So did the earth move for Ukip?

DEPENDING ON who you believe, it is either a seismic change in UK politics or nothing more than an almost meaningless protest vote.

The truth of Ukip’s success north of the border in claiming an MEP probably lies somewhere in between.

The party received more than one in 10 of the votes cast in Scotland — certainly lifting their achievement out of the “meaningless” category.

However, the turnout was low and success in the European elections is far from certain to translate on to the Westminster or Holyrood scene — so “seismic” perhaps takes things a little too far. It would certainly be fair to call the result significant. There were only six European seats up for grabs in Scotland and just a few short months ago you would have got pretty long odds on Ukip picking up any of them.

The real story may turn out to be not what the successful candidate David Coburn actually does for Scotland in Brussels, but what his success in being elected does to the wider political scene north of the border.

The SNPconsolidated their position as the nation’s biggest party, something they understandably regard as a considerable achievement given the length of time the party has been in power at Holyrood.

Meanwhile, Labour’s performance was solid rather than spectacular and the Conservatives continue to struggle to find a foothold.

For the Liberal Democrats there is no comfort and the party must once more reflect on a woeful campaign.

This was the last major test of public opinion in Scotland ahead of the independence referendum on September 18. Its results are intriguing, but far from conclusive.