A weekly newspaper issued a front page plea for readers to get out and vote ahead of today’s elections.

The Stirling Observer made the appeal on the front of yesterday’s edition ahead of the Holyrood election today.

The front page featured the headline ‘Your city needs your vote’ with a finger pointing towards the reader in a manner reminiscent of the famous First World War recruitment poster featuring Lord Kitchener.

In an accompanying editorial, the Observer said there were some “big political decisions ahead which will shape life after Covid for us all”.

It added: “We need politicians to get it right – for the country and our city.

“Over the last few weeks we have asked the Stirling constituency candidates vying for votes to tell us how they plan to tackle the issues that most affect our community – mental health waiting lists, city centre recovery, drug and addiction issues and support for rural areas are among them.

“There is work to be done and your vote is vital. On Thursday when the polls open, it is time to have your say.”

Elections are also taking place for the Welsh Senedd, county councils in England and police and crime commissioners in England.