Time SNP dropped independence call for good of Scots

NO ONE can deny that Nicola Sturgeon is a formidable, able and committed politician, who has been a high-profile leader of the SNP for the past eight years.

- Alister Jack

Of course, our governments have had their fair share of disagreements, but I am pleased that during her time as First Minister we were able to work together to deliver some important initiatives.

That includes successful UK city and growth deals in every part of Scotland investing more than of UK Government cash and two new UK Freeports for Scotland, on the Forth and in the Cromarty Firth. Both of these fantastic initiatives will bring vital investment, create thousands of much-needed jobs and boost local economic growth. Just what Scotland needs.

This UK Government investment in Scotland comes on top of our multi-billion contracts to build warships on the Clyde, and millions in levelling-up funding going directly into Scottish communities.

And remember how we worked with common endeavour during Covid, with the Scottish NHS doing such a fantastic job of delivering the roll-out of the UK Government's supply of life-saving vaccines.

We still face a difficult global environment, of course, and I am very pleased that the UK Government continues to lead the international response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

But while those are important achievements, much more could be delivered for people in Scotland if the Scottish Government was not focused on independence.