THE timing of the election and widespread delays in postal votes are leaving Scottish voters “disenfranchised” as the summer getaway begins, according to the First Minister.

SNP leader John Swinney had already branded the Prime Minister’s decision to call the general election in the first week of the Scottish school holidays “disrespectful,” but concerns are now growing that delays mean that many Scots will have left on holiday before their ballots arrive.

Mr Swinney told BBC Radio Scotland: “In an election where there will be a number of marginal contests in Scotland — because there is a really intense contest going on here in Scotland — I am worried people will be disenfranchised.