Scotland Election 2021: Nicola Sturgeon plans virtual national tour as part of SNP election campaign

Nicola Sturgeon is to embark on a virtual tour of Scotland as she bids for a historic fourth term at Holyrood for the SNP.

While the election campaign would usually see politicians travel the country speaking to voters, the First Minister said the coronavirus pandemic meant she would instead be “staying home”.

A virtual national tour is planned, with a series of digital town hall meetings across Scotland.

Details were announced as Ms Sturgeon prepared to unveil a new poster to mark the official launch of the SNP election campaign for the May 6 Holyrood election.

Ms Sturgeon, who has been First Minister since 2014, will say: “In this election the SNP’s offer is this, experienced leadership and serious government to lead Scotland through the pandemic.”

The SNP leader will promise a “transformational policy programme to kick-start the recovery with the NHS, jobs and an economy that works for everyone at its core”.

She will also stress that when the coronavirus crisis is over Scots must have “the right to decide whether to become an independent country and take our future into our own hands”.

Speaking about the election campaign, the First Minister will tell people: “In normal times, I’d be criss-crossing the country on the election trail.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, outside the Covid 19 vaccination centre at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

“For the time being, just like all of you, I’m staying home.

“And so, over the coming weeks, I will be touring Scotland virtually to meet people online.

“We’ll be holding a series of digital town hall meetings, from Stranraer to Shetland.”

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