So what’s happening on the local election front? I don’t think I’ve heard anything much this week. Oh, there was something. I wish I could remember what it was. No, it’s gone.

Anyway, I’ve been having a wee frank catch-up in the last day or so with canvassers of all parties, and none.  One of the most interesting tidbits is that a former stalwart of the SNP is having nothing to do with the party’s current campaign. Why is that, I wonder.

In fact, he seems to have endorsed an independent candidate – a Free Church buddy. This is an incredible turnaround. The buzz is that he also advised one of the SNP candidates to take the logos off his leaflets. Unfortunately, there are no “Printed by” or “Promoted by” notices either so the leaflet is illegal under electoral law and the legal advisers are getting panicky about the prospect of an official complaint. Oops.

Over in the Labour camp, these poor truaghans say they are still getting flak on the doorsteps from previously loyal supporters who were sickened by the outrageous, arrogant and discriminatory comments of previous parliamentary candidates and a particular former member. The canvassers tell me they fear the blunt views of voters means the local party’s recovery may take longer than they thought. Told you, guys, but it is good to see so many of them trying to put the recent past behind them.

It can be a bit brutal but thought-provoking when ordinary people tell candidates asking for their vote what they really think – as both these parties are finding out this week.