Modicum of intrigue on campaign trail

When the general election was announced last week it would be fair to say the excitement levels did not exactly rocket. In fact, for many vote weary members of the public, the news was met with no more than a dejected sigh.

With a Tory victory a near certainty, there appeared precious little about which to get worked up.

However, dig a little deeper and there may yet be reasons to stay up late on election night.

Away from the main result there are plenty of potential stories to keep an eye on – with the picture in Scotland particularly intriguing.

The SNP are naturally seeing the whole ballot as a gateway to a second independence referendum, with the Conservatives – for so long a virtual non-entity in Scottish politics – positioning themselves as the only party able to save the Union.

With Ruth Davidson at the helm, there is some suggestion the Tories could have the most to gain come polling day.

If they do show up particularly well, the questions over Nicola Sturgeon’s mandate for a second independence referendum will come under fresh scrutiny.

Yet one thing appears beyond doubt – namely Labour’s seemingly hopeless plight.

It may be interesting, after all, to see what changes during the forthcoming period of frantic campaigning.