Practicalities
Getting to the count
- The count will be held at the Highland Hall starting at 9.00am sharp on Friday 8 May 2026.
- Candidates and agents can access the venue from 8.30am.
- There is ample free parking at the count venue in the North car park (then pedestrian access via the north turnstiles).
- The venue is about 20 minutes’ walk from the bus stop for 100 airport buses or slightly longer from the tram stop.
Security passes
- All candidates, guests, election agents and counting agents should collect their admission pass/wristband in advance from the City Chambers and must be worn at all times in the count venue (you will be notified when to collect this).
- If it has not been possible to collect the passes in advance, you may collect them on the morning of the counts.
- Remember to bring your admission pass and wear this at all times. Candidates and agents will have badges on lanyards, counting agents will have numbered wristbands.
- A reception desk for candidates, agents and guests will be in the entrance foyer of the Highland Hall.
- Remember to bring an additional form of ID which confirms your name for example, a bank card or drivers licence. This is required to allow our team to register your attendance and provide access to the count.
- Your ID badge should not be swapped with other people at any time during the count.
- Once registered, you are welcome to exit and enter the count at any time during proceedings, but you may be required to sign in and out at the reception desk.
Facilities
Refreshments
- Take away café will be open from 8am where card payments are encouraged – for light refreshments / drinks.
- Limited seating is available in the hall.
First aid
Two qualified first aiders will be on duty. If you require assistance, ask security staff or staff with a radio to call for first aid.
Dos and Don'ts in the count hall
- Smoking/vaping is prohibited within the Highland Hall. If you leave the building, please remember to take your admission pass and photographic ID or you may not be allowed to come back in.
- No alcohol is allowed anywhere on the premises.
Mobile phones and other electronic equipment
Mobile phones, cameras or video equipment must not be used near the count tables.
- Mobile phones, laptops, tablets etc. are permitted within the building and you may tweet live during the count process.
- The hashtag #edincount will be used throughout the count. Results will be tweeted using #SPE26Result.
- You are not permitted to take photos or video footage where the contents of any ballot paper could be identified. This is important to ensure the secrecy and integrity of the election.
- As most mobile phones also have cameras, you must not use them when you are near the counting table as you could be perceived to be taking photographs or videos of papers and thus breaching the secrecy of the vote.
- Make sure that your phone is on silent in the count hall.
- Agents and observers must move well away from the counting tables when using phones.
- Agents are asked to limit their use of mobile phones as this can distract staff and delay the count.
- Signs will be displayed at the count explaining this policy and it is also stressed in the guidance to media attending the count.
Media
Accredited media representatives from the press, radio and TV will be present within the count hall. This will include television cameras and photographers. Cameras will not be allowed to approach the counting tables without supervision or, in the case of television, to focus on the tables in close-up. Media representatives will only be permitted into the counting areas under the close supervision of the returning officer’s media team.