Criticism of Humza Yousaf has reached a ridiculous pitch when even his choice of holiday destination is turned against him.

When it was announced the First Minister had gone to Qatar for a week’s break over mid-term, there were howls of protest in some intemperate quarters. How could he relax – and spend money - in a country with such a poor human rights record, which is also accused of funding terrorists?

It was all too predictable. From day one in the job, for many Yousaf could do nothing right.

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Moronically dubbed ‘Humza Useless’ after his time as cabinet secretary for health, he was treated as a lame duck: a continuity First Minister doomed to be forever in his predecessor’s shadow, who would send hopes of achieving independence plummeting.

So far, he has wrong-footed his detractors by handling an exceptionally difficult start in office with dignity. With the police investigation into the SNP finances under Nicola Sturgeon he has appeared calm and un-judgemental, giving no hint of impatience or frustration.

Over the war in Gaza he has shown compassion and leadership, without making capital of his own family’s nightmarish situation in the Gaza Strip.

He has diverged from Westminster on major issues – demanding a ceasefire in Gaza from the start - and has introduced a mood of low-key commonsense and decency into the parliament.

A poll done for the Daily Mail last week - no fan of Independence - showed that, far from presiding over chaos and bringing the........

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