The first Private Office Christmas party after devolution was to take place later that evening at the Balmoral Hotel and the First Minister's office were indulging in some pre-prandial drinks before the event. Donald Dewar came through from his room to enjoy a quiet glass of wine with his office. He was going to the party and during the conversation he enquired of Sandra if she was going.
Sandra replied that she was unable to attend due to a prior commitment to go home and see to her wee dug who would be missing her and wondering where she had got to. This seemed to puzzle the First Minister of Scotland and he suggested to Sandra that her dog would be thinking no such thing. Sandra, who had partaken of some strong liquor by this point in the proceedings and was mortally offended by this suggestion, vehemently challenged the First Minister
"Just because you're the First Minister disnae mean you ken what ma wee dug thinks!"
Taken aback at the strength of the riposte and slightly cowed, the FM whispered an aside "I think I had better retreat" and withdrew back into his room.