Nicola Sturgeon will leave the Scottish Parliament at the election next year.
The former first minister and SNP leader confirmed the decision on Wednesday in a letter to her local party members.
“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, and to allow you to select a new standard bearer,” she said.
Ms Sturgeon was the longest-serving first minister, holding the top job since taking over from Alex Salmond following the loss of the independence referendum in 2014.
She quit as first minister in early 2023.
During her time at the helm of the Scottish Government, she paid frequent visits to Tayside and Fife for official engagements and as part of election campaigns.
Here, we look back through our archives to share some of the best photos.
Newly appointed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addresses conference in Perth. Photo by C Austin/DC Thomson.
Newly appointed SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon is embraced by her mother Joan, after her speech at the annual party conference at Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, November 15 2014. Image: Andrew Milligan/PA.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (right) chats with specialist nurse Dympna McAleer (left) and patient Janice Stewart (centre) during a visit to a specialist unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where she announced an extra £2.5 million will be invested in specialist nursing care. Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.
Nicola Sturgeon visits Perth in support of SNP candidate Pete Wishart. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson
Charles and Camilla, Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, meet First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Dundee’s City Square where a ceremony took place to mark 100 years since the Battle of Loos began. Photo by Kris Miller/DC Thomson.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon meets supporters outside the Arden House Project in Leven during a campaign visit to Fife, where she highlighted SNP plans to build five new treatment centres where planned surgeries would take place – a move which she believes will help the health service cope with Scotland’s ageing population. Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
Nicola Sturgeon unveils the First Minister’s Christmas Card; produced by DC Thomson in Dundee, December 2016.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a visit to the Inveralmond Brewery in Perth, May 2017. Image: David Cheskin/PA Wire.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon shares chips with school children on a General Election campaign visit to Anstruther, May 31 2017. Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
Nicola Sturgeon taking a selfie with Raheel Khan at Dundee Mosque where Ramadan is being observed. Wednesday, June 21 2017. Image: Kris Miller/DC Thomson.
Women of the World Festival (WOW) is opened by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Jude Kelly (left, WOW Founder / Southbank Centre Artistic Director) and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Concert Hall, Perth. Friday October 27 2017. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has a shot on a swing as she officially opened Play as One Scotland’s fully inclusive playpark at Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline, Monday June 4 2018. The playpark has been specially designed for both non-disabled children and children with physical and learning difficulties and is the largest of its kind in Scotland. Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a tour of V&A Dundee with Breakthrough youths. Friday September 14 2018. Image: Kris Miller/DC Thomson.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opens the new Trauma Unit at Ninewells Hospital Dundee. November 19 2018. Image: Kenny Smith.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Joe Fitzpatrick MSP with some of the young carers at the Dundee Carers Centre, at the launch of the new Young Scot package. Wednesday June 12 2019. Image: Dougie Nicolson/DC Thomson.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join bestselling Crime Writer Val McDermid at Stark’s Park in conversation. Picture Shows; middle back l to r – writer, Val McDermid and First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon with members of the Raiders 13 squad – Sienna Delmaestro, Olivia Barclay, Natalie Murray and Christina Murray. July 31 2019. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.
Nicola Sturgeon visits St Andrews Brewing Company to mark its expansion as a result of a crowdfunding campaign. Pictured: Colin Wiseman, a brewer at the factory has a selfie with Nicola Sturgeon MSP and MP Stephen Gethins. Monday September 30 2019. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon waves to supporters in Arbroath. Saturday November 16 2019. Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.
Nicola Sturgeon gives her party’s candidate for North East Fife, Stephen Gethins, a haircut, during a visit to Craig Boyd Hairdressing in Leven, whilst on the General Election campaign trail. Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
SNP supporters taking selfies with First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon during her visit to St Andrews. Saturday November 30 2019. Image: Kris Miller/DC Thomson.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon trying her hand at netball during the official opening of the Regional Performance Centre (RPC), Caird Park, Dundee. Wednesday February 26 2020. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.
Courier Editor David Clegg interviews Nicola Sturgeon ahead of the Scottish election, April 29 2021. Photo by Kim Cessford/DC Thomson.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the new headquarters of Social Security Scotland at Agnes Husband House at Dundee’s Waterfront. Wednesday September 29 2021. Image: Gareth Jennings/DC Thomson.
SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon launches the SNP Campaign Bus on the Law in Dundee, meeting activists and candidates. Friday April 15 2022. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.
Following the overwhelming victory for SNP in Dundee, Nicola Sturgeon joins councillors and activists outside the V&A Dundee. Saturday May 7 2022. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.
25 pictures of Nicola Sturgeon in Tayside and Fife as she announces decision to quit Holyrood
