Nicola Sturgeon has announced today (February 15) she will be standing down in her role as First Minister of Scotland, in what she states is the "right timing" to make the decision.
The 52-year-old politician was the first woman to take up the position as First Minister of Scotland, and has remained in the top job for eight years.
During a statement made at Edinburgh's Bute House, Sturgeon thanked the people of Scotland for supporting her over the years, and said she feels this is the "correct timing" to step down from leadership.
Ms Sturgeon has noted that leading the nation has been a “privilege beyond measure”, as she reminisced over her time as First Minister.
READ MORE Nicola Sturgeon confirms resignation as Scotland's First Minister after more than eight years
So, what has happened during the years of Nicola Sturgeon's reign? Read on below to find out more.
Nicola Sturgeon's years before she was First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon has been a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since 1999 - the year she became a list MSP for the Glasgow region.
Nicola then won the election in 2007 to take up the Glasgow Southside seat in Scottish Parliament.
She originally trained as a lawyer in Glasgow, at the University of Glasgow School of Law. The politician graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1992 - before getting a Diploma in Legal Practice in 1993.
She finalised her legal traineeship at McClure Naismith, a firm in Glasgow. Nicola then went on to work for Stirling-based solicitors Bell & Craig, and then moved onto the Drumchapel Law Centre in Glasgow.
Moving from Deputy to First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon succeeded Alex Salmond as Scotland's First Minister in 2014, after Salmond lost the first Independence Referendum.
She has led her party as Deputy FM and First Minister in the Scottish Government for just over eight years – the first woman to hold either position.
Nicola was also the first woman to lead any of the devolved UK administrations.
Nicola held the position of Deputy First Minister from May 17, 2007, until November 19, 2014.
Sturgeon was also Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party from 2004-2014, Infrastructure Secretary from 2012-2014, and Health Secretary from 2007-2012.
She became leader of the Scottish National Party on November 14, 2014 and was sworn in as First Minister on November 20, 2014.
READ NEXT:
Schoolgirl raped in Glasgow park returned home soaking wet with twigs in her hair
Man dies in Glasgow flat after police race to scene of 'disturbance'
Batgirl moans about miserable Glasgow weather after movie axed
Glasgow vigil to be held in George Square for teenager Brianna Ghey who was 'stabbed to death'
Paisley dad's 'whole life crumbled' after being diagnosed with inoperable brain tumour
