Scottish council elections: The key battlegrounds

THERE are 13 key battlegrounds across Scotland as parties attempt to gain control of councils. Here, we outline each area, with the possible outcomes and coalitions.

1 Aberdeen: Aberdeen 17, SNP 15, Lib Dems 5, Cons 3, Others 3.

Possible scenarios: Labour are keen to talk to all parties including the SNP, but disagreement over the controversial Union Terrace gardens could be a stumbling block. A partnership between Labour and the Lib Dems looks more likely.

2 Aberdeenshire: SNP 28, Cons 14, Lib Dems 12, Others 11, Labour 2, Green 1.

Possible scenario: The SNP were the junior partners in coalition with the larger Lib Dems before the election. The Nationalists are now the bigger of the two parties, but a deal would still have the numbers to do a deal.

3 Dumfries and Galloway: Labour 15, Cons, 14, SNP 10, Others 7.

Possible scenarios: This was a huge coup for Labour to win in the traditional Tory stronghold, A coalition between Labour and the Nationalists could deliver a majority and end a generation of Tory rule in the area which has been a traditional stronghold for the party. A deal between the Tories, Nationalists and Independents could combine to keep Labour out.

4 East Dunbartonshire: Labour 8, SNP 8, Lib Dems 3, Others 3, Cons 2

Possible scenarios: A deal between the SNP, Lib Dems and Independents could be formed to oust the Labour/Tory coalition which ruled before the election.

5 Edinburgh: Labour 20, SNP 18, Cons 11, Greens 6, Lib Dems 3

Possible scenarios: Labour are likely to be leading the administration in the capital one way or another. The party is talking with the Tories, but could also form an administration with the Nationalists, or even a rainbow deal involving both the Lib Dems and the Greens.

6 Falkirk: Labour 14, SNP 13, Independent 3, Cons 2

Possible scenarios: The Labour/Tory/Independent coalition which ruled before the election looks likely to re-emerge after the Nationalists failed to win in a key target seat after Labour’s problems with the Eric Joyce scandal.

7 Highland: Independents 35, SNP 22, Lib Dems 15, Labour 8

Possible scenarios: The Independents have won the strength to do a deal with any of the other parties. An agreement with Labour looks most likely as it would assure the Independents of the most clout in any possible coalition and suit Labour as it keeps the Nationalists out.

8 Inverclyde:

Labour 10, SNP, 6, Lib Dems 2, Cons 1, Others 1.

Possible scenarios: Labour look set to run the council as a minority administration, after reaching a “confident and supply” type agreement with the Tories and Independents.

9 East Lothian: Labour 10, SNP 9, Cons 3, Others 1

Possible scenarios: Labour look likely to take control from the SNP in the seat after striking a deal in principle with the Tories and Independents. It is likely to signed off later today.

10 Midlothian:

Labour 8, SNP 8, Greens 1, Others 1.

Possible scenarios: The Nationalists have already reached an agreement with Independent Peter de Vink and are desperate to wrestle control in the council which has always been in Labour control. But a deal between Labour and the Greens could take it to a cut of the cards to decide the administration.

11 Moray: Others 10, SNP 10, Cons 3, Labour 3

Possible scenarios: The SNP has already opened talks with the Independents and Labour who have already been a talking. A deal involving all three is looking increasingly likely.

12 Perth and Kinross: SNP 18, Cons 10, Lib Dems 5, Labour 4, Others 4

Possible scenarios: The Nationalists were in coalition with the Lib Dems before the election. Although the Lib Dems lost seats, a deal between the two would see a majority and looks most likely.

13 East Renfrewshire: Labour 8, Cons 6, SNP 4, Others 2

Possible Scenarios: Labour and the SNP have already reached a deal to work in partnership after working together in the last administration along with the Liberal Democrats.