Scottish election 2021: Even the helicopter delivery of votes missing for Western Isles

It’s been a low-key election and little wonder.

The late-night count, the dramatic anticipation, all gone in the knowledge of another SNP victory and electoral apathy.

Quite frankly there are important things to worry about.

Votes are being counted in Stornoway for the Western Isles. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Na h-Eileanan an Iar (the Outer Hebrides) is one of the smallest constituencies and traditionally returns one of the highest for turnout.

And true to form the islands have returned a healthy turnout. Provisional figures suggest over 66 per cent.

That may come down a wee bit in the final tally, but if replicated nationally Covid has not kept people at home, or at least stopped them voting.

Normally votes are flown in by helicopter from the outlying islands, giving airport staff some welcome overtime if nothing else, but even that is missing this year for the TV cameras crews.

It’s all coming by ferry and van, symptomatic of a flat election and which the resultant turnout may be key.

But then this is democracy, so who knows?

With one of the earliest declarations, Na h-Eileanan an Iar could be an indicator of national trends. Just no helicopters and dramas this time.