Nicola Sturgeon versus Alex Salmond feels like a sign that something is rotten in the state of Scotland – Jim Duffy

There’s no punch without Judy. And as a Scot who has lived in Europe and travelled extensively across the globe, I am looking on at the pantomime involving not one First Minister, but a previous one too, and the optics are awful.

Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon on the campaign trail in Inverurie before their fallout over allegations made against him (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA)

One of these First Minister types is being economical with the truth, it could be argued. Reputations are at stake. Jobs and careers are at stake. And perhaps even liberty is at stake for some of those involved.

And while there may be an ending in sight, there is a bigger question at hand for anyone who lives, works and cares for the country called Scotland. Put simply, what kind of country do we want to live in, regardless of independence or not?

The argy-bargy, bad blood, accusations and recriminations from this crop of Scottish politicians should not be taken out of a wider context. Politics is a dirty business. Politicians across history and across countries have been mired in infighting, power struggles and ‘he said, she said’ playground spats for centuries.

What makes this one so poignant is that the SNP have, until now, been very well-versed in keeping their dirty laundry out of view in the Steamie. Unfortunately for them and us this time, their smalls are on full view.

In short, we have all been on the yellow brick road, arrived at Oz and now we get to see what is really behind the curtain that controls the show.

This episode, no matter how it turns out, will not be the first or last as Scotland has a parliament and some would argue that we should expect a “shake out” every now and then. But, for me, it is how the cards all land each time that determines whether Scotland moves towards being a banana republic or a proper self-governing nation that has all its people at its heart.

Journalist Andrew Neil normally does Jim Duffy's heid in, but this time they are in considerable agreement over the Salmond-Sturgeon spat (Picture: Getty Images)

As I read political headlines across the UK this week, it saddens me. It also make me think. Is this just the opportunity some journalists have been waiting for to detail how splendid politics are in Westminster compared to Nicola’s “Cabal” in Holyrood or do they in fact see major frailties in the direction that Scotland is going?

I’m no fan of Andrew Neil, formally of the Scotsman, BBC, big-shot editor, chairman of the Spectator and this week writing in the Mail Online. Forgive me if I say “he does my heid in”. However, I do think he has made some valid points on the state of Scotland and Scottish politics at present.

Referring to “dark, even dangerous days in Scotland”, Mr Neil creates a Shakespearean Hamlet feel to the whole Salmond-Sturgeon squabble. I cannot help but agree with him. Of course journalists will use hyperbole and colourful language – that’s their trade, their profession. But, on this occasion, Mr Neil expresses in words how I feel about the machinations and direction of Scotland at present.

Our oil industry is on its knees. Let’s be honest. We might squeeze a few million barrels more out the seabeds off our coast. But, the real juice is in decommissioning. What that actually means is shutting down.

Our shipping industry is declining. Essentially we build warships for England right? And let’s not get into the ferries fiasco. Another SNP debacle that the Holyrood mandarins have screwed up – big style.

Our justice system is now coming under the microscope. Just look at the “malicious prosecution” of former administrators of Glasgow Rangers football club. It has already cost you and me more than £20 million in compensation and legal fees. Ooft!

We don’t have a car industry. Our fishing industry is average. Can you tell me why it is cheaper to buy a slice of salmon in Alicante than it is is Airdrie? And right now, we are lacking depth in quality start-ups that can change the world.

So, while we are scoring poorly in our annual report card in terms of “stuff’ going on that will set Scotland up for the next 25 years as a leader, we have to suffer the less than adequate calibre of politicians who are now duking it out very publicly.

Mr Neil makes some powerful points in his article on how we, the Scottish people, are being treated by those with the levers of power. And I am certain he is not doing it simply to create a headline or have a go.

No, using a wider lens, he makes a reasonable argument that we are in danger of being viewed globally as small-minded, petty and of becoming a "one-party state”, where power may corrupt.

I don’t want a Scotland that eats itself up this way. Do we really want to go back to the days of clans, where scrapping, feuding and suspicion held back progress? The only winners here are the leaders and those with power.

I want a Scotland where open debate is encouraged, giving offence is productive and we learn from it and move on. I don’t want my opinion stymied or my views classified as "usurping the state”.

When all this blows over, we, the people, have to decide how we want Scotland shaped for our children. We need a proactive press, more accountability from public servants, police and politicians and a more open society. And why the hell are those in power using WhatsApp – an App that is designed for secrecy and encryption?

C’mon Scotland! We can do better…

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