Parliament started back last week and my diary was jam-packed between the two committees, two Chamber speeches, two Parliamentary Questions, hosting an event, attending another couple of events, a briefing from the Gambling Commission, dealing with some constituent issues, and meeting some local organisations and constituents on Friday — not to mention piping at the Queensferry Crossing. 

It was thoroughly enjoyable and I managed to raise constituency issues on most occasions.

Today, along with colleagues, I am meeting Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator in the Brexit talks.

It tells a story that the Scottish Parliament’s Europe Committee are meeting the Chief EU negotiator before the Chief UK negotiator, David Davis MP. We have been requesting to meet Mr Davis since early 2017 but to no avail, even though he could make time for an appearance at the Edinburgh Festival. 

It’s yet another example of the complete and utter shambles that the Tory UK government have taken at this crucial time.

The UK is the member state but time and time again the Tory Government have ridden roughshod over both Scotland and Wales. 

Now they are even publishing papers in devolved areas of competence, without so much as a phone call to the Scottish and Welsh ministers never mind any consultation.

Last week, I used the phrase of ‘hapless and hopeless in Whitehall’ to describe this situation. 

Not one person in the UK will benefit from this ridiculous situation. The Tories need to start working with others to get the best deal.