Most hypothermic activists reported brisk voting this morning at the seven Broughton polling places within Edinburgh North and Leith. We were not so sure.
The disappointing trickle in Broughton Primary School's gym had been replaced by a steady patter of feet, thanks to the lack of rain. Along the road, though, at Bellevue Chapel, things were very quiet. Nobody seems sure who votes here or where they come from. Adding to the mystery, this was the only polling place today at which we saw Liberal-Democrat publicity of any sort.
McDonald Road Library was ... um .. unfrenetic.
The 'Green Tardis' on Haddington Place, by comparison, was as busy as could be, and even more so inside. Green Party candidate Sarah Beattie-Smith handed out leaflets and talked to passers-by in a last-minute bid for more votes. She and a colleague told Spurtle that the widespread political activism which marked the run-up to the Referendum had not been repeated in the General Election. Nevertheless, there was a clear sense that Scottish and UK politics had been shaken up over recent months, and she was hopeful of a good result.
Pilrig St Paul's was less hive of activity and more haven of tranquility ...
Councillor Steve Cardownie, manning the gate outside the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Club on Broughton Road, was ever the optimist. But this bunch was not for him.
More entertainment was available in William Hill's over the road.
Meanwhile, on Crichton Place, this local was looking distinctly unimpressed.
Perhaps the lack of a vote and the unwelcoming sign outside Leith Walk Primary School was responsible.
Artisan Roast on Broughton Street have a partial solution.
A large crowd gathered briefly outside Café Camino, prompting hopes of a strong showing for the Large Eggs Party. Sadly, for all concerned, it turned out to comprise milling guests from a particularly well-attended funeral service next door.
Returning down Broughton Street, we were heartened by wise advice from the mysterious sage of Villeneuve Wines.
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@theSpurtle ha!! & this fox sitting in the sun on my neighbours shed for over an hour this morning (the cheek of it!)
Email from Shelagh McDougall: Just to correct you- the Green Tardis is not on Haddington Place, it's on Croall Place. And very annoying it is too, as all their 'friends and supporters' feel the need to hoot their horns as they pass, and after they pass, and before they pass - noisy brutes!
Shelagh