Some thoughts as a young candidate fighting a 'to watch' seat of Angus North and Mearns in Scotland in 2021. #Election2021

1) There is a sinister and dangerous element of nationalism. During the day, signs went missing, appeared in bushes, were stolen. Such blatant illegality should worry many (and seemingly nothing is done about it)

2) Voter intimidation exists in Scotland. I was told of voters nervous to vote because of Alba/SNP in their words 'intimidating' people at stations. SNP convoys driving around with music blaring. We need to toughen voter protection and intimidation laws.

2 cont...) as in, we need much wider exclusion zones around polling stations in my opinion. People shouldn't need to squeeze past signs or people standing outside.

3) At one point local police had to be informed because of a theft of campaign property which was simply standing outside of a polling station. Mysteriously appeared opposite branded in Alba stickers....

4) Security - people think it is acceptable to chase, follow, shout abuse at activists delivering leaflets or chapping doors. Perhaps this is what they want?

I have been told by activists "I don't feel comfortable doing that, I don't feel safe" What world do we live in?

In summary - Campaigners prohibited or intimidated from campaigning, abuse and threatening behaviour widespread, voter intimidation seemingly common.

What happened to the free and fair exchange of ideas?