Quotes by Nicola Sturgeon

“I hope it doesnt cause any added distress to Robin Cooks family.”

“Its a classic Labour hype.”

“Political parties have to convince people that there is a real reason to vote and that will re-engage them in politics.”

“Isnt it the case, ... that there were deep divisions inside the executive over the issue and rather than tell the prime minister that, the first minister chose to abdicate responsibility and stay completely silent.”

“T he fact almost 40,000 Scots waited more than six months for treatment is an absolute disgrace, and these figures clearly expose Andy Kerrs claim that no patient waits more than six months for treatment as nothing more than a cruel deception.”

Equality and prosperity shouldnt be seen as enemies of each other, but as partners. One reinforces the other.

I am a social democrat - I believe in pursuing greater equality and tackling social justice - but... you cant do that unless you have got a strong economy, unless you have got a vibrant business base earning the wealth that makes that possible.

True gender equality in Scotland - and elsewhere - is still some way off.

My pledge to you is that the SNP will put women and gender equality right at the heart of the Westminster agenda.

Scotland is not a region of the U.K.; Scotland is a nation, and if we cannot protect our interests within a U.K. that is going to be changing fundamentally, then that right of Scotland to consider the options of independence has to be there.

Im not making any secret of the fact I still believe in independence. Well continue to argue the case.

I want there to be another independence referendum at some stage. I want Scotland to be independent, but I wouldnt choose to have it happen because England votes to come out of the E.U.

I dont feel we need to be independent for me to feel confident in my Scottish identity. I think Scotland is pretty comfortable in its identity. We wont need independence to preserve it... if we dont become independent, it wont disappear; it isnt under existential threat.

Scotch beef, salmon and shellfish are recognised the world over for their excellence and Scottish provenance. People recognise the Scottish brand. They associate the country with quality food and drink, and clearly other Scottish sectors, such as dairy, can benefit from that, too.

As a young woman in politics, with few women around, you start to subconsciously behave like men in politics. That comes across as quite hard, tough and humorless, but youre trying to be taken seriously.

I stand here today as the first woman first minister of our country. Every day I hold this office, I will work to ensure that every woman, every wee girl across this country, gets a chance to do what Ive done and follow their dream.

I feel comfortable in a position of leadership, but thats not to say I feel complacent about it. I take it incredibly seriously.

I know youve got to earn peoples trust, and youve got to earn it day after day after day.

Let us put the normal divisions of politics aside. Let us come together as one country let us seize this historic moment to shift the balance of power from the corridors of Westminster to the streets and communities of Scotland.

Social media is natural to me, and its a very immediate way of saying something. Its the way politics are done these days. In modern politics, you cant ignore that even if you wanted to. I cant imagine doing politics without it.