The SNP is on course to win an unprecedented fifth term of government. It may be with a lower vote share - but a win is a win, and the polls are all pointing that way.

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Yes it is facing an electorate unsatisfied with its domestic record, but it’s also one not yet wholly convinced it wants to take a chance elsewhere. Therefore, it must do little to put off those who are not die-hard SNP supporters - but also do enough to keep those who are, fully on-board.

And while the polls keep showing a healthy lead, turnout is a gnawing worry either through voter complacency or just apathy and disaffection. Which is why the carrot of independence is being dangled once again - but only if it can fget that majority of MSPs which it has deigned necessary to ask No10 for indyref2. But it’s also why the party knows that is no longer enough to galvanise support.

So the manifesto of last week included a whole tranche of bright, shiny “look over there” retail promises - helping first time buyers with up to £10,000 in shared equity, capping bus fares at £2, and of course price fixing of essential foods like bread and milk. A policy which the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to implement, even if the party says it is approaching it from a public health point of view.........

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