Polls close and all the votes have been cast in Scotland's local elections

Sunny and dry weather across the country meant parties were hopeful of a good turnout, and they were keen to set out their stalls early regarding who they would work with if it came to coalitions.

The SNP quickly laid down a challenge to Labour to rule out council coalitions with the Tories after the nationalists said it would refuse to do any deals with them.

SNP business convener Derek Mackay said: "The SNP has been crystal clear in this election: we will not put austerity-obsessed Tories into power in council chambers across Scotland.

"We will not give them a free pass to inflict further damage and deeper cuts on our communities and local services.

"Whatever the results across Scotland, the SNP will never become the enablers of Tory cuts. Our SNP councillors will always stand up for the best interests of the people they're elected to represent."

The SNP hopes to oust Labour from power in Glasgow City Council after more than 20 years. They also hope to increase the number of administrations under their command.

The Tories, Liberal Democrats and Greens are also hoping to make gains.

Polls have warned that Labour, which won a majority in four of the 32 councils five years ago, could face "heavy losses".

The vote took place just five weeks before the General Election and will determine which parties can form council administrations either by securing majority or minority control, or by agreeing coalition deals.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was the first party leader to cast her vote earlier on Thursday.

She arrived at her polling station in Glasgow at 8am accompanied by her husband Peter Murrell, the party's chief executive.

Ms Sturgeon said: "An SNP vote is the only way to guarantee more affordable housing, a transformation in early learning and childcare, investing in our schools, more money and power for local communities and increased support for small businesses.

"Our council candidates will work hard to serve their constituencies, to make Scotland's communities stronger, safer and more successful places to live and work in."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale had urged voters to back a "local champion" at the ballot box.

She said: "Today, voters can send the SNP a message that they do not want another divisive independence referendum.

"They have the chance to tell Nicola Sturgeon and Ruth Davidson that cutting local services to the bone is not just wrong - it is unacceptable.

"With Scottish Labour, people have the chance to elect a local champion who will stand up for communities and say no to a divisive second independence referendum."

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson cast her vote at the Cafe Camino polling station next to Edinburgh's St Mary's Cathedral.

She said: "I always get really nervous at elections but our people have been working hard, so I hope very much that everyone comes out to vote. Obviously I hope very much that they vote Conservative, but we'll find out tomorrow."

Votes will be tallied at count centres across Scotland on Friday, with results expected from around lunchtime.

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