And finally… talk isn’t cheap for Scotland’s finance secretary

Mr Mackay employed the services of a firm which promises to turn “nervous wrecks into skilled presenters”, according to reports.

The finance secretary went on a £972.12 “refresher public speaking” course in 2018-19, the Scottish Government has disclosed, following a Freedom of Information request.

The FoI findings also revealed that other Scottish Government ministers had received help with their presentation skills over the last few years.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “Derek Mackay may have felt he needed to spend public money to change his oratorical style from Dalek to Demosthenes. But it’s not speaking lessons he needed – it’s a course in how not to fleece hardworking people in Scotland.

“This money from the taxpayer may have helped him deliver the budget more eloquently.

“But its contents remain deeply troubling and will have a real impact on family finances right across Scotland.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “In common with senior positions in other large organisations, a range of training is made available to ministers, including courses in media and public speaking skills.

“This training has an important role in supporting Ministers in their delivery of official government business.

“These courses are delivered in-house where possible.”