Hundreds of Unionists gather in Glasgow's George Square following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation

Hundreds of Unionists have gathered in Glasgow's George Square this evening, following the resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Sturgeon, who has led the SNP since 2014, shocked the world of politics by announcing her intention to step down on Wednesday morning.

Around 250 people gathered in Glasgow, with reports of champagne being drunk and even a conga line, while people waved Union Jacks, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

The event was organised by a Glasgow taxi driver, who told the crowd: "It's been quite emotional. It's taken a lot of time and it's involved a lot of people.

"Very many organisations, groups from all over Scotland. I couldn't be more proud of every one of you. You are a credit to Scotland and the people of Scotland."

(EPA)

Speaking to the Scottish Daily Express, he added: "We are really just looking for some relief from such a long time under Sturgeon. The SNP has run us into the ground. Hearing the news, I was over the moon -it was bound to happen."

In a press conference at Bute House on Wednesday morning, Ms Sturgeon said she had instructed the party's national secretary to begin the process of finding her successor.

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Ms Sturgeon said her resignation as First Minister "frees the SNP" on the issue of Scottish independence "to choose the path it believes to be the right one without worrying about the perceived implications for my leadership".

Ms Sturgeon is Scotland's longest-serving First Minister and by far its best-known politician.

But she has faced growing criticism from some in her party after her plan to hold a referendum on Scottish independence was struck down by the Supreme Court.

And her domestic policy agenda has faced intensive scrutiny in the wake of her government's gender recognition reform legislation.

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