Nicola Sturgeon Bids Farewell to Holyrood in Emotional Final Address
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has delivered her final speech in the Scottish Parliament, marking the end of a remarkable 27-year tenure as an MSP. In an emotional address, she described leaving Holyrood as a "wrench," despite acknowledging that "the time is right to move on."
A Political Journey Spanning Decades
Sturgeon, who is not standing in May's Scottish election, reflected on her extensive career, which began in 1999 with the first elections to the devolved Scottish Parliament. She humorously noted she was "almost literally in with the bricks in this place," having witnessed the institution's evolution from its inception.
Her time at Holyrood included eight years in opposition followed by 16 years as part of the SNP government, including eight years as First Minister. She stepped down from both leadership roles just over three years ago, but remained an MSP until now.
Reflections on Changing Political Landscape
In her farewell remarks, Sturgeon observed that during her tenure, "politics and political discourse have changed almost beyond recognition, and not always for the better." She accepted she bore "a share of responsibility" for these changes while offering parting advice to her fellow parliamentarians.
The former SNP leader described her most recent term as "the most fractious and divided that I have served in," highlighting the increasing polarization within Scottish politics.
Parting Advice to Fellow Politicians
Sturgeon offered several pieces of counsel to those who will continue serving in Holyrood. She urged MSPs to "make friends in other parties" and remember that "opponents need not be enemies." She emphasized the importance of independent thinking, stating: "No matter the depths of your loyalty to your own political tribe, don't forget to think for yourself."
She also cautioned against political hyperbole, noting: "Keep a sense of perspective. You know if everything is a scandal or an outrage, nothing is. And then those who deserve to be held to account, they get off Scot-free."
A Warning About Social Media and Public Service
The former First Minister offered particularly pointed advice about the role of social media in modern politics. "Don't live life on social media," she advised. "Use it, but never forget there is a real world out there and it is the people in it you are here to serve."
Sturgeon concluded by reminding her colleagues of their privileged position: "Every day you walk through these doors and into this magnificent chamber, remember that it is a privilege, a rare privilege. For 27 years it has been my privilege, one that I must now draw to a close."
An Emotional Departure
Throughout her speech, Sturgeon maintained that serving as an MSP had been a "rare privilege," even as she acknowledged the challenges of contemporary politics. Her emotional farewell marks the end of an era in Scottish politics, closing a chapter that began with the very establishment of the devolved Parliament she helped shape for nearly three decades.
As she prepares to leave Holyrood for the final time, Sturgeon's legacy as Scotland's longest-serving First Minister and one of the most significant figures in modern Scottish politics remains firmly established, even as she steps away from the parliamentary arena.
