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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

Nicola Sturgeon surprises Edinburgh hen party during trip to Portobello beach

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon surprised sun seekers at Portobello beach on Sunday, as she made an appearance at the popular seaside destination.

Ms Sturgeon was present at various shops on the promenade, as well as posing with locals and surprising an unsuspecting hen do on the beach.

The First Minister also had time to stop for some pictures and to sign some autographs with the public on a cloudy afternoon at Portobello.

READ MORE: Young Edinburgh woman adopting brother after tragic sudden loss of their mum

The leader of the SNP party also took a trip to nearby coffee shop, Miro's, with some of her party candidates, as well as being pictured with staff members, as the upcoming elections get closer and closer.

Pictures from Portobello show Sturgeon supporting members of her party, as well as surprising a group of women on the beach who are wearing a tartan patterned wig, of which the First Minister also picks up and tries herself.

Members of the public seemed in shock as they caught a rare up-close glimpse of Sturgeon, many posing for selfies on the busy promenade.

Earlier on Sunday, Sturgeon was quoted saying that she would not "shy away" from dealing with misconduct within the SNP.

The First Minister made the comments while appearing on Sophy Ridge's Sky News on Sunday programme as she called for misogyny and harassment to be better dealt with in politics.

It comes following the resignation of a Conservative backbencher who stood down after watching pornography in the Commons.

Ms Sturgeon was also asked about sexual misconduct allegations within her own party, as SNP MP Patrick Grady is investigated over claims he groped two male researchers.

Sturgeon also paid a visit to Miro's coffee shop on the promenade. (Donald Turvill)

The incidents are alleged to have occurred at a Christmas party in 2016.

Mr Grady, an MP for Glasgow North, stood aside as chief whip following the claims, which were reported to Westminster's Independent Complaints and Grievance Service.

Speaking on Sky News, the First Minister said she did not know the status of the investigation.

She said: "I've seen what has been reported, as I understand it the process is under way. I have not seen any findings."

But Ms Sturgeon stressed she was not trying to "dodge" the issue and said the claims should be fully investigated.

She added: "I'm not trying to dodge this. It's important that the process is allowed to proceed.

"When I do know whether things have been upheld, I'm happy to come on and talk to you about that.

"And I'm happy to be open about what I think should happen in those circumstances."

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