COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has paid tribute to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after she announced her intention to step down from her role.

Ms Ewing said the SNP leader had left a "huge legacy".

She continued: "Nicola Sturgeon has been an outstanding leader of the party, of government and of Scotland and in announcing and explaining her decision to step down, she gave a most dignified speech.

“Throughout her adult life, Nicola has been an important figure in Scottish politics. From rising star to Scotland’s first female First Minister, she has been the promising young activist who delivered, particularly evidenced during the darkest days of the pandemic when the knowledge that her sure hand was steady on the tiller was a comfort to many.

“We are now, indeed, in the final stage of Scotland’s journey to Independence and Nicola’s immense contribution will be rightly recorded in the history books.

"She leaves a huge legacy on which to build and grow and we in the SNP will do our best to do so – not least in completing that journey.

“Thank you First Minister and enjoy the next chapter of your life.”