To say that that politics has been fluid since it became clear that the UK had voted to leave the European Union is perhaps the understatement of the decade. The developments came thick and fast over the weekend, nowhere more so than in Scotland, now voted out of the European against its will and still trying to come to terms with what this will mean politically, economically, constitutionally, for the future of the country.

This is a time of grave uncertainty for all, then. With this in mind, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has rightly chosen to go on the front foot and make clear she will do everything in her power to protect Scotland’s interests. We do not yet know how far she will be required, or indeed prepared, to go, of course.

Ms Sturgeon has already intimated that a second independence referendum is certainly an option for the future, but in the meantime she will no doubt wish to be seen to explore every possible avenue short of this.

High level talks with Brussels over the next few days will examine whether there is any mechanism for Scotland to remain a member of the EU without leaving the UK. This scenario seems unlikely, but as with many EU-related matters, much will depend on the will of the bureaucrats and the leading member states to make it happen.

The will of Westminster will be important, too. There has already been a suggestion that Holyrood could block the UK’s departure from the EU if MSPs are required to give their formal backing to Brexit. Ms Sturgeon has signalled that she would consider advocating this course of action, although with legal opinion already split on whether such consultation is required, it’s hard to imagine a future Prime Minister Johnson or Gove giving Holyrood the opportunity to veto their moment of triumph.

Much will also depend upon the perceived will of the Scottish people, of course. The first polls on independence since the Brexit vote are through, showing a surge in support to 59 per cent. Whether this is simply anger in the face of last Friday’s result or the beginning of a new and growing push for independence remains to be seen.

Ms Sturgeon, too, will likely bide her time on this matter, while looking to steer an inclusive diplomatic course in the weeks and months to come.

What has also become worryingly clear over the weekend is that Ms Sturgeon is one of the few UK politicians to be steering any sort of course at all.

With David Cameron having seemingly washed his hands of all responsibility, a serious power vacuum has already formed; the Conservative party is at war with itself, and neither Boris Johnson nor Michael Gove has so far shown the leadership necessary to chart the new course for the country they promised.

UK Labour, too, has turned in on itself, apparently now in complete disarray, and, most frustratingly of all, also failing to show any leadership at a time when the country needs exactly that.

Westminster is letting the country down; it must step up to the mark, and quickly.