Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Swinney?

LET me tell you a tale of two by-elections. Of poison in politics. Of hypocrisy.

- Paul Sinclair

In next week's Hamilton by-election the barbarians are at the city gates, if John Swinney is to be believed.

We are at risk of invasion by Nigel Farage's English army.

They do not share our Scottish values. Scottish Labour is apparently vanquished. Only "Honest" John can defend us from the invaders.

Let's examine some of that. When we talk about "Scottish" values let us not forget this.

Hundreds of thousand of Scots voted for Brexit - Farage's keynote. To my personal distress polls suggest that a majority of Scots oppose immigration - Farage's dog whistle.

I would prefer if my First Minister took on the arguments of my fellow Scots and argue for EU membership and immigration rather than merely assert we have universal "Scottish" values when we don't. Because if he doesn't he leaves a gap. A gap between what perfectly reason-able people think - in my opinion wrongly - and the political elite. And that is the gap that Farage is exploiting.

Now I believe in politics you should always respect your opponent rather than fear them or hate them.

“Farage is beatable but thrives where others fail to lead

I do not under-estimate the sophistication of the Reform Party which in terms of political professionalism looks impressive. I respect the operation.