The National:

FROM the moment Finance Secretary Kate Forbes stepped in at the last minute to present the Scottish Budget, she’s been confounding some people’s expectations.

The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP is generally considered to have taken to the role impressively, especially considering she’s had to deal with a pandemic and an uncooperative UK Government.

But as ever, the Tories are holding the Scottish minister to their ultra-high standards – which they mysteriously fail to apply to themselves.

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Forbes has often had to contend with patronising contempt from her critics, as exhibited today at of the Finance and Constitution Committee.

She was questioned by Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett, who raised concerns about employment and Scotland’s tax base. He asked the Finance Secretary why the Fair Start Scotland scheme is “not working”.

That assertion was rejected by Forbes, who also explained the route cause of all the issues raised by Burnett – his Tory bosses in Westminster.

Moving onto business rates, the Tory MSP was kind enough to “totally acknowledge” the Finance Secretary’s supposed “lack of business experience”.

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Forbes, evidently weary of such contempt from her detractors, replied: “Well, I can only thank you for sharing your own business experience and enlightening me.”

She pointed out the real problem with Scotland’s finances: “Because your government can’t get its act together and provide clarity on next year’s budget, it means we are left in the position of not knowing whether or not we can extend the rates relief.”

It wasn't just Forbes who noted Burnett's tone, with Twitter users quick to criticise his "patronising mansplaining".

Let's just hope the Tories learn their lesson ... we're not holding our breath.