First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised by Highland Green MSP Ariane Burgess

THE First Minister served with "compassion" and "determination" and has left a "solid foundation to build on urgent efforts too tackle the clmiate emergency", a Highland Green MSP has said.

Ariane Burgess also said that Nicola Sturgeon has left things well placed to "deliver independence, and manage the cost-of-living crisis", after the SNP leader announced her resignation earlier today.

Related: First Minister resigns saying 'I know in my head and in my heart the time is now'

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Paying tribute to Ms Sturgeon, Ariane Burgess said: "Nicola Sturgeon has been a significant figure in Scottish and UK politics through unprecedented challenges and I am sorry to see her step down.

"Whoever replaces her will have a solid foundation to build on urgent efforts to tackle the climate emergency, deliver independence, and manage the cost-of-living crisis.

"I look forward to continuing to deliver on the Bute House Agreement’s shared ambition for a greener, fairer Highlands & Islands, both in the immediate future and with a new First Minister in place.

"I want to express my appreciation for Ms Sturgeon’s compassionate, determined and selfless leadership, which helped anchor our nation through stormy seas, particularly throughout the Covid pandemic, where she led with empathy, strength and dignity. Her approach gave us a taste of how leadership in a well-being economy and society should be conducted."

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