Praise for Kate Forbes was among several notable things as another major success for Prestwick Airport was announced last Friday, writes Ian McConnell.

And it highlights one challenge facing the SNP.

One of several notable things last Friday as another major success for Prestwick Airport was unveiled was the singling out of Kate Forbes.

This singling out related to praise for Scotland’s Deputy First Minister.

And it came from Ryanair’s chief executive, Eddie Wilson, as the budget airline revealed it was creating hundreds more jobs at Prestwick Airport, which was rescued by the Scottish Government in a £1 acquisition from previous owner Infratil of New Zealand in 2013.

Mr Wilson declared last Friday: “We thank DFM Forbes and the Scottish Government, the UK Government, South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, and Prestwick Airport for their support and partnership on this expansion.

“Their focused approach in backing this project has been crucial in enabling us to grow Prestwick into a major heavy maintenance and training hub that will deliver skilled careers and economic benefits for many years to come.”

The specific mention of Ms Forbes grabbed the attention, particularly given that she and First Minister John Swinney were along at the airport as the latest major boost for it was announced.

That said, Ms Forbes is Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic and, in this post, has been very close to the situation at Prestwick Airport.

She has been quick to highlight the great advantages of the airport and its potential. And she has hammered home the importance of the employment in and around it to the local economy.

When I asked Ms Forbes last June for her views on Prestwick Airport’s recent business wins at........

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