Jonathan Brocklebank

Continue reading Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport John Swinney and I were lucky.

For some months, well-meaning souls have urged me to see a financial adviser or hire an accountant. They know me, you see.

Continue reading For some months, well-meaning souls have urged me to see a financial adviser or hire an accountant. They know me, you see.

On a spring weekend of intermittent sunshine and temperatures peaking at a mere 14C, the beach in my old hometown teems with life. Student life.

At some point in their careers - preferably on day one - every newspaper reporter faces an awkward inquiry from their editor.

It has been another one of those difficult weeks for Nicola Sturgeon . Another man she thought she knew well turns out to have been beyond the pale.

If you were flying into Scotland 20 years ago you would have been assailed on your way to baggage by a slogan asserting you had landed in 'the best small country in the world'.

It was a chilling transformation. Susan Boyle had seemed healthy and happy as her PA Geraldine Easton left her to go home. In the morning Ms Easton walked in to find a medical emergency.

Perhaps you are already in Boston, giddy with anticipation in your Scotland top and kilt. You may already have found a local hostelry to serve you lager. It's just a wild guess.

For another few hours at least, the dream can hold reality at bay. Scotland will put Haiti to the sword in Boston and, a few days later, will tame Morocco in the same city.