The most disastrous budget in history of devolution

Scots left to count the cost after 16 years of shallow populism come crashing to the ground

- PAUL HUTCHEON

SHONA Robison's budget was the most disastrous in the history of devolution and the SNP only have themselves to blame.

The Nationalists have stayed in office by trying to offer everything to everybody.

They have avoided hard decisions, put off difficult spending choices and built up huge problems for themselves in the long-term.

The end product was a £1.5billion "black hole" that has been filled by needless income tax rises and deep spending cuts to lifeline services.

Humza Yousaf should be reminded of the bold declaration he made during the SNP leadership contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon.

He said cutting child poverty would be his top priority and he gave nudges and winks on a £30-a-week Scottish Child Payment.