Local golfer Jack McConnell, whose handicap is being Education Minister, arrived shortly after mid-morning coffee - a tad late - to deliver his thoughts on educational sports matters. He was delighted to spy his former boss, no less than Alistair McLachlan, head of Lornshil Academy in Alloa.

McLachlan was one of the first to offer a point but, as heidies do, and recalling McConnell’s spell in his maths department, began by remarking on the minister’s tardiness after the break.

“Old habits die hard,” McConnell confessed, before adding: “Maybe I’ll get my job back depending on how the exams go this summer.”

He was joking. We think.