As the Conservative Government continues to impose deeply damaging austerity cuts on the most vulnerable in our communities in Scotland, you could be forgiven for thinking this was a time for all Scottish politicians to come together to support moves to soften the blow!

Sadly, this was not to be! Scottish Labour under the stewardship of Kezia Dugdale and her finance spokesperson, Jackie Baillie wanted to impose a tax hike on over 350,000 low income workers in Scotland. You just couldn’t make it up!

It will come as no surprise that in a recent poll Scottish Labour’s proposed tax hike is supported by less than 1 in 3 across the country and even less popular in deprived areas like Jackie Baillie’s own constituency.

Let’s not forget that it was Labour MPs who trooped through the lobbies in Westminster to support Tory austerity cuts, which are now hurting the most vulnerable in our communities.

Is it any wonder that support for Labour in Scotland continues to fall to record low levels.

As the “Vow” and the Smith Commission agreement continues to unravel, the UK Government tries to impose a fiscal framework which could have cost the Scottish Budget £7 billion in lost revenue, however John Swinney, the SNP Finance Minister, is standing firm.

Neither he nor Nicola Sturgeon will sign a deal which will impose severe financial detriment on Scotland and its people.

Ironically four out of five of the main parties, including UK Labour, agree that John Swinney and the Scottish Government are correct.

Yet we see the breath-taking hypocrisy from Scottish Labour as they try to impose tax on the Scottish people to make up for the Tory cuts.

It is clear that the SNP in both Edinburgh and London can be trusted to stand firm in opposition to the cuts to Scotland.

On another note, last week I had the privilege of being asked to be a judge at Levenvale Primary School’s public speaking contest.

Teams comprising primary 7 and two primary 6 pupils spoke to a school hall filled with proud family and teachers, a daunting task for an adult let alone these youngsters.

They successfully researched their topics and delivered thought provoking arguments, making the judges task a very difficult one.

It really was a privilege to see our youngsters taking on the challenge of public speaking and debate.

With talent like this from P7s and P6s, Scotland must surely be in safe hands and have a bright future."