With losses to the Tories, Lib Dems and nationalists, as well as sweeping boundary changes, Labour has taken a hit in Scotland.

Devolution and disquiet about Iraq have loosened the party's grip, with its support dipping at one point to 39 per cent, the lowest since 1992.

Labour secured the first returned seat with Tommy McAvoy in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, but their troubles started soon in the Western Isles, when the Scottish National party made gains.

Scotland's political map will still be red this morning, but with little for Labour to celebrate.