NICOLA Sturgeon said she is enjoying a new perspective since resigning as First Minister and is indulging a “new-found love”.

The Glasgow Southside MSP resigned from the top government post unexpectedly in March.

In today’s Glasgow Times, the now backbench SNP MSP, speaks about getting used to life after 16 years of round-the-clock pressure.

Sturgeon said she is focusing on constituency issues and topics close to her, including care experienced children and young adults.

Glasgow Times:

She said she has faced a “period of adaptation” from high-pressure decision making to having more of a personal life again after 16 years in government, including eight as First Minister, Scotland’s longest serving.

Writing her first column for the Glasgow Times as a backbench MSP, Sturgeon said: “I am enjoying the new perspective and different focus that comes with no longer being First Minister.

“Of course, over the past few weeks, I have also enjoyed having slightly more time for a personal life.

"Being First Minister was a huge privilege and a job I enjoyed immensely, but the pressures and time demands that come with the role inevitably meant that I too often neglected family and friends and missed out on many special events and celebrations.

“I am trying now to make up for that, and it has been a joy to catch up properly with some of those closest to me.

“I am looking forward to doing more of that in the months to come - and also to indulge in my new-found love of hillwalking.”

She refers to the investigation into the SNP finances as “unexpected and unwelcome” developments, adding she is “not able to expand upon” them but acknowledges they “have made this period even more challenging”.

Nicola Sturgeon writes every second Wednesday in the Glasgow Times.

Read today's column here.