Nicola Sturgeon’s time as a powerhouse in Scottish politics has spanned almost 40 years.
The 54-year-old may have qualified as a solicitor early in her professional career, but it is in politics where she has truly made her mark ever since joining the SNP as a member at the age of 16.
Ms Sturgeon would go on to be elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, firstly as an additional member for the Glasgow electoral region before becoming the MSP for Glasgow Southside in 2007.
The MSP would go on to succeed Alex Salmond as SNP leader and First Minister in 2014, serving in the role for almost a decade, until her resignation in 2023.
Her spell as leader of Scotland would span the Covid-19 pandemic, and she has credited improvements to the Scottish Child Payment among her crowning achievements.
As Ms Sturgeon announces she is stepping down at next year’s Scottish election, The Scotsman looks back at her political career in photographs.
13. Celebrating election success in 2019
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivers a speech to the media at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, after the SNP won 47 seats, up from the 35 they won two years ago, making it the party's second best Westminster result ever. | PA
14. Talking books with Val McDermid
Portrait of Val McDermid and crime author Nicola Sturgeon, talking all about books with The Scotsman in December 2024 | John Devlin
15. In Perth for SNP conference in 2012
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and First Minister Alex Salmond arrive in Perth ahead of the Scottish National Party annual national conference in 2012 | PA
16. 100 days until the independence referendum
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (second left) with some female members of the Scottish Cabinet, as they walk past an '18 September 2014' sign outside the Scottish Parliament, as there are 100 days to go until the referendum. | PA