Nicola Sturgeon always knew how to play the London media like a fiddle. Progressive views, plain speaking, ‘detesting’ the Tories – what was there not to like? Whenever she was in a tight corner at home, a friendly interviewer could be found in the otherwise hated imperial capital to offer an easy ride.

Much of this has been in evidence since she announced her impending resignation. Robert Peston trilled on Twitter: ‘Whether or not you back her ideas and convictions, she has been one of the most important politicians of this generation. Her call for less irrationality and hysteria in politics should be heeded.’

Such panegyrics reflect a general truth that other people’s nationalisms tend to look more attractive from a distance. For those living in Scotland, the reality has been somewhat different. Over the past 20 years, nobody has worked harder than Sturgeon to entrench divisions in pursuit of a single political objective. As she heads for the exit, she has succeeded in dividing but not in delivering.

The crucial point in Sturgeon’s career was after the referendum in 2014. Until then, she had been a loyal lieutenant of Alex Salmond, her mentor and friend. She was the essential attack dog, sharp of tongue and undoubtedly effective in seeing off opponents; an essential partner in a ruthless double act.

While the Nationalists lost the referendum, they won the war on another front. To an unexpected extent, the 45 per cent who voted for independence held together as a voting bloc. This opened up a familiar path for nationalist movements – it guaranteed the party enough votes to win elections without achieving a majority for independence.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters