SCOTTISH First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been praised for casually getting out of her car and talking to a homeless man in Glasgow City Centre.

The SNP leader was snapped just off Buchanan Street on Monday, with the image since having gone viral, with many slamming Prime Minister Theresa May.

The image was posted on Twitter by user Ron Culley who wrote: “Turned into Glasgow’s Mitchell Lane this afternoon to find Scotland’s First Minister on her haunches talking to a homeless guy. No press or protection. Could Theresa May do this without snipers on the rooftops...or at all?

Dunfermline Press:

“I’m so proud to have Nicola as our First Minister.”

Hundreds of proud Scots inundated the post with positive comments, commending Ms Sturgeon for her actions.

“This is someone fit to govern Scotland,” said one, as another replied, “Someone fit to govern Great Britain quite frankly.”

One woman said: “Our FM is a really lovely human.”

Another added: “Respect where it’s due is seldom extended. I thank you for this, despite your political persuasions. It’s a rare and wonderful thing.”

Dunfermline Press:

Theresa May, on the other hand, came under heavy fire.

Twitter user Jason Michael shared the image, writing: “While the English Prime Minister puts people on the streets, this is the First Minister of Scotland.”

Dozens of other users criticised Mrs May.

Ron later revealed the homeless man in question to be called Robert.

He said Robert spoke to him of the encounter, and said: “I just saw Nicola gettin’ out of a big black car and shouted over.

“She came down the lane on her tod and crouched beside me.

“She asked how I was doin’, so I told her.

“She wrote it all down and said she’s going to help me.”

Ms Sturgeon, an Evening Times columnist, has previously written about homelessness in the city and across Scotland.

Speaking about visiting the man in Glasgow this week, she told the Evening Times: “With the weather getting colder, it brings the plight of those who are rough sleeping into even sharper focus.

“I often meet and speak with people from a range of backgrounds and take the time where I can to hear the personal stories of those affected by the big issues the Scottish Government is working to tackle.

“We are providing funding and support across a range of areas as we work with our partners to bring an end to homelessness and rough sleeping in Scotland.”