The National:  

RUTH Davidson may have returned to politics a few backs boldly claiming that it's "very clear that a majority of Scots don't want" independence, but she might want to take a few notes from the EU election results. 

The Scottish Conservative leader's campaign was heavily focused on opposing a second independence referendum, even putting out a campaign flyer that mentioned indy 15 times but no actual policies. 

READ MORE: Stirling Tories are taking the EU election result REALLY badly

Despite the fact it was blatantly obvious that being pro-Union was the party's main platform at this EU election, and Davidson's insistence that a vote for the Tories would send Sturgeon a message, it looks like this tactic didn't work too well in their favour. 

And now, following the Conservatives' dismal election performance, Davidson is trying to make voters forget all that via some classic political question avoidance.

Asked by journalist Alan Smith whether she thought her attempts to send a message to the FM had worked, Davidson replied: “It was clear before the election the Conservatives were going to get a kicking across the UK for not delivering Brexit as promised.

“This election – to a Parliament we are already supposed to have left – had a unique set of circumstances.

“That we held our seat in Scotland is primarily down to the hard work of our campaigning team and I thank each and every one of them.

“The arrival of the Brexit Party demonstrates the clear frustration of the Scottish electorate that Brexit still isn’t sorted.

READ MORE: Unionist parties under fire as EU election flyers ignore 'elephant in the room'

“I will redouble my efforts to ensure all those across the country seeking to get rid of the nationalist government at Holyrood feel able to come together and support my team at future elections.

“Dividing the pro-Union vote only benefits one party – the SNP.”

The old avoidance tactic is a favourite of Davidson's, and in the brief time she's been back at Holyrood since her maternity leave she's made good use of it. 

She was accused by the SNP of "rewriting history" over her Section 30 stance a few weeks back. 

READ MORE: Davidson accused of ‘rewriting history’ over Section 30 stance

Can anyone keep up with her anymore?