Front Page World UK UK Politics Business Sci/Tech Health Education Sport Entertainment Talking Point In Depth On Air Archive Feedback Low Graphics Help

Tuesday, May 11, 1999 Published at 14:40 GMT 15:40 UK V-day as Scotland's voters decide Voting is nearing an end in the elections for Scotland's first parliament in nearly 300 years amid forecasts of a low turn-out. BBC ready for historic night BBC Scotland is mounting its biggest-ever election operation to cover the results as they are declared. Blair hails parliament as tribute to John Smith The Prime Minister says the Holyrood parliament is a lasting reminder of late Labour leader John Smith's dreams for democracy. Scotland's damp squib The campaign for election to the Scottish Parliament threatened to catch light, but the vital spark seemed always to be missing. Parties fear politics of apathy As campaigning ends for the elections in Scotland and Wales - plus those for local government - politicians fear a low turn-out. Prescott rejects Scots Lib-Lab 'prattle' On the final day of campaigning before elections, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott rejects talk of having to form a coalition with the Lib Dems. Parties target Muslim voters Scotland's political parties are keen to attract the support of a Muslim community which is redefining itself. Wallace demands Lib Dem ministers Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Jim Wallace refuses to enter a deal with Labour at Holyrood unless his party has ministers in the cabinet. Holyrood parties only 'pale green' A survey by three leading environmental groups criticises the policies of the four main parties contesting the Scottish Parliament elections. Findlay joins Tory election trail A leader of the campaign against devolution is now urging voters to support the Tories at Holyrood and help preserve the union. Mixed signals from Scotland Three opinion polls tell different stories in the final days of the campaign before Thursday's Scottish Parliament elections. The final countdown The four main parties unveil their strategies for the final few days of their campaigns to win seats in the new Scottish Parliament. Differences of emphasis BBC Scotland Education Correspondent Ken Macdonald reports from the education battleground of the Scottish Parliament elections. Nationalists unveil blueprint for independence The SNP says Scotland would be a wealthy country ready to play a major economic role within Europe under independence. Talking tactics Will tactical voting play a part in this election? Dr Michael Dyer, a political expert at Aberdeen University, tells Vote99 it will. Left believe they're right BBC Scotland's John Morrison finds some traditional tub-thumping socialism alive and well in the campaign for election to the Scottish Parliament. Salmond calls Blair's bluff Alex Salmond plays a bluff card as Tony Blair warns against the SNP's menu for independence during lunch in Glasgow. SNP seizes on Labour PFI 'divisions' Alex Salmond says the Labour "rift" over PFI has resurfaced as Tony Blair and William Hague return to the campaign trail in Scotland. Workers angry over PFI Thousands of health service workers in Scotland are threatening industrial action amid concerns about their future under the Private Finance Initiative. Salmond hails SNP as 'comeback kids' The SNP has been bolstered by an opinion poll suggesting it is staging a revival in the Holyrood campaign. Scots pupils back SNP - just A BBC 'mock election' of Scottish pupils has returned a hung parliament with the SNP the biggest party. How they see us ... BBC Scotland's Forbes McFall goes south to a market town in search of how the English regard Scottish devolution. Scotland will be ruled by coalition - polls Opinion polls suggest no party will have an overall majority of seats in the new Scottish Parliament. SNP demands 'deal' answers The SNP demands to know if reports that Labour has entered a pact to work with the Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament are true. Advanced options | Search tips Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage ©

NEWS RESULTS THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT PARTIES AND ISSUES INTERACTIVE OPINION POLLS YOUR VIEWS ARCHIVE