What makes a great columnist? It's a question we wrestle with constantly while trying to make sure we have the best columnists in The Herald.

You will all have your own ideas. Maybe it's someone who says exactly what you think. Or, perhaps, someone you can't wait to read because you disagree so much with them.

Or is it a writer who makes you see the world afresh? Who gives you a fresh perspective on issues or people that you may not previously have considered?

We introduced a new columnist this week, Cat Boyd. She was co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign, which came to prominence during the referendum of 2014, then later RISE – Scotland's Left Alliance.

She's still a socialist and a supporter of independence, though is no longer a member of any political party.

She says she aims to bring a intellectual curiosity over ideological certainty in her columns and feels we all lose out when everyone feels they must be right all the time.

READ MORE: Cat Boyd: Red Clydesiders wouldn't recognise paternalism of Left today

While we don't expect every reader to agree with Cat Boyd's views we feel that's a refreshing attitude. Surely curiosity is better than a closed mind?

In Scotland, in general, we feel too many people, politicians and policy makers are in bunkers - reluctant to consider alternative viewpoints.

Whether this closed mind mentality is down to the rise of binary social media and its combative approach to politics, or the aftermath of Yes/No or Remain/Leave referendums is up for debate but this does not make for a healthy body politic.

We all need to be challenged, to be forced to think outside a narrow box. That is, after all, the essence of free speech where ideas are tested and refined by debate and, yes, argument.

Many experts believe the reason the Communist nations of the former Eastern Bloc ultimately failed was because they refused to allow alternative viewpoints – and ultimately ran out of fresh ideas and approaches to everything from politics to economics.

Boyd joins our team of columnists from across the political spectrum. We haven't chosen them because they represent what we, The Herald, think. How could they, when free-market liberals such as Andy Maciver rub shoulders with left-wing firebrands like Neil Mackay, or conservative Unionists such as Mark Smith share the page with pro-independence writers like Kevin McKenna?

We have chosen them because we think they all have viewpoints that are worth considering.

Of course, it's not all politics on our Comment pages. Vicky Allan specialises in Green issues, Catriona Stewart on social ones while Rosemary Goring and Rab McNeil bring a refreshingly non-political take on life.

Of course, we want to hear your views on the issues of the day too, so email us at letters@theherald.co.uk and tell us what you think.

Because every one's views count.