Being one of the original 1999 Members of the Scottish Parliament, serving (by the time of the election) for 27 years – almost exactly half my life – and getting to represent Glasgow Southside, the best constituency in Scotland, has been an honour beyond words. However, I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life. I have therefore written this morning to SNP members in my constituency informing them that I will not be seeking selection for next year’s Holyrood election. To my constituents, past and present: thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Being your MSP has been my privilege and I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until I step down next year. To Southside SNP members: your support, loyalty and friendship, through thick and thin, has meant more to me than you will ever know. You are the best of the best. To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving Parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence.
Being one of the original 1999 Members of the Scottish Parliament, serving (by the time of the election) for 27 years – almost exactly half my life – and getting to represent Glasgow Southside, the best constituency in Scotland, has been an honour beyond words. However, I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life. I have therefore written this morning to SNP members in my constituency informing them that I will not be seeking selection for next year’s Holyrood election. To my constituents, past and present: thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Being your MSP has been my privilege and I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until I step down next year. To Southside SNP members: your support, loyalty and friendship, through thick and thin, has meant more to me than you will ever know. You are the best of the best. To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving Parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence.
Being one of the original 1999 Members of the Scottish Parliament, serving (by the time of the election) for 27 years – almost exactly half my life – and getting to represent Glasgow Southside, the best constituency in Scotland, has been an honour beyond words. However, I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life. I have therefore written this morning to SNP members in my constituency informing them that I will not be seeking selection for next year’s Holyrood election. To my constituents, past and present: thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Being your MSP has been my privilege and I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until I step down next year. To Southside SNP members: your support, loyalty and friendship, through thick and thin, has meant more to me than you will ever know. You are the best of the best. To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving Parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence.
Being one of the original 1999 Members of the Scottish Parliament, serving (by the time of the election) for 27 years – almost exactly half my life – and getting to represent Glasgow Southside, the best constituency in Scotland, has been an honour beyond words. However, I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life. I have therefore written this morning to SNP members in my constituency informing them that I will not be seeking selection for next year’s Holyrood election. To my constituents, past and present: thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Being your MSP has been my privilege and I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until I step down next year. To Southside SNP members: your support, loyalty and friendship, through thick and thin, has meant more to me than you will ever know. You are the best of the best. To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving Parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence.
Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷 The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human. We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics. Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat. Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable. Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they? This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility. Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full? 📷 @saneseven Picture editor @russocphoto Stylist @kate_barbour MUAH @emmasleon Interview @decca_aitkenhead #nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes
Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷 The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human. We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics. Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat. Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable. Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they? This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility. Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full? 📷 @saneseven Picture editor @russocphoto Stylist @kate_barbour MUAH @emmasleon Interview @decca_aitkenhead #nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes
Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷 The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human. We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics. Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat. Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable. Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they? This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility. Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full? 📷 @saneseven Picture editor @russocphoto Stylist @kate_barbour MUAH @emmasleon Interview @decca_aitkenhead #nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes
Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷 The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human. We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics. Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat. Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable. Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they? This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility. Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full? 📷 @saneseven Picture editor @russocphoto Stylist @kate_barbour MUAH @emmasleon Interview @decca_aitkenhead #nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes
Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷 The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human. We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics. Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat. Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable. Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they? This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility. Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full? 📷 @saneseven Picture editor @russocphoto Stylist @kate_barbour MUAH @emmasleon Interview @decca_aitkenhead #nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes
Recently, I photographed Nicola Sturgeon @nicolasturgeon 🩷 The Sunday Times calls her the most successful female politician after Thatcher. In person, what I saw was different: vivid, powerful, human. We collaboratively captured some of that on camera; a rare glimpse into a world of women who navigate the incredible personal brand challenges in the world of politics. Typically, when I photograph women politicians, every smile, every outfit, every pose is negotiated like it’s a national security threat. Advisers tell them to play it safe – neutral colours, careful poses, a tightly controlled image. It’s meant to protect them from criticism that could be a distration to their political goals. But it also hides what makes them relatable. Meanwhile, celebrities can fall out of nightclubs at 3am and people trust them to perform a brain surgery on their baby. We’ll use their healthcare and beauty products because they wouldn’t lie to us, would they? This is an interesting parradox. We need women in power. We need people to think that a woman in charge of the decisions that affect her life is the coolest thing a woman can do. It’s hard to do that without showing personaility. Politics is an old brand colliding with a modern reality. Authenticity is becoming the dominant currency in society. Does the future of leadership belong to those who dare to be seen in full? 📷 @saneseven Picture editor @russocphoto Stylist @kate_barbour MUAH @emmasleon Interview @decca_aitkenhead #nicolasturgeon #sundaytimes
It is going to take a very long time for those of us who loved her to come to terms with the passing this morning of our friend and colleague, Christina McKelvie MSP. Christina was kind, loyal, compassionate and full of life. As a politician, her ability to connect with people on a very human level and understand instinctively the challenges they were facing was her super-power. She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. I will never forget the friendship and kindness she showed me over many years. My heart goes out to Keith, who in recent years brought her more happiness and joy than he will ever know; and to her beloved boys, Lewis and Jack, both fine young men very much in their mum’s mould. The grandkids she doted on – Maeve and Leo – will grow up knowing what an amazing woman she was. I will miss her so much. All of us in @thesnp and @scotparl will carry her in our hearts forever. Her memory and legacy will be with us always. RIP my beautiful friend 💛
I am thrilled to reveal the cover and title of my memoir which will be published on 14 August. I have poured my heart into this book and I can’t wait for you to read it. You can pre-order signed copies here http://linktr.ee/FranklybyNicolaSturgeon
A rare night out in Glasgow reminded me how much I love this city that has been my adopted home since I was 18 years old
A rare night out in Glasgow reminded me how much I love this city that has been my adopted home since I was 18 years old
Still so hard to believe you are gone. Rest in peace my beautiful friend 💛
Join me in Edinburgh’s iconic Usher Hall for this special event. I will reflect on my career in politics, from the early days in the Scottish Parliament to leading the country through historic and often turbulent times. In an in-depth interview followed by an audience Q&A, I will offer personal insights into leadership, public service, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped my journey. I will also share some thoughts on what lies ahead – for me, for Scotland, and for politics more broadly.
I posted a version of this photo last night but this one is better. I love the reflection. For those who don’t know Glasgow, this is the Gallery of Modern Art @glasgowgoma – one of the most beautiful buildings in the city IMO. And in front of it is the famous Duke of Wellington statue with the traffic cone on his head. There is no humour like Glasgow humour – official fact!
Bookshop = my happy place This one was an extra-special joy to visit yesterday. @chapter_one_chss – in the Trongate in Glasgow – is run by @chsscotland, which means that buying a book there doesn’t just bag you a good read, it also supports this brilliant charity
Early Christmas dinner last night with these lovely people – my constituency office team. These are the people (along with those who have come and gone from the team over the years) who have had my back through thick and thin. More importantly, they have worked day in and day out for my Southside constituents. I could not have done my job without them and I will be forever grateful. If you are wondering what/who I am going to miss most when I leave Parliament next year – they are sitting round that table. ❤️ Thanks to The Ivy Glasgow for a wonderful meal and aervice.
We’re thrilled to be publishing the long-awaited, deeply personal memoir from one of Britain’s most significant political leaders of recent times – Nicola Sturgeon. This captivating and revealing memoir takes readers from her working-class roots to the forefront of Scottish politics as the country’s first female and longest-serving first minister – offering an insider’s view of key political moments from the SNP’s rise to power and the Scottish Independence Referendum, to Brexit and the challenges of the Covid pandemic. With candour and insight, she shares her personal achievements and regrets, the challenges of being a woman in a high-stakes political arena and reveals the person behind the public figure. A must-read for anyone interested in the decisions that have shaped Britain’s history – #Frankly is available to pre-order now.
For the book lovers amongst you, here are two I’ve read recently. Both absolutely cracking and highly recommended 1. The Art of a Lie by @laurashepherdrobinson (published 10 July but available for pre-order now) 2. The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by @ellerylloyd_author
For the book lovers amongst you, here are two I’ve read recently. Both absolutely cracking and highly recommended 1. The Art of a Lie by @laurashepherdrobinson (published 10 July but available for pre-order now) 2. The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by @ellerylloyd_author
This by @mirandajuly is brilliant. Totally lives up to all the hype – and to its @womensprize shortlisting. I’m engrossed.
Only a few years ago, me and @keziadugdale were slugging it out at FMQs but on Friday night we will join forces in support of @jenny_gilruth 2026 Holyrood campaign. Kez and I will be in conversation about life, politics, life after politics, with a whole host of other topics thrown into the mix – all wrapped up in some festive cheer! There ares till a few tickets available if you want to join us. Details in pic. Hope to see you there.
