I HAD an old teacher in primary school who, as punishment for misbehaviour, dispensed proverbs to be written out rather than endless repetitive lines. This was a much more constructive punishment and it has stayed with me through life.

The proverb “a bad workman always blames his tools” sprang to mind with the vituperative response of some Brexiters to the resignation of Sir Ivan Rogers. The departure of the UK’s senior diplomat in Brussels as Brexit talks reach a critical stage caused shock waves across the Government.

The poisonous remarks by Iain Duncan Smith that cast doubt on the resigning diplomat’s integrity were shameful. Given that politician’s history of backstabbing within his party, it was a bit rich of him to criticise the resignation. It was always going to be high profile but was carried out with some dignity.

I don’t think I ever met the man but I did meet many of his colleagues in Brussels and elsewhere, not only those in the Foreign Office but also in other departments. Whilst those acting for UK departments may on occasion have had differing strategic interests from my own, I always respected their ability and their integrity.

It took them time to get used to devolution but, when they learned, they attempted to address it. There would be occasional lapses, more often due to ignorance than malice. That could cause frustration for Scottish Government officials and they were never shy in pointing the errors out. Indeed, it often infuriated them. Their UK colleagues’ arrogance solidified their support for their own administration.

In the main the UK departments would acknowledge and change except when a clear political direction came from above. Sir Nicholas Macpherson, head of the Treasury, had during the independence referendum incurred the wrath of the then first minister, Alex Salmond, after releasing his advice to then Chancellor George Osborne rejecting a currency union. To be fair, he was only doing as instructed by his political masters, even if it was highly charged. VAT being imposed on Police Scotland was another example where the obtuse attitude of Treasury officials reflected a political steer.

Moreover, the civil service in Scotland remains part of the wider UK regime and I got to know its officials well. When the first SNP administration was elected in 2007 I, like other, wondered what the reaction of the civil service would be. There was never any cause for concern. The efforts of staff were outstanding and any errors were my own. Loyalty and support were given, sometimes in highly fraught situations. The brains trust and talent pool that existed were huge.

Officials sought clear policy directions. They may not have agreed with them personally but they would seek to implement them all the same. I’ve no doubt some who worked on the referendum Bill opposed independence, as in past years those against the sale of council housing delivered it. Personal views were cast aside.

They sought political direction and despised a policy vacuum. Moreover, once charged, they would return with options for implementation. The final decisions would always be for ministers but policy options were laid out. Sometimes they’d require to be the bearers of bad news that pitfalls and blockages were in the way. They were not usurping their advisory role but relating the facts of the situation. It was then for ministers to find another route or political fix.

I hold the institution of an impartial civil service in the highest regard. The attacks upon Sir Peter Housden, then Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government during the febrile atmosphere of the referendum, were equally discreditable. Again, many were made by zealots like Mr Duncan Smith, putting loyalty before policy and ideology before integrity.

“There’s none so blind as those that will not see” and Sir Ivan tried his best to pursue UK Government interests but what he was able to deliver and what he was tasked to achieve were irreconcilable. “Brexit means Brexit” and “have cake and eat it” are hardly the basis of policy, never mind direction. Moreover, rather than listening to his experienced voice about pitfalls, the UK Government response was to clamour harder and seek to blame those like him in their employ. No wonder he threw in the towel.

It’s to be hoped that his successor has more success, whether with the 27 EU countries in negotiations or with UK ministers. However, the reaction doesn’t bode well. “Empty vessels make most sound” and, whilst the rhetoric gets louder, the crisis deepens. Talented officials can only work with the hand they are dealt and, sadly, what the UK Government is giving is a busted flush.