Tom Peterkin: Russell and referendum

Mike Russell's promotion from Environment Minister to Minister for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution seems to me to be an astute move by Salmond.
Although the two men have had their differences in the past, it has long been acknowledged that Russell is one of the most able SNP politicians and one of the "big beasts" of the Scottish Parliament.
It will fall to him to steer through the SNP's plans for an independence referendum next year - a task that will be fraught with difficulty.
Whether the nation has the stomach for a vote on the constitution during a time of economic difficulty is questionable. Gathering the parliamentary support for a referendum bill would be an achievement in itself.
With his rumbustious style this will be a challenge that Russell should relish. The elevation of Russell could also be a smart move by Salmond in another way. By setting aside any differences that may have existed between them in past, he has now shown that he is more prepared to recognise talent over blind loyalty.
The same applies to the elevation of Alex Neil and Roseanna Cunningham, two other politicians who have had a tricky relationship with Salmond in the past.