Politics and protest go hand in hand. Therefore, I understand why demonstrators disrupted First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood this week.

I understand, I get the concept. They felt they were justified in drawing attention to their demand for community food provision.

I understand – but no further. Parliamentary democracy proceeds by open, unimpeded discussion of issues in an elected forum.

That discussion is mandated by a popular vote – and results in parliamentary choices. Which project advances. Which is sidelined.

Groups holding particularly strong views on individual issues may feel frustrated that their concerns are not advancing to the top of the political schedule.

Again, I understand. It remains open to them to ventilate such topics on public platforms or through lobbying Parliament.

It is, however, a different matter when such protests seek to interrupt discussion in the elected forum itself. That is, if you think about it, the antithesis of elective democracy.

The people have chosen their representatives. Thus mandated, our representatives have chosen how to proceed, what to discuss. Disruptive protest says: ignore that, pay heed to me instead.

Now, there may be a case to be made for greater use of participatory democracy, for citizens to be more closely involved in day-to-day decisions.

I have questions as to how – and whether – that would work in practice. But set that aside.

Right now, we have a system of parliamentary democracy. The Scottish Parliament is openly chosen by proportional voting, with a range of views represented.

The make-up of that parliament can and does change,........

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