One notable success of the SNP Government has been putting stuff at the top of its list of priorities.
But there’s a big difference between talking and delivering on health, education, inequality – and drugs policy.
In-between lies a valley of false promises.
When it comes to drug deaths, those undelivered pledges mean lives are being lost.
Nicola Sturgeon took a personal interest in the drugs issue in 2021 when she admitted taking her eye off the ball.
Her drugs minister, Angela Constance, said she would not shirk her responsibilities and that she would be judged on her record.
Constance worked hard in a very difficult job. But her record is not a good one.
Drug death figures have not improved since she took the reins, despite far greater funding.
The incoming drugs and alcohol minister, Elena Whitham, will no doubt bounce into office full of enthusiasm.
She will probably tell us she will not shirk from the task at hand, etc etc. That she will be judged on her record.
But we’ve had enough of talk without any progress being made.
Humza Yousaf’s Scottish Government must face up to the fact that the record is stuck. He needs to play a different tune.
The new First Minister has many challenges to deal with including the NHS and the cost-of-living crisis.
But nothing is more important than reversing the grim tide of drug deaths that blight our communities.
Sadly, despite all the fine words in recent years, it remains Scotland’s shame.
Tartan specials
Scotland's triumph over Spain this week was one of the best wins at Hampden in years.
Steve Clarke’s men continued their recent good form with a thrilling victory over top-class opposition.
And they were magnificently backed by a raucous Tartan Army who raised the roof of the old stadium.
But it wasn’t to everyone’s liking. Pundits Simon Jordan and Danny Murphy had a right go on national radio at Scotland’s style the day after the match.
And Spain midfielder Rodri wasted no time in branding our football on the night as “rubbish” in a post-match interview.
The Record’s Chris Sutton is spot on today, putting all three in their place in his hard-hitting column and bigging up the Scottish side.
Hopefully, the Dark Blues can keep up the streetwise get-right-intae-them style that helped secure such a famous win.
More of the same please, Steve!
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