Writes and wrongs

Having learned that Nicola Sturgeon has made just four contributions in Holyrood in the last year (the lowest of all MSPS), we could at least hope that she’s instead wholly dedicating herself to the needs of her Glasgow constituency, which contains areas of outstanding deprivation. But sadly, no.

Sturgeon freely admits to spending 15 hours per week working on her memoir, and these days appears increasingly focused on her literary career. For example, she is to appear at the exclusive Charleston Festival in leafy East Sussex in May (tickets up to £25, if you’re interested) talking about herself apparently as “one of the most significant figures in contemporary politics”. How will this benefit her constituents or the wider Scottish public?

I’d imagine she'll likely focus on her campaigning successes while ignoring her multiple governmental failures. Doubtless Sturgeon will gloss over her inability to cut NHS waiting times, to reverse declining teacher pupil ratios, and to narrow the attainment gap in our schools. Dualing the A9 and the ferries fiasco won’t warrant a mention. She’ll definitely talk about her independence crusade, though perhaps be less willing to highlight her failure to deliver even a referendum.

However, her seemingly overlooked constituents mustn’t mind: after many hours each week writing about herself and an exhausting hour at charleston talking about herself, she could pop along to nearby Glyndebourne, the black tie country house opera venue where tickets costs up to £235. Or a wee London mini-break?

Martin Redfern Melrose, Scottish Borders