Nicola Sturgeon said she is “excited and a wee bit terrified” at what lies beyond Tuesday next week, when she officially resigns as First Minister.
Sturgeon was opening a £33 million treatment centre in Kirkcaldy, her last ever official engagement as SNP leader.
This comes just 24 hours after she made her last appearance at First Minister’s Questions.
Sturgeon was given a standing ovation after saying being First Minister “has been the privilege of my lifetime”, and she thanked Scots for “placing your trust in me”.
Speaking to Heart Scotland News in Kirkcaldy, Sturgeon described feeling “strange” at the prospect of leaving the post she has held for eight years.
She added that she was 100% certain it was the right decision but also had “mixed emotions”.
Sturgeon said: “This is a job like no other – I’ve loved it. It’s been really hard. I’ve led Scotland through the toughest period for all of us in our recent history.
“Stepping away from that, the adjustment after 16 years in government to not being in government is going to be, I guess, really difficult.
“Tuesday is the day I will officially tender my resignation. By Tuesday evening, we will have a new first minister.”
Either Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes or former community safety minister Ash Regan (above) will become Sturgeon's successor next week.
Sturgeon said that Wednesday morning will be the “first time in 16 years” that she will wake up with no government responsibilities.
“I don’t yet know what I’m going to do,” she said. "Maybe a lie in. I’ve taken up hill walking, so I’ll maybe go for a walk up a hill somewhere.”
She added: “If I was to sum up how I’m feeling right now, it’s excited and a wee bit terrified in equal measure."
