There's nothing in my background that would have said I was destined to be a senior politician. Nicola Sturgeon backgrounddestinepolitician Change image and share on social
I don't 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 won't need independence to preserve it... if we don't become independent, it won't disappear; it isn't under existential threat. Nicola Sturgeon comfortableconfidentdisappear share on social
Since I became First Minister, I have made clear my priority to alleviate poverty and tackle inequality in Scotland. Ensuring that everyone can do better in life will not only make Scotland fairer, but it will also make it a more prosperous place. Nicola Sturgeon alleviateclearensure share on social
Instead of an end to austerity, Labour has made clear that it wants to impose more austerity cuts. Nicola Sturgeon austerityclearcut Change image and share on social
English businesses would face massive transaction costs if Scotland, their second biggest export market, used a different currency. Nicola Sturgeon bigbusinesscost Change image and share on social
People don't want to go back to the days, pre-referendum, when the Westminster establishment sidelined and ignored Scotland. They want Scotland's voice to be heard. Nicola Sturgeon backdayestablishment Change image and share on social
American companies based in Scotland employ large numbers of people - in fact, we are the best performing part of the U.K., outside London and the southeast of England when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment. Nicola Sturgeon americanattractbase share on social
I'm not a scientist. If there is a risk to our environment, there will be no fracking. Nicola Sturgeon environmentfrackingrisk Change image and share on social
I am privileged to count many Muslims among my friends - some are amongst my closest friends. Nicola Sturgeon closecountfriend Change image and share on social
I want there to be another independence referendum at some stage. I want Scotland to be independent, but I wouldn't choose to have it happen because England votes to come out of the E.U. Nicola Sturgeon chooseenglandhappen Change image and share on social
