Please, whatever the make up of next Holyrood parliament, make it work for Scotland

But it seems pretty clear John Swinney will – majority or not – be returning to Bute House, likely propped up by the Greens for another stint. The enthusiasm of the ‘scunnered’ electorate is underwhelming, with a low turnout on the cards.

Are we then to be condemned to five years of more of the same? Five years of constitutional wrangling which goes nowhere, of blaming Westminster for all the country’s ills.

Put simply, Scotland cannot afford for this to happen.

We will have, after Thursday’s election, a diverse parliament, packed with new and eager MSPs.

It is a time for a reset, and to get back to how the Scottish Parliament was always meant to work.

MSPs must work to find consensus by reaching out across party lines. They should always be driven by what is right for Scotland and not what will further party political causes. And the Scottish Government must be able to work with its UK counterpart effectively. Relations clearly are in badly need of repair.

On the big issues – the reform of the NHS, the North Sea energy transition, and education – we need long-term serious solutions. Every MSP should be committed to finding them, not just digging out the first thing with which they can hit an opponent over the head.

And our politicians must be allowed to disagree respectfully, conduct robust debate without resorting to cheap personal attacks.

Get this right and the next parliament – whatever the make up – can get back to making good law for Scotland, encouraging growth in the economy, and painting a positive picture of the future.

Get it wrong and we will return to polarised debate, policy stalemate and wasted potential.

Check out Scotland’s new sporting star

To Scotland’s incredible year of sport, we can one more event –the 46th Chess Olympiad is due to be held in Uzbekistan in September.

We tell today how an Edinburgh teenager is gearing up to represent Scotland at the event after being crowned a British champion.

George Heriot’s School pupil Frederick Waldhausen Gordon, 15, is currently ranked as the second best chess player in Scotland at all ages.

And he will form part of a six-man team in what will be his fourth major tournament. Six women will also represent the country at the competition.

He says today: “It’s an honour to play for Scotland but I just try my best in every tournament and have the best experience I can.”

Which is exactly the right attitude – and one we hope all Scotland teams will display this year.

We wish Frederick all the best for the tournament later in the year. Remember the name, because it looks like Scotland has another star in the making.