It makes little sense to me...

At the Portobello High School Meeting last night, Kenny McAskill, the local SNP MSP claimed that the SNP have already begun 40 schools.

But if you check this answer to a Parliamentary question by George Foukes MSP, you will find that not only were all 40 projects begun in Labours time in office, but they are all funded by Public Private Partnerships (PPP), which means 80% level playing field money. Mr McAskill condemned PPP as a funding mechanism at the same meeting, (as he has done consistently over the years.

So now we have the SNP Government saying that they have given all the money they are going to give for schools to councils so there is no point in coming for more and claiming that the Scottish futures trust will "replace PPP" and at the same time claiming credit for delivering 40 schools under PPP which involves giving 80% grant to authorities.

Now one can see the politics of this. Why would you cancel projects near to signing? But its a bit rich to refuse to give additional support top authorities who are trying to not use PPP, like the SNP/Libdems in Edinburgh (which will mean fewer schools built), then claim credit for schools, started by some-one else, using a funding mechanism you want to get rid of and requires 80% support!

Confused? You are not the only one...!