NICOLA Sturgeon has made an unscheduled stop on the campaign trail – surprising a hen do on Portobello beach.
The First Minister, who was in Edinburgh supporting local candidates ahead of Thursday’s council election, enjoyed a laugh with a hen party visiting from Newcastle.
The SNP leader tried on “jimmy” hats with the group, who were in hysterics.
A video of the light-hearted encounter was shared on social media by LBC’s Jack Foster, prompting a wave of goodwill towards the FM.
“And that is why I wish I was Scottish. She’s bloody brilliant,” one person commented.
Another wrote: “One of the many reasons the SNP are gonna smash it again on Thursday.”
A further post read: “These girls from Newcastle will never forget this. It’s good to have a politician leading our country who has a sense of fun as well as a serious side. Can't imagine any of the other party leaders, at Holyrood or Westminster being as human. Good on you FM.”
Here’s the moment @NicolaSturgeon caught up with a hen party up from Newcastle, whilst out campaigning on Portobello beach. @LBC @LBCNews pic.twitter.com/4azA7u0hxQ
— Jack Foster (@jackfostr) May 1, 2022
While on the campaign trail on Portobello promenade, Sturgeon responded to a new poll which put her party on track to increase its vote share in Thursday’s ballot.
She told the PA news agency: “I’ll campaign for as many SNP votes as possible.
“What I do think is telling about that poll is that 15 years into the SNP’s period in government we’re still the dominant party.
“And Labour and the Conservatives, actually by their own admission, are scrapping it out for second place.
“I’m quite happy to leave them doing that and I’ll continue to argue the case for SNP votes in every part of the country.”
Discussing the poll’s findings on health and education, she said the pandemic had significantly impacted these areas of government.
The First Minister said: “We’re focused on catching up with that and supporting young people to get back on track with education.”
