It’s a race that’s too close to call, and one that every person in Scotland has an opinion on.
As the Scottish Premiership League thunders to an epic conclusion, the excitement of the three-way tussle at the top meant Scotland’s politicians were never going to be able to avoid picking a winner
Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said he was ‘more of a Ross County guy” but predictably went for his home city team in suggesting that Hearts were going to win the title, adding it would be “a healthy thing” for sport in general if someone outside the Old Firm took the league trophy.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay was reluctant to give a verdict, as any Glasgow politician would be, but when pressed said he’d go for Hearts.
Anas Sarwar insisted he was just enjoying it as a neutral, before adding “If it’s not one of the Glasgow clubs then Hearts”. He also raised a few eyebrows by suggesting “every Glasgow football club’s second favourite team is Hearts.”
Ross Greer, co-leader of the Scottish Greens ducked the question entirely, saying his family members variously backed Hearts Celtic, Rangers and HIbs, and adding he was more of an ice hockey fan.
His fellow co-leader Gillian Mackay was a bit bolder – and was the only party leader to pick Celtic.
Reform UK’s leader in Scotland Malcom Offord said he was a neutral with “no skin in the game” as his team was Greenock Morton, but believed Hearts were the most likely winners and would love to see the Edinburgh team get over the line.
Surprisingly, SNP leader John Swinney was perhaps the most candid of the lot, barely pausing when asked the question before relying “Hearts”.
The SNP leader was a boyhood Hearts fan when growing up in Edinburgh – although when asked by the Daily Record who the current Hearts captain is, the First Minister couldn’t name star striker Lawrence Shankland.
SNP leader John Swinney believes Hearts will win this year’s Scottish Premiership – but who will win the race to form the next Scottish Government?(Image: Robert Perry/PA Wire)