Election 2015: Voters intimidated in polling stations across Scotland, says Ruth Davidson
The Scottish Conservative leader took to Twitter with allegations of voter intimidation in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Political optimism has been tempered by allegations of polling station intimidation in Scotland.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson took to Twitter with allegations of voter intimidation in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, where Scotland's only Tory MP David Mundell is hoping for a return to Westminster.
She said: "Disturbing reports of people being turned away from an Annan polling station by burly blokes if they say they don't support a certain party."
Police Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council said they are currently looking into the allegations, although The Independent understands that there isn't anything in the claims.
Elsewhere, SNP heavyweight Alex Salmond insisted his party's "tails are up across the country" as he cast his vote in Ellon, in the Gordon constituency where he is standing.
Mr Salmond joined SNP voter Nicki Falconer, who voted for the first time in last year's independence referendum and has since joined the party.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland's political future is now "in the hands of the voters" after voting early at Broomhouse community hall in Glasgow accompanied by husband and SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.
Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy said "the sun is shining and there is a huge amount of energy and confidence" in the party as he voted at Busby Primary School in the East Renfrewshire constituency he has represented since 1997.
"I've always been the underdog in this constituency," he said.
"It's usually the Tories who are favourites but the bookies say this time round it's the SNP, but I always enjoy confounding the pollsters, the pundits and the bookies. We've had a great response."
Former Labour shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander said "a Labour government is within touching distance" as the polls opened in Paisley and Renfrewshire South while his SNP opponent Mhairi Black urged people to "vote for a fresh start".
Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister Jo Swinson said it had been "a glorious start to polling day" in East Dunbartonshire.
Scottish Green MSP Alison Johnstone joined Edinburgh South Green candidate Phyl meyer at Marchmont St Giles polling station.
David Coburn MEP, Ukip's only elected politician in Scotland, also voted in Edinburgh before setting off for a round of broadcast interviews.