Nicola Sturgeon at Younger Hall

Nicola Sturgeon on Frankly

This summer we're going to be joined by none other than longest-serving First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon for her political memoir. Frankly is no ordinary political memoir. Remarkable for its honesty and self-reflection, this is the story of one of our most influential and successful leaders.

The enduring popularity of Nicola Sturgeon, the first female and longest-serving First Minister of Scotland, was a rare constant in an era marked by Brexit, Covid and five different UK prime ministers. Previously, as 'Yes Minister' and Deputy Leader of the SNP, she helped to bring Scotland to the brink of self-rule, overseeing the Yes campaign in the Scottish independence referendum of 2014.

In this deeply personal memoir, Sturgeon recounts her journey from working-class Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House. Revealing the person behind the politician, she explores the schism between her private and public personas: one painfully shy and self-critical, the other a consummate public performer. And yet, she pulls no punches, candidly recounting her interactions with figures including Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, and Alex Salmond - her mentor and, ultimately, her staunch adversary.

Full of the verve and wit that made Sturgeon one of the most high-profile politicians in the UK, this is a unique blend of personal insight and captivating vignettes. Infused throughout with a love of Scotland and its people, it honestly discusses Sturgeon's mistakes, her battles, and her triumphs. Frankly is the compelling story of no ordinary politician.

Nicola Sturgeon served as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party from 2014 to 2023 and has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament since its establishment in 1999. As leader of the SNP, she worked with five British Prime Ministers, from David Cameron to Rishi Sunak.

Nicola Sturgeon will be in conversation with Jo Sharp.

Jo Sharp is the current Geographer Royal for Scotland, a title she has held since 2022, as well as Professor of Geography at the University of St Andrews. She is the author of 100 publications, including 13 books, on geopolitics, development and global health and co-editor of the 2020 book Imagine a Country.