Dissatisfaction towards the current administration was there for all to see in Scotland today, despite the Prime Minister’s best efforts to steer the conversation in the other way.
Boris Johnson said the coronavirus crisis has shown the benefits of the union working together as he arrived in Orkney.
He said the strength of the UK has been critical in the response to Covid-19 and spoke about his desire to “build back better” after the pandemic.
Hands off Scotland
But discontent was never far away as he toured some of the more remote parts of the country.
Ahead of his arrival in Stromness, a small group of masked protesters gathered, waving signs that said “Hands off Scotland” and “Our Scotland, our future”, while an “Indy Ref Now” placard was seen on the side of a van.
“Is there anywhere more isolated they don’t like me in Scotland” #BorisFarewellTour #janeygodleyvoiceover pic.twitter.com/sNwaCmtwru
— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) July 23, 2020
Mr Johnson told the BBC: “What you have seen throughout this crisis is the union working together with money for supporting people through furlough, the Army working on the testing, moving people around.
“But now what you want to do is build back better together with a green recovery and here in Orkney they are streets ahead on hydrogen technology, on green technology.”
“Key arguments” for independence
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon claimed his presence north of the border highlights one of the “key arguments” for independence.
She tweeted: “I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen. His presence highlights that.”
I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen. His presence highlights that.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 23, 2020
Mr Johnson will not meet the First Minister during the visit to Scotland – which is his first since December’s general election.
Instead, Downing Street said the Prime Minister will visit businesses hit by the pandemic, those working in green energy and military personnel to thank them for their efforts in the response to coronavirus.
Boris Johnson getting booed ?????
— Jamie “The Controversial One” Holmes (@JamiePrestigio1) July 23, 2020
Couldn’t happen to a nicer man ???#BorisFarewellTour
pic.twitter.com/N6NBvLylXb
Related: Two-thirds more sympathetic to EU citizens in UK since Covid-19, survey suggests