Richard Lochhead pays tribute to outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

RICHARD Lochhead has paid tribute to departing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon following her final appearance at First Minister's Questions today.

Ms Sturgeon, in a tearful farewell speech, said that it had been the "privilege" of her life to be Scotland's First Minister before closing out her 286th and final FMQs this afternoon.

Scotland's longest serving First Minister said that she was "very proud" of her party's record citing policies including the Scottish Child Payment and progressive income tax.

Mr Lochhead, paying tribute to Ms Sturgeon, said: "This is the end of an era and watching Nicola Sturgeon getting up from her seat a few yards from me and leaving the front bench for the very last time was emotional to say the least.

“Having been on the frontline of Scottish politics for 24 years now, it is clear to see the enormous sacrifices she’s made to serve our party and, most importantly, the people of Scotland.

"As our first female First Minister and a proven election winner she not only made history, but has been an inspirational role model for women and girls across Scotland, demonstrating that there should be no limit on their ambition and what they can achieve.

“Nicola leaves behind an incredible legacy and can be so proud of all she has achieved during her time in government, but I expect her time in office will be defined by the way in which she guided the country through the pandemic – one of the most challenging periods in living history.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside Nicola since the reopening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and it has been an absolute privilege to serve with her in the Scottish Government as one of her ministers."

Moray MP and Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross attacked Ms Sturgeon's record in government and accused her of dividing the country.

Mr Ross, speaking at FMQs today, said: "Nicola Sturgeon ignored Scotland's priorities in favour of her obsession with independence.

"She divided our country and failed on every mission she set herself. First Minister, isn't that the truth of your legacy?"

However, Ms Sturgeon responded to Mr Ross by citing her eight election victories in eight years.

Ms Sturgeon added: "That has not been at any point in my time as First Minister the verdict of the Scottish people.

"Eight election victories in eight years as First Minister, that's the verdict that matters to me."

Ms Sturgeon's last official engagement will be on Friday.

The winner of the contest to succeed Ms Sturgeon as SNP leader will be revealed on Monday afternoon.