THERE are many things that are more enjoyable than writing a political sketch in 30-degree heat, while your five year-old runs wild with the suntan lotion. Watching FMQs is not one of them.

But I was committed to not whinging this week. I was going to look on the bright side. I was going to BE POSITIVE.

I’m glad I did. Because when you make the decision to find the silver lining in every cloud, it becomes so much easier to appreciate the little things in life. James Kelly, for example.

READ MORE: FMQs: Sturgeon nails James Kelly's ridiculously stupid question

Here is a man whose contribution to the wellbeing of the nation has been shamefully overlooked.

There was that notable incident from years ago where he took on the then Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick, and asserted "I’M NO GONNAE SIT DOON" over and over until she forced him to sit down … somewhere far outside the chamber. But aside from that, his comedic value has too often gone uncelebrated. We should feel very bad about that.

Near the end of what was a dreich FMQs, James Kelly – the man, the myth, the legend – stood up and became the hero we all needed.

In his inimitable drawl he asked Nicola Sturgeon to explain "for what reason the 2018/19 Scottish Budget was underspent by £449 million.’’ A reasonable question. I wanted to know. The chamber wanted to know. But nobody – NOBODY – wanted to know as much as James Kelly did in that moment. He had uncovered a scandal the likes of which usually has Paul Hutcheon and David Clegg arm wrestling in the press gallery for first dibs.

The National:

Nicola Sturgeon told James Kelly that the Finance Secretary had provided a full briefing paper to members explaining the 2018/19 outturn provision.

Then she cruelly poured an ice-cold Irn-Bru all over James Kelly’s hopes and dreams by reminding him that under the current devolution settlement, the Scottish Government is not permitted to overspend its budget. So common sense would suggest it’s a good idea to make sure you have enough in the coffers to cover unexpected financial demands.

She went on: "The underspend – which is part of careful management –represents a tiny fraction of our overall budget and it is carried forward in full through the Scottish reserve, with most of it supporting the 2019/20 budget. EVERY SINGLE PENNY of any underspend is used to support public services in Scotland." 

Then, in a display of overkill akin to punching a pre-packed salmon in the face just to make sure it is dead, Sturgeon went on: "I have to point out that this is in stark contrast to the Labour-led Scottish executive which between 1999-2007 returned a total of £1.5 billion to the UK treasury because they couldn’t work out how to spend it!" If you thought that being on the receiving end of a Sturgeon slam-dunk would deter James Kelly then you don’t know James Kelly. He doesn’t quit when faced with something as inconsequential as FACTS.

Bravely, he soldiered on: "Last week the First Minister told parliament that every penny in the Scottish budget was accounted for –’’ "–IT IS!!" screamed the chamber.

" – What she didn’t tell us is what we know now – that nearly half a billion pounds has been kept back in a Scottish government slush fund.’’ Wearily, the First Minister rose to her feet.

READ MORE: Holyrood’s hands tied on budget ‘black hole’

"I’m really sorry to say this but I actually feel quite embarrassed for James Kelly. After so many years in this parliament, that he doesn’t even have a basic grasp of the basic principles of government and budgeting is really quite staggering. Let me try and explain it simply to James Kelly …’’ And so she did.

After that bruising encounter, did James Kelly weep? Did he cower? No of course he didn’t because he is JAMES GODDAMN KELLY. He simply resolved to return to this curious matter once he was back from recess.

And then, to round things off nicely, Murdo Fraser stood up to cheers from the SNP benches to ask about – you guessed it – the Scottish Government underspend scandal.

Nicola Sturgeon was delighted.

"I know we’re about to break for the summer recess, but I have to say, when I get James Kelly followed by Murdo Fraser it feels more like Christmas than summer to me. What a tremendous way to end the session.’’ Indeed, it was.