday 8 May
Several declarations will be made over the course of Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May.
12Friday 7 May
• O
pening of Paisley and Renfrewshire North and West ballot boxes and beginning
of the Count
• Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Paisley constituency vote
• V erification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire North and West
constituency vote
• Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Paisley regional vote
• V erification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire North and West regional
vote
• Results of Paisley constituency vote
• Results of Renfrewshire North and West constituency vote
Saturday 8 May:
• Opening of Renfrewshire South ballot boxes and beginning of the Count
• Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire South constituency vote
• Verification of total votes cast and turnout for Renfrewshire South region
• Results of Renfrewshire South constituency vote
• Results of West Scotland Region and the allocation of seats
Timings and publication of results
Indicative timing of expected results is as follows. This is for your guidance only and may
be subject to change. The Communications team will be able to advise of any significant
updates at the time.
• P
aisley and Renfrewshire North and West constituencies—expected
Friday early evening
• Renfrewshire South constituency—expected Saturday early afternoon
• Regional list results—expected Saturday evening
Only the winning constituency candidates will be invited on to the stage to make an
acceptance speech and following this, interviews will be facilitated in the media area.
Please remain in your seat and a member of the communications team will bring the
candidate to the media area.
Results will be immediately published on the main screen within the Count venue, on
the council website www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SPElection2021, on Twitter @RenCouncil
using the hashtag #SPE21Result and on Facebook @RenfrewshireCouncil.
132016 Scottish Parliamentary Election results
Paisley Constituency
Verification Result
Electorate 51,673
Total votes cast—Paisley constituency ballot 29,592
Total votes cast—West Scotland region ballot in Paisley 29,616
Turnout - Paisley 57.3%
Election Results
Candidate Party Votes
George Adam Scottish National Party 14,682
Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party 9,483
Paul Masterton Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 3,533
Eileen McCartin Scottish Liberal Democrats 1,766
Ballot papers rejected 128
Total votes cast 29,592
14Renfrewshire North and West Constituency
Verification Result
Electorate 50,555
Total votes cast—Renfrewshire North and West constituency ballot 30,870
Total votes cast—West Scotland region ballot in Renfrewshire North and West 30,864
Turnout - Renfrewshire North and West 61.1%
Election Results
Candidate Party Votes
Rod Ackland Scottish Liberal Democrats 888
Mary Fee Scottish Labour Party 7,244
Jim Halfpenny Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 414
Derek Mackay Scottish National Party 14,718
Peter Morton 198
David Wilson Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 7,345
Ballot papers rejected 63
Total votes cast 30,870
15Renfrewshire South constituency
Verification Result
Electorate 49,422
Total votes cast—Renfrewshire South constituency ballot 29,810
Total votes cast—West Scotland region ballot in Renfrewshire South 29,842
Turnout - Renfrewshire South 60.3%
Election Results
Candidate Party Votes
Tom Arthur Scottish National Party 14,272
Tristan Gray Scottish Liberal Democrats 793
Ann Le Blond Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 4,752
Paul O’Kane Scottish Labour Party 9,864
Ballot papers rejected 129
Total votes cast 29,810
16West Scotland Region
Total votes cast 322,600
Percentage of poll 59.9%
Rejected ballot papers 524
Candidate Registered party Elected at
Neil Bibby Scottish Labour Party Stage 1
Jamie Greene Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Stage 2
Mary Fee Scottish Labour Party Stage 3
Maurice Golden Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Stage 4
Ken Macintosh Scottish Labour Party Stage 5
Maurice Corry Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Stage 6
Ross Greer Scottish Green Party Stage 7
Total of the votes cast in the West Scotland region ballot
Registered party Number of votes
RISE—Respect, Independence, Socialism and Environmentalism 1,522
Scottish Christian Party—“Proclaiming Christ’s Lordship”
Christians Together 2,391
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party—
Ruth Davidson for a Strong Opposition 71,528
Scottish Green Party—Ross Greer for West of Scotland 17,218
Scottish Labour Party—Choose kids, not cuts 72,544
Scottish Liberal Democrats 12,097
Scottish Libertarian Party—Free Speech, Free Markets, Free People 484
Scottish National Party (SNP)—Nicola Sturgeon for First Minister 135,827
Solidarity—Scotland’s Socialist Movement, Tommy Sheridan—Indy Ref2 2,609
UK Independence Party (UKIP) 5,856
17Please remember, everyone attending a Polling Station or the Count should continue to follow general FACTS advice: wear a face covering, avoid crowded areas, clean hands regularly, maintain 2-metre physical distancing, and self-isolate and book a test if you become unwell. www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SPElection2021
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