THE average voter turnout at this year's local elections was less than 50 per cent, according to figures from Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

Across the region's 11 wards, the average turnout was 48.6 per cent.

The ward with the lowest overall voter turnout was Galashiels and District, which saw a turnout of 39.5 per cent.

The ward which had the highest turnout – 57.4 per cent – was Tweeddale West.

The remaining turnouts were:

Tweeddale East – 54 per cent

Selkirkshire – 50.4 per cent

Leaderdale and Melrose – 51.5 per cent

Mid Berwickshire – 48.3 per cent

East Berwickshire – 47.5 per cent

Kelso and District – 46.9 per cent

Jedburgh and District – 49.4 per cent

Hawick and Denholm – 46 per cent

Hawick and Hermitage – 43.5 per cent

On today's election, returning officer Netta Meadows said: "I’m pleased that we've carried out an accurate and efficient count, one in which the public and candidates can have confidence in.

"I would like to thank our incredibly hard working staff, the Border Union Agricultural Society for hosting us at Springwood Park, our IT partner Fujitsu and Police Scotland, thanks to everyone who allowed us to use their premises for polling and everyone else who assisted.

"I’d also like to welcome all 34 elected members to the Scottish Borders Council.”

Click here to see a full breakdown of the votes each party received across the 11 wards and see who your new SBC councillors are.