The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Older voters prominent as Fife heads to the polls
SNP activists also out in force across polling stations
Fifers braved the rain and headed to the polls in droves yesterday to have their say on the country’s future.
There were indications of a strong turnout across the region, with voters clearly keen to have their say in what will be a crucial general election.
Older voters were particularly prevalent throughout the day, though activists claimed younger voters were expected to make a significant contribution ahead of the polls closing.
SNP supporter Liam Cunningham was at the Stenton Jubilee Centre in Glenrothes, and said the public were aware of the impact their vote could have.
“For some people it is a matter of life or death,” he said.
“I was here at 7am and there has been quite a lot of people coming in to vote.”
Joining Mr Cunningham was Peter Scobie, who added: “A lot of people are worried about cuts to their pension and the NHS.
“People here don’t want to stick with Theresa May.”
The SNP controls all four Westminster seats in Fife, however, there are expected to be strong challenges to its domination, particularly in North East Fife.
However, Nicola Sturgeon’s party were clearly winning the battle of the activists, with campaigners stationed outside most polling stations The Courier visited yesterday morning.
Following a particularly passionate campaign, there was evidence that tensions were getting high in the lead up to last night’s count, with one party activist claiming she had been verbally abused.
Anne Grimes, an SNP supporter, said she had obscenities shouted at her by a passing motorist as she manned the polling station at Dysart Primary School.
However, Anne Donaldson, who was campaigning for Kirkcaldy SNP candidate Roger Mullin outside of Viewforth Parish Church, said most voters appeared to be in good spirits.
“I hope that Roger Mullin will win and I’ve had plenty of people giving me a smile or a wink after voting so I’m optimistic.”