If you’re like me, new year’s resolutions are rarely new. They’re the same as last year’s. Here’s a policy resolution which should be kept precisely because it’s not new: the Scottish Government should set up a First Minister’s Strategy Unit. The appeal is that numerous countries have similar units. They blend futures, foresight and strategy work.

We know the divisiveness of the constitutional question has led many to believe nothing can be better without Scotland becoming independent, that’s not new. But a side-effect of our current polarisation is a reduction in understanding of the various different levels of government, and in voters confidence it can deliver better and fairer outcomes. 

We are looking forward to a big year where – Covid permitting – we finally hope to engage properly with communities across the country. Our basic plan is the same one as last year: we hope to set out a positive argument for Scotland’s future as part of the UK, which is open to change and reform, and which reflects the views of “middle Scotland”.

It seems that in Scottish politics the word of the week is “stuck”. In an emotional interview with Holyrood magazine, former First Minister Jack McConnell shared his dismay at the state of Scottish politics. He revealed the depths of his frustration at how a parliament he has longed for has failed to deliver on its potential. This prompted a flurry of engaging articles on devolution

It is now almost 6 months since the SNP secured a third term in government, meaning that by the time of the next election they will have governed Scotland for 70% of the time period since devolution. In the absence of any signature policies – including any real progress on Independence – a growing ennui has spread across Scotland’s political classes.