I think former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has probably done the best thing for herself by stating she won't stand again. It's hard to see who could live up to all she has done for Scots, but we have a large pool of talent and there is always hope. As both Health Minister and later, in the top job, she oversaw many policies which have improved the lot of me and my wider family, old and young.
Abolishing prescription charges, free bus travel for over 60s, baby boxes, full mitigation of the cruel Bedroom Tax and the Scottish Child Payment. These have all made our lives easier.
For me, personally, her daily Covid broadcasts got me through the pandemic, aided and abetted by the lighter moments provided when the late, great Janey Godley published comic takeoffs, which surely came close - at times - to what Ms Sturgeon was actually thinking.
The SNP don't take seats in the House of Lords, but in any fair world, Ms Sturgeon would now be heading for a career in diplomacy or international relations... if she wanted it.
It's time for the Scottish legal authorities to bring Operation Branchform (investigation into SNP finances) to conclusion, or at least explain to the public (and frustrated judges, fellow legal experts, media and even the original complainant) what's taking so long.
Not only does the delay now threaten to affect the upcoming Scottish election, it is holding back the progress of a woman in her prime who has consistently given her all for Scotland, and deserves to be free to go wherever her intellect and undoubted talents take her next.
