The National:

THE Scottish Tories have been scolded by Scottish comedian Limmy after using one of his most popular jokes to attack the Scottish Justice Secretary.

In a truly horrifying instance of patter theft, the Conservatives accused Humza Yousaf of giving off “they’ve turned the weans against us vibes” after he raised doubts about a new independence poll.

The comment references perhaps the most popular Limmy’s Show sketch of all time, in which a bare-chested man parades through the streets complaining to no-one in particular that “she’s turned the weans against us”.

The Scottish Tories posted their attempt at humour after SNP politicians raised complaints about a new survey commissioned by Scotland in Union.

The Survation study was also criticised by pollsters because it deviated from the usual Yes/No format, instead asking respondents whether they’d like to “leave” or “remain” in the UK.

Yousaf tweeted: “They will throw more conspiracies & rigged polls at us between now & polling day – we will stay focussed on Covid recovery & ask people who they trust to guide us through it, Nicola or Douglas Ross?

“In whose hands do they trust our Country's future - Scotland's or Westminster?”

READ MORE: 'Rigged' independence poll panned by pollsters and politicians

The official Scottish Conservative Twitter account replied: “'They've turned the weans against us' vibes from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

“’Rigged polls’...they've left reality behind.”

Limmy, full name Brian Limond, was made aware of the Scottish Conservative comment by a viewer of his popular Twitch gaming stream.

The comedian and author, who has been a vocal supporter of independence and critic of the Conservatives, was appalled.

Having looked up the tweet in question during his live stream, he responded: “Oh f*** right off!”

After reciting the Tories’ tweet in a tone of utter disgust, he added: “The f****** Tories using my f***ing …”

READ MORE: Limmy: 10 things that changed my life

Limmy’s response went down a treat with Twitter users.

“Limmy’s reaction to Tories appropriating his patter is exactly as you’d hope,” one wrote.

“Second hand embarrassment,” another added.

Amazingly, it turns out co-opting the jokes of one of your most high-profile critics (and proud “TV funnyman”) isn’t a great idea.

That’ll teach the Tories to stick to what they know – trying to convince Scots that they’re incapable of running their own country.