Perception is everything in politics. Those around Humza Yousaf’s Cabinet table, and those in his team of Special Advisers, are experienced people. They have been there and done it, in most cases under Nicola Sturgeon and in some cases also under Alex Salmond.

That is the reality; capable people, able to deliver big things (whether people agree with them or otherwise). But perception and reality can often differ, and the perception is that this is a government which cannot tie its own shoelaces.

That will now change. Pringle’s back.

Kevin Pringle, the outstanding nationalist communications operator of his generation and a pivotal figure in the rise of the SNP and the Yes movement, is now Mr Yousaf’s official spokesman, head of communications and strategic political adviser.

He is needed in all three areas. There has actually been some good work done by this government, particularly in re-engaging with the business community and speaking the language of economic growth. Nobody has noticed, though, because the government’s communication has oscillated between chaotic and calamitous.

The Herald: Kevin PringleKevin Pringle (Image: free)

Much of this is the fault of nobody in particular. Mr Yousaf has inherited an in-tray bulging with flashing red lights, and for that he cannot be blamed. But he has become too reactive in response and, at times, has appeared to be a rent-a-quote for everything from policy u-turns to the police investigation into the SNP’s finances, placed into uncontrolled media scrums and ending each day more wounded than he was at the start.

I expect Mr Pringle to make a quick impression. Firstly, he will use Mr Yousaf more selectively, communicating proactively, not reactively, and on his terms, not the media’s.

Second, he will want to take a firm grip of the communications ‘grid’, to ensure that the information coming out of government is coordinated and strategic.

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And thirdly, I do wonder whether his external perspective might bring fresh thought to Mr Yousaf and his Cabinet on the future of the coalition with the Greens. Many of the government’s daily policy difficulties have Green fingerprints, and the cost/benefit of this arrangement increasingly appears to be that it benefits the Greens and costs the SNP.

Mr Pringle is strategic, shrewd and steady. Together with Colin McAllister, the Chief of Staff, and Callum McCaig, the Head of Policy, the government has a trio of talent which is difficult to match anywhere in politics.

Perhaps summer is coming.

• Andy Maciver is Founding Director of Message Matters and Zero Matters