Frankly - In Conversation with Nicola Sturgeon

In compelling, clear-eyed, and self-critical prose, Frankly gives us a riveting, deeply human portrait of a woman coming into her power and reflecting on her battles, triumphs and defeats. - Douglas Stuart

Truly searching, truly frank, an excavation not only of what has been crucial in Sturgeon’s life and in our political times but in what I would call the interior life of our generation. - Andrew O'Hagan

Celebrating the paperback release we welcome former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as she shares her deeply personal and engaging memoir, Frankly.

Nicola 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 founding in 1999. Over the course of her remarkable career, she worked alongside five UK Prime Ministers, from David Cameron to Rishi Sunak. Now, she joins us to reflect on her journey, both in public life and beyond.

As Scotland’s first female and longest-serving First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon remained a steady and widely respected figure during a period shaped by Brexit, the Covid pandemic, and significant political change. Earlier in her career, as Deputy Leader of the SNP and a leading voice in the 2014 independence referendum, she played a central role in bringing Scotland to the brink of independence.

In Frankly, Sturgeon offers an honest and intimate account of her path from working-class Ayrshire to Bute House. She opens up about the contrast between her private self—shy and self-critical—and her confident public persona, while also sharing candid reflections on her encounters with key political figures and the defining moments of her career.

Written with warmth, insight, and her signature wit, this memoir blends personal stories with thoughtful reflection. It’s a heartfelt look at the people, challenges, and experiences that have shaped her life—and a compelling portrait of a truly distinctive political figure.

There will be an audience Q and A and book signing after the event.

This event will be held in the auditorium of Dollar Academy FK14 7DU and is fully accessible.