For most people the development of a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine was the most significant news event of recent weeks.

Everyone, that is, except the SNP, which is more delighted with the opportunity it had at the recent virtual conference to talk up independence again.

Why waste breath discussing a solution to a virus which has brought the world to its knees when you chew the fat over breaking up the very country which has led the charge on a Covid-19 jab?

The problem for the rest of us is this attitude is infecting government in Scotland, of which the SNP has been in charge for more than 13 years.

One very concerning example of this should ring alarm bells for the people of West Dunbartonshire.

Ministers published a 10-page document emphasising the importance of investment from other countries for Scotland’s economy. They say, if they take the correct approach to inward investment, more than £4 billion could be added to Scotland’s GDP, and exports boosted by £2.1 billion.

According to the same paper, nearly 30 per cent of jobs in West Dunbartonshire are supported through foreign direct investment, with only Aberdeen and its oil wealth coming close.

But for all the warm words set out in this plan there was one glaring omission.

It seems when it’s not convenient to do so, the SNP is perfectly willing to stop talking about independence. That’s because, when it comes to hard pounds and pence, jobs and growth, separation risks everything.

In fact, even the prospect of another independence referendum would create enough uncertainty to put off foreign investors. And as this study reveals, that could cost billions.

It’s completely remiss of this government to prepare a strategy on inward investment without factoring in the impact its most desired course of action would have.

The solution for the SNP is easy. Only talk about independence when announcing that another referendum is off the table.

That would free up more space for welcoming the good news like a Covid-19 vaccine, and comprehensively planning for Scotland’s financial future.