At a meeting of Holyrood's Transport Committee last Wednesday morning, Collette Stevenson initiated proceedings by asking a detailed question about the safety of women and girls on Scotland's trains. She addressed her query to the ScotRail executives in attendance.

"You will be aware that there have been several reports of assaults occurring on the Caledonian Sleeper. I completely understand that you cannot comment on matters that are sub judice, but can you give me more information on what the numbers are; the nature of the incidents that have been reported; how they were handled; and whether any operational or safeguarding measures have been put in place as a result?"

The information being sought by the MSP for East Kilbride will have resonated with all those women and their families who have lived experience of harassment on trains. British Transport Police recently recorded 238 complaints of sexual assault, harassment and unwanted sexual behaviour against women and girls on Scotland's trains, a year-on-year rise of around 19%. The actual figure will, of course, be significantly higher once you factor in unreported incidents.

In a wide-ranging discussion around this important matter, Ms Stevenson made several thoughtful contributions and interventions. This told victims and their families that their experiences were being treated seriously at the highest levels of Scottish public life. It showed the rest of us that, when they function properly, Holyrood's committees are vital to Scotland's good governance.

Please make it stop. Another week of cringe and shame at Holyrood

Sorry John, the SNP has turned Scotland into a rotten borough unfit for........

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