Campaigning is now well underway for this year’s UK General Election, following Rishi Sunak’s shock announcement that it would take place on Thursday, July 4.
In Scotland there are a number of intriguing contests set to play out in constituencies the length and breadth of the country, as the Conservatives, SNP, Labour Party and Liberal Democrats all look to defend seats won in 2019 and steal others from their rivals.
For some candidates the chances of winning are significantly higher than others, particularly for those sitting on large majorities.
But some seats were won by tiny margins in the last General Election, making this year’s results more unpredictable, particularly in those seats impacted by boundary changes.
Here are Scotland’s 10 most marginal seats, who won them last time, their closest competitors, and how they have been affected by boundary changes.
9. Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
No changed have been made to the boundaries of the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency since the last election. In 2019 Allan Dorans won the seat for the SNP, leading the Conservatives by 2,329 votes - a majority of 5 per cent. | UK Parliament
10. Kenny MacAskill
The former East Lothian constituency is now Lothian East, losing ground on its western boundary to the new Edinburgh East and Musselburgh seat. Last time out the SNP's Kenny MacAskill won the seat for the SNP by 3,886 votes from the Labout Party - a majory of 6.7 per cent. | Getty Images