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Home » News » Tackling inequalities » Inauguration

Inauguration

26 November 2014

Becoming First Minister:

Nicola Sturgeon became Scotland’s first female First Minister on November 19, 2014 – she takes us through her diary of her first week in the top job!

Monday:

I spent the day in my Glasgow Southside constituency.

I’ve always believed that no matter what position you hold in Government, you are always first and foremost a ­constituency MSP – I’m determined to maintain that as First Minister.

Tuesday:

This morning I was photographed for my official Bute House portrait, which will go up on the wall alongside the previous First Ministers’.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister in Bute House

Next was the weekly meeting of the Cabinet, the last to be chaired by Alex Salmond. As always, there is a lot of ­serious business to discuss but we ­finished up by giving Alex a special golf bag as a goodbye gift!

Wednesday:

This morning I visited the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh to meet staff, patients and their families.

I was Health Secretary for five years and I know just how hard our NHS staff work and as First Minister I will put a big focus on helping the NHS meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Meeting young Esme made me realise what being First ­Minister is all about.

First Minister visits Royal Hospital for Sick Children

Then it was off to the Scottish ­Parliament to begin the process for my election as First Minister.

Big day. I promise that I will give it my all and serve everyone in our country to the very best of my ability.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 19, 2014

I was joined by Joe FitzPatrick MSP and HumzaYousaf MSP as I signed my nomination paper.

Nicola Sturgeon signing nomination form to be First Minister

I was then voted in as First Minister, with my husband Peter and our family watching from the gallery. I could see the occasion was getting to my mum!

Then I had time with family and friends, where I got to thank them for everything they have done over the years.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and family

I also had a few important phone calls. The Prime Minister and Scottish Secretary phoned to congratulate me and I was able to have discussions with both of them about the path ahead.

Thursday:

My first appointment was at the Court of Session to be formally sworn in as First Minister – a very special occasion.

Nicola Sturgeon sworn in as First Minister of Scotland

Then at First Minister’s Questions I decided to start off on a consensual tone. I want all MSPs to feel that if they have good suggestions about making Scotland a better place to live, they can be sure that I will listen.

First Minister outside Bute House

For my first official engagement as First Minister, I invited carers into Bute House to hear their views on issues impacting on their lives.

Link to carers meeting page

Friday:

The main task of the day was appointing my Cabinet and ministers.

Delighted to announce that @johnswinney is the new Deputy First Minister of @scotgov #reshuffle pic.twitter.com/b31suC4HAL

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 21, 2014

It is a team of all the talents, which will take forward this Government’s priorities confidently and effectively.

First Minister and new Cabinet

I am proud that we have a 50/50 gender balance in our Cabinet and will encourage others to follow our example.

Saturday:

Time to head back to Glasgow! What a week!

Home for first time in a week. And what a special week it has been. Thanks for all your lovely messages of support.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 22, 2014

Rotating Tweets Shortcode

Twitter

The Scottish Government has lodged a Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) with the Scottish Parliament, recommending that consent cannot be given to the UK Government’s “inadequate and damaging” Brexit deal with the EU. More information: gov.scot/news/brexit-de… pic.twitter.com/aF6hfFmDqX

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has addressed the Zero Carbon Forum and committed to working with our European partners to fight climate change. We are delighted that Mayor @AnneHidalgo signed the Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity this week, on behalf of the city of Paris. pic.twitter.com/V87NNkLQ2V

We have a winner! Sophie Blackett, Age 10 from Calderwood, East Kilbride has designed the First Minister's 2020 Christmas card.🎄📨 Well done Sophie and thank you to everyone who took part, we had almost 700 fantastic entries.🌟 Sophie's design along with the message inside⬇️ twitter.com/ScotGovFM/stat… pic.twitter.com/EjBNmEaPk4

“We want Scotland to be regarded internationally as a leader on human rights issues.” – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a message to mark #HumanRightsDay Watch the full message⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6NXzsQISfR

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has met staff co-ordinating the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. The hospital is one of 23 centres where priority groups will be vaccinated against coronavirus. Read more ➡️ bit.ly/36OawE6 pic.twitter.com/pH0jRSvGgD

The First Minister @NicolaSturgeon delivered a speech at the @USChamber Space Summit, and underlined that Scotland is keen to work with partners around the world on a what is a priority area for inward investment. twitter.com/USChamber/stat…

Entries can be scanned and emailed to firstminister@gov.scot with the subject heading 'Christmas Card Competition' 🖥️ Or posted to St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG marked 'Christmas Card Competition' ✉️ Good luck! 🤞

Then make sure they enter before midnight on Monday November 30. ⏰ Pictures should be no larger than A3 and drawn in pen/pencil/crayon/paint only. No stickers or glued on pieces please. ✏️🖍️🖌️🎨

The First Minister is looking for a picture that represents kindness to use for her Christmas card this year.🎄📨 Do you know a young person under the age of 16 who can present the perfect festive picture to wrap up 2020? 🎁🎀

The original artwork for the First Minister's 2019 Christmas card will go to auction on Friday 27 November, Lot 870: bit.ly/361HnoO twitter.com/ScotGovFM/stat…

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