So much for a quiet summer. Those of us closely involved with the world of politics in our professional lives can usually rely on a rather more relaxed period in July and August, but this year has not delivered.

The Scottish Parliament election produced a new slate of MSPs after a huge turnover, new spokespeople and new committees at the Scottish Parliament, and a new Cabinet. And of course, Britain got another Prime Minister (over the last decade, we have averaged one PM every 20 months, so if Andy Burnham meets expectations he will be done by March 2028).

And Nicola Sturgeon wrote a new foreword for her book. This, of course, was the really big news; the gift that keeps on giving for Scottish political anoraks and journalists alike. Understandably, Ms Sturgeon’s criticism of her former deputy and successor-but-one, John Swinney, grabbed the headlines. That was reasonable: it was an uncharitable attack on a man who had spent the previous two years burning political capital by steadfastly and loyally defending his former boss, attempting to extinguish the plethora of fires with which he had been left.

The psychodrama was destined to dominate. Nevertheless, it was an unrelated statement by Ms Sturgeon, during one of her appearances, which caught my eye, and which said much more about the state we’re in.

GERS figures prove one thing - that Scotland needs full tax powers

C'mon, John - cut tax and let Scotland flourish - or will the SNP not let you?

This SNP policy has been a disaster for Scotland - so why is Burnham considering it?

The SNP has hoarded power in the central belt – Labour must break........

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