Intriguing element, confidence. It is the core of every political party’s pitch: put your trust in us. More, it is the foundation of the SNP’s independence offer. Let Scotland gain the confidence to detach from the Union. As ever, though, there is an element of flight in both these propositions. Political parties say: heed us, shun these other charlatans.

And the SNP, partly, predicates its proposal upon escape: from Westminster, from the UK. Now the issue of confidence is to the fore in a developing crisis over our devolved governance. The Conservatives want MSPs to decide whether they still have confidence in Humza Yousaf. That could oblige the FM to consider his position. As Opposition parties goad each other, seeking to trump their rivals in condemnation of the SNP, Labour has prepared a motion of no confidence in the entire Scottish Government.

Under Holyrood’s rules, that could go further still. If successful, it could ultimately lead to an early Holyrood election – well ahead of the poll scheduled for 2026.

At the same time, two other questions arise. Set aside MSPs. Do the public have confidence in the FM? And does he still maintain confidence in himself, in his own ability? I posit that latter question because I think Humza Yousaf is torn.

Patrick Harvie, Humza Yousaf, and Lorna Slater (Image: free)

He knows – or, rather, he knew – that the Bute House Agreement with the Greens afforded a substantial degree of stability for the elected SNP government. It brought protection from confidence motions. And it dealt with supply – that is, money, funding for........

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