I had wee day in parliament on Thursday with Emma Harper MSP and my colleagues, discussing sustainability, carbon and farming futures. We also went to a lively, engaging, whiles fiery but always respectful First Minister’s Questions. I always feel a wee bit chuffed to being folk from firth of here to witness our democracy up close – and see their reaction. It helps us to see ourselves as ithers see us. And on Thursday, we – Scotland- scrubbed up pretty well. It brought its “A” game. It generally does.

A wee vignette.

Liam MacArthur, Libdem MSP for Orkney, was launching his private members bill on assisted dying. It was heartening to see members of all parties and persuasions get behind his initiative, and I found myself reflecting that parliament is Scotland’s best version of itself – a glimpse of the better days ahead. It’s also a truly public space: for the people, of the people, by the people. I love that.

Don’t let it perish from the earth.

We’re already living in the early days of the progressive, self-determining nation we always knew we’d love be day become.

Let Scotland be Scotland. I’ll meet you further on up the road