Nicola Sturgeon is the most prominent politician of the devolution era.
She led the SNP to repeated election victories and forced opposition parties into relative obscurity.
Independence supporters adored her, while many Unionists feared her.
At one stage, it seemed possible the long-serving first minister could be the person the SNP needed to finally achieve its dream of ending Westminster rule.
But an ongoing police investigation into the party's finances has changed the Scottish political landscape beyond recognition.
The SNP was already divided over how to achieve its primary goal of independence.
Now it must come to terms with the fact Sturgeon is the latest senior member to be questioned by detectives.
Speculation has mounted for weeks the former first minister would be arrested in connection with Operation Branchform.
Following the questioning of her husband Peter Murrell in April, it seemed like only a matter of time before Sturgeon would face a similar grilling.
Yet the announcement from Police Scotland yesterday afternoon was still a huge shock to many.
At the time of her last Holyrood election triumph in 2021, such an event would scarcely have seemed believable.
Even in the fast-paced world of politics, the events of recent months have come at dizzying speed.
While the former SNP leader was released without charge last night, many unanswered questions remain.
As a live police investigation, we must now wait for detectives to conclude their work.
As frustrating as it may seem to those desperate for answers, this investigation must remain free of political interference and given all the resources it needs.
It's in everyone's interests it is conducted honestly and fairly, and concluded hopefully as quickly as possible, because the work of government must go on.
There are too many pressing issues facing our country for Holyrood and the wider world of Scottish politics cannot become paralysed by the events of yesterday.
The cost-of-living continues to batter household finances as inflation rages and wages stagnate.
Opposition parties may be internally rejoicing at the SNP's woes but they have a job to do as well. Petty sniping won't fix the real issues impacting Scots.
The country is enjoying a warm summer but a cold winter is not far away.
Energy bills are a constant source of worry for many, even when the sun is shining.
The investigation could be complete this week, or it may take months but the real business of government cannot pause waiting in the meantime.
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