Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon is writing a “deeply personal and revealing” memoir.
According to publisher Pan Macmillan, the as-yet-untitled book will chart how the 53-year-old went from being a “shy child from a working class family in Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House as Scotland’s first female and longest-serving first minister”.
The memoir will cover the former SNP leader’s proudest achievements as well as her regrets throughout her time in politics.
It will also touch on important political events, including the Scottish independence referendum, Brexit and the COVID pandemic.
However, there was no mention of whether Ms Sturgeon will be documenting her arrest and subsequent release without charge amid a police probe into the SNP’s funding and finances.
Announcing the news on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said: “I am thrilled to be working with Pan Macmillan, a globally-renowned publisher with proud Scottish roots.
“I have loved my life in politics but ever since I was a child, I have harboured an ambition to write.
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“Embarking on this book is therefore exciting, if also daunting.
“I aim to chronicle key events of the past three decades of Scottish and British politics and take the reader behind the scenes to describe how it felt to be ‘in the room’, who else was there, the relationships involved and how decisions were arrived at.
“I will talk about what I am proud of and be frank about my regrets.
“I will reflect on the challenges of being a woman in politics and reveal more about the person behind the politician.
“I will also draw on my 35 years of experience to offer some thoughts on the future of Scotland, the UK and democracy in general.”
The Glasgow Southside MSP said she will dedicate the book to her late uncle.
She said: “It is slightly bittersweet today, though, as I head to the funeral of my uncle, the journalist Iain Ferguson.
“This is something that I always hoped we might work together on some day. Instead, it will be a book I dedicate to him.”
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Pan Macmillan snapped up the British and Commonwealth rights to the memoir following a “hotly contested” nine-publisher auction.
In its announcement, Pan Macmillan said the book will be a “deeply personal and revealing memoir from one of Britain’s most significant political leaders of recent times”.
Publishing director Mike Harpley said: “As well as spending her career in frontline politics, Nicola is a lifelong avid reader, lover of literature and a keen supporter of bookshops and the wider book trade.
“As a result, it is no surprise that the extracts she has already written are notable for their wit, honesty, and excellent writing.
“We are very much looking forward to working with her on this book.”
The book is expected to be published in 2025.
