If say, there was an earthquake in Armenia, Scottish aid could take off from Edinburgh airport flying the Scottish flag. The veteran journalist said it now seems "naive" to imagine that Holyrood would bring "more scrutiny, more open-ness and more accountability". (Image: Daily Record)Nelson writes: "Thomson was once the right-hand man of the straight-playing Donald Dewar, regarded as the father of devolution. To illustrate how far the civil service has fallen, Nelson highlights the "near-total absence of 'ministerial directions' since the SNP came to power". In the next election, perhaps both Labour and the Tories will promise Scots a form of constitutional repair – some steps to restore civil service neutrality, giving Holyrood more powers to hold the Scottish government to account."

Source: Express January 27, 2024 12:57 UTC