Tax-varying powers: 'Swinney has not seen the end of this'

The method by which the Scottish Government paid the Treasury to keep its systems ready to vary income tax north of the Border is extremely complex.

Added to this, the row has been subject to an unhealthy dose of spin and obfuscation.

But when you cut through it all, one simple fact remains: Finance Secretary John Swinney decided not to pay to keep the tax power useable, even though more than 1.5 million Scots voted for it in the 1997 devolution poll.

Opposition politicians have worked themselves into a rare lather over Swinney's decision - and the fact he didn't tell parliament. They may simply scent ministerial blood, but they do have a point.

Swinney is one of the most decent men in Scots politics and is arguably the best the SNP has to offer - he would certainly be many people's favourite to take over again when Alex Salmond's time is up.

But his excuse for an apology did him little credit yesterday, especially compared to that of potential leadership rival Nicola Sturgeon, when she defused a row over her letter of support for a fraudster.

We sympathise with Swinney's view that there was no point spending money on a tax power which no party was likely to use.

However, the decision was not his to make - and his refusal to make a proper mea culpa means he won't have seen the end of this row either.

Park strife

Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh's greatest assets, providing the Capital with one of its "lungs" and offering a central green area which must be the envy of most other cities.

But it is not only a haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is also a vital part of our roads network.

The routes through the park act as a safety valve for many of the surrounding roads, relieving the strain at peak times.

The nose-to-tail traffic which at times clogs Duddingston Village must be a nightmare for residents, and rat runs should be tackled.

But there have to be better ways to do that than through a blanket ban on traffic through the park.

More effective enforcement of the park's existing ban on commercial vehicles might be a good start.