Journeying home from a conference to play my part in the democratic process, I passed through small Scottish towns all caught in the business of the day. It looked like any ordinary day, as parents pushed their prams over the edge of the pavement, or old people stuck their zimmer-frames in the way of passing cars and lorries. Primary schools, church halls, Masonic lodges and community centres all giving a hint of what lay beyond the doors with the waiting campaign supporters hovering at gates.

Some of the towns displayed their voting preferences loudly, with flags and banners. While others looked their tumble-down selves.

Tonight taking my smallest person, I made my own way to cast my vote. The outside of our hall was quiet, and inside the hall there was silence. With almost church-like reverence the few within made their mark – a sense of the importance of each vote cast to be tasted in the air.

Tonight we wait…

What comment would I make about the journey to this night?

To begin with it has been amazing to watch people wake up to the significance of their opinion. It’s not just the number of people who have registered to vote or the suspect high turnout that bring a sense of pride. Instead it has been good to see people of every gender, generation and creed give voice to their concerns and their hopes; their values and their ambitions.

At times it has seemed like a dirty fight on both sides, but there is a sense in which we could all remember that the media and others are always searching for worst case scenarios to find their way into the news. That is not to excuse that behaviour, but instead a reminder that no-one will report the good natured conversation, or the shared proud moments.

It’s been frustrating to hear that some opinions are viewed as fact based while others are heartfelt. It does a dis-service to both sides. For while facts lie at the basis of all political campaigning and we may believe our heads are leading us to correct decisions, at the basis of all our decisions is a reflection of our ideals and hearts desires. Every choice we make, not just in politics, is shaped by the facts and by the way it will change our lives or the life around us.

Tonight we wait…

Well actually I’m going to bed and will see what the morning brings. I know there will be great disappointment for some, but I hope that the morning will bring the realisation that a new day has dawned and we must move on. Move on to the future we have chosen, for we played our part.