First Minister John Swinney vows cabinet will listen not dictate

The domination of the constitutional row divided Holyrood’s parties, and more recently, the end of the SNP’s power sharing deal with the Greens left a bitter taste.

Then there was the government’s approach during the years it held a majority of seats.

Some both within and outside of parliament would argue there wasn’t much evidence of collaboration back then.

Indeed, reacting to Mr Swinney’s speech, Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie accused ministers of “castigating opponents and shifting blame” over the past 17 years.

They would have to go some, he said, “to convince us they are now imbued with consensus and compromise”.

Rennie added that “the SNP often reach out for support when they are in trouble and that’s certainly true now”.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay suggested ministers were already “working up another grubby deal with the Greens that hammers Scots with higher bills”.

Despite the criticism, it seems likely a deal on the Budget will be struck – probably with one of Holyrood’s smaller parties.

The consequences of failing to reach an agreement could be serious when it comes to ensuring public services are funded.

Beyond that, the challenge for the first minister will be trying to pass the rest of his legislative agenda and maintain his collaborative outlook – a feat that will get harder as the 2026 Scottish elections get closer.