The sudden resignation of Nicola Sturgeon caught most people by complete surprise.
So it was little wonder the leadership race to find her successor began as a policy-free zone.
Instead, the first week of campaigning was dominated by the social views of Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes.
But the race is finally now becoming a contest of ideas.
Forbes has pledged to halt the deposit return scheme and positioned herself as the pro-business candidate.
She has also criticised the Scottish Government for dragging its heels when it comes to upgrading the A9.
Yousaf was quickly tagged as the continuity candidate.
But the health secretary is now striking out on his own with some big policy announcements.
The Record revealed last week how Yousaf would pursue a massive rollout of free childcare if he wins the contest to succeed Sturgeon.
He pledged that universal early learning for one and two year olds would be in his first Budget.
Yousaf has also been unafraid to question his own time in government.
As health secretary, he has been at the forefront of plans to create a National Care Service.
But after criticism from local authorities and trade unions, he has pledged to work with them if he enters Bute House to try and find compromises.
Yousaf has also vowed to look again at how alcohol advertising could be restricted after listening to concerns from business.
It’s to be hoped the candidates continue to think big during the rest of the campaign.
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