FOLLOWING the opening of the Queensferry Crossing yesterday, the First Minister will announce her programme for government later today. It’s an important part of any administration’s calendar – but an opportunity for Nicola Sturgeon to cross a bridge from a Government she inherited from Alex Salmond,to the one she wants to set out herself.

She’s tinkered but much of what has been done to date has been a continuation of the legacy bequeathed. Gender balance aside, much of the policy remains the same. That was no bad thing as she was at the heart of it as Deputy First Minister and there is, also, much to celebrate, not just the outstanding new architectural work straddling the Forth. Rumours of Scotland’s demise aren’t to be believed as recent announcements show. On many indices Scotland is performing reasonably well and significantly better than south of the Border, despite the global challenges.

But policy needs to be refreshed and it’s time for her to set out her own agenda. That has been delayed with elections and referendums, but move on she must. Of course, some of those factors weren’t in her control, as dates were set or decisions taken by others, on elections or Brexit. Other issues such as a second independence referendum were, though. She marched her troops towards the top of the hill and then stood them down.

However, the delay allows her to focus on the policies of her Government, as the perception that independence was the main focus was hurting, and was a self-inflicted wound as election results showed. There’s referendum fatigue amongst the populace, if not the troops themselves. It’ll return in a year or so, but there’s an opportunity to set out a vision of the country she seeks, as well as to build the base to allow a later charge up the constitutional hill.

The focus therefore has to be on governance at home, even though discussion on Brexit and its implications need to be continued. Defending Scotland’s interest is the right thing to do and speaking out is essential, as the UK Government becomes ever more bellicose towards the EU. But people are wearying of that too and the influence of the Scottish Government is limited.

Delivering on what can be achieved at home, is what really matters. A lot has changed both in terms of new powers devolved and in the political situation at home and abroad. There’ll be no second referendum, or certainly not one that can be won unless that is done. Pandering to those who wanted a second vote as soon as the first was lost has proven a mistake. Building the base to allow for another opportunity is what’s essential.

In laying out her vision of the Scotland she seeks, there should be a change not just in some substance, but her style. The First Minister is an outstanding campaigner, as was shown during the independence referendum. However, she appears to have been constantly campaigning ever since. Doing so when seeking election is necessary, doing so when ingovernment isn’t. Jack McConnell talked of “doing less better”, uninspiring as a maxim to say the least. However, Ms Sturgeon could do well to adopt “more gravitas, less glitz.”

The search for constant media exposure devalues what she says, and diminishes her cabinet colleagues. Confident on an international stage, there’s no need to attend the opening of every envelope or over-hype worthy but modest announcements. Just last week there was an important statement on the economy but it was lost as just yet another of her daily appearances and the visibility of her colleagues cast into the shadows.

She would do better doing fewer public appearances, but ones of more importance. That would ensure that her pronouncements carried more weight. It would also allow her necessary thinking time and her team to get some of the spotlight.

On substance, much has already been trailed. Housing and infrastructure have seen much done but there’s still more to do. Not just construction but regulation is needed. Some bold announcements would be welcome. though. Being radical doesn’t need to mean a lurch to the left, just a delivery of new ideas. There’s been too much consultation and review and it’s now time for delivery not further discussion.

New areas of power allow for a distinct vision. Whilst poverty cannot immediately be eradicated a social security system that isn’t predicated on cruelty can be established. Gender and sexual equality have been targeted. but so must income inequality. Stay-at-home SNP voters in housing schemes vouch for that.

The lifting of the public sector pay cap is needed but comes at a cost. Much of the budget goes on the wage bill. Reform in health and local government to reduce duplication and maximise efficiency will be vital, otherwise the workforce’s gain will be the service’s loss.

Let the new era begin.