Nicola Sturgeon's elderly parents have been targeted by thugs at their home in the wake of the First Minister's resignation, her sister Gillian has revealed.
Gillian claimed a T-shirt with the First Minister's face and the caption 'I identify as unemployed' was posted through the letterbox of Joan and Robin Sturgeon's family home in Dreghorn, North Ayrshire. It comes after Nicola announced she would be stepping down from her post last week.
It is understood Police Scotland is investigating the incident.
In a Facebook post, Gillian warned thugs to stay away, writing: "She’s resigned. She’s no longer a thorn in your side.
"STAY AWAY from my parents. I am fuming. Police (have been) informed."
Gillian said that she would "do anything" to protect her parents, who are both in their 70s. She added: "This abuse (has) been so bad (over the) last week.
"They are trying to get one last dig. But to target my poor parents makes me livid.
"I really worry for the three running for First Minister. Their families won’t get peace."
In a speech last week Sturgeon confirmed her resignation, and said she was looking forward to more time with her family, including her niece and nephew – the children of sister Gill.
Sturgeon's mum, Joan, said she and husband Robin are proud of their girl’s achievements as Scotland’s First Minister but can’t wait until it is all over.
Former SNP councillor Joan, 70, said: “For the past few years, she has been Nicola the politician, who never switches off. Now, as a family, we get her back. We’re immensely proud of her. We’re all delighted. She’s done a brilliant job.”
Granny Joan, an ex-North Ayrshire Council provost, told how she met with her daughter after her resignation speech last Wednesday at Bute House in Edinburgh.
Three candidates have since announced their intention to take part in the race to replace Sturgeon as First Minister. Ash Regan, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf have all launched their campaign to succeed Sturgeon, with a winner due to be announced by March 27.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an item of clothing delivered to a property in the Dreghorn area on Thursday, 23 February.
“There was no risk posed by the item and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
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