They had managed to have three leaders in a little over a year: Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf and then John Swinney. It was a rate of attrition that would make even the Conservative Party of recent years blush. There had also been a high-profile and long-running police investigation into the SNP's finances, involving Sturgeon, who was told earlier this year she would face no action.
I think it it appropriate that I also apologise to this chamber and to all colleagues. For those of us who love this institution, it is important that we all act in a manner that does not bring it into disrepute. I wouldn't normally conduct myself in such a fashion. I regret that lapse last week and I wish to apologise to all colleagues.
Data from the Scottish Qualifications Authority showed this year's attainment gap was very similar to that of 2019, the year before the Covid crisis hit, when the gap for National 5s was 17 points.