How attitudes change

It was only a few months ago. The SNP was deeply suspicious of Iberdrola's acquisition of Scottish Power. The SNP press release said:

Ms Sturgeon said:
"The SNP has called for this takeover to be blocked pending an EU investigation into Spanish tax subsidies. We remain of the view that the takeover of Scottish Power is not in Scotland's national interest.
"However, we will be seeking assurances from Iberdrola about its plans for the future of Scottish Power in the event that the takeover proceeds.
"In particular, we will be seeking assurances that jobs will be secure, that the company will not be broken up and that a fully functioning HQ will remain here in Scotland.

Bold words. But the SNP and Iberdrola are now chums, according to the latest Executive press release:

Details of the refitting of Longannet and Cockenzie power stations with clean coal technology were announced today as part of what will be Europe's biggest clean coal project.
First Minister Alex Salmond, on his first official visit as FM, joined the Chairman of Scottish Power, Ignacio Galan, at Longannet to discuss the plan that aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The Scottish Power-Iberdrola Group is to carry out a feasibility study on technology which would:
- Reduce carbon emissions from the stations by up to 20 per cent
- Provide a secure baseload of electricity for Scotland
- Incorporate a carbon capture project based at Longannet being taken forward jointly with Royal Bank of Scotland- which could further reduce emissions.

Well, that's fine - Iberdrola are now good guys. I can live with that.

Incidentally, I notice that Whyte & Mackay is being taken over by an Indian company. Does the SNP have anything to say? Is it asking for assurances about Scottish jobs, company break-up, a Scottish HQ? No? Thought not.