So, school's out for summer.

As is the Scottish Parliament, which broke off today under something of a cloud as the Scottish Government's oil revenue predictions were slashed by billions.

Those of us not fortunate enough to enjoy the long break afforded to schoolchildren, teachers and MSPs must now pretend to be happy for those who are. Let's hope for all our sakes Mother Nature shows some humility for at least a couple of weeks.

Our parliamentarians won't be able to relax too much, of course. All still have to keep up their constituency surgeries, while those on the Labour side of the chamber have the small matter of a leadership contest to keep them busy. By the time MSPs go back to work on 31 August, the party's new Scottish leader will already be two weeks into what is bound to be a tough job, with the Holyrood election just months away.

But before we look too far ahead, let's enjoy what our Scottish summer does have to offer, regardless of the weather. The Edinburgh festivals, the 144th Open from St Andrews, T in the Park and the Merchant City Festival are just four of the hundreds of events taking place up and down the country over the next few weeks. Happy holidays to all.