John W Mundell, Constituency Returning Officer for the Orkney Islands constituency, said: “Voters in Orkney have had the opportunity to vote to elect a Member of the Scottish Parliament and for Members of the Highlands and Islands region.
“I am pleased to be able to welcome the candidates, agents, campaigners, counting agents, media and guests to the count of votes in Orkney this morning.
“My primary concern as Constituency Returning Officer is the accurate completion of the count, with full adherence to the rules to achieve statutory compliance. In other words – to deliver a result in which you and the voters can have full confidence.
“Objectivity, fairness and transparency are a priority throughout the process, and we will complete the count as efficiently as possible, with a view to being fully finished within a reasonable time.”
