On Tuesday, the Scottish Government’s Budget will give us an idea of what the next five years of John Swinney’s rule will look like. Andy Maciver argues for cuts in income tax, to show sceptical Scots that independence is an attractive prospect

Christmas is a time for many things, and in my world one of them is walking the dog. I do try to ensure these are family strolls, but admittedly my children occasionally gravitate towards chocolate and a movie. That leaves me with a set of headphones and a podcast.

As co-host of Holyrood Sources, I am of course loath to recommend another political show, but scrolling through my options on one such walk I noticed that our First Minister, John Swinney, had given a long interview to The Rest Is Politics’ Leading edition. It was the most interesting interview I had ever heard Mr Swinney give; a genuine, eyebrow raiser.

The most instructive moment in the interview, I think, was when Mr Swinney told his audience that, had it not been for him taking the leadership of the SNP, the party’s demolition at the last Westminster election would have been even worse. Going from 48 seats to nine, he said, was a much better outcome than would have been achieved if his predecessor had remained in charge. If it wasn’t for him, he reckoned........

© Herald Scotland