By DEAN HERBERT
Published: 15:13 EDT, 19 March 2025 | Updated: 15:13 EDT, 19 March 2025
To many of her opponents she was a master of spin and secrecy.
But now Nicola Sturgeon has revealed that the title of her forthcoming memoir will be ‘Frankly’.
Billed as a ‘unique blend of personal insight and captivating vignettes’, the cover of Ms Sturgeon’s much anticipated book was yesterday revealed ahead of its launch this summer.
According to its blurb on online shopping site Amazon, it is ‘remarkable for its honesty and self-reflection’.
It also describes Ms Sturgeon, whose party is currently mired in financial scandal, as ‘Campaigner. Leader. Pioneer.’
But critics suggested that the former First Minister’s track record meant it would have to be stocked in the ‘fantasy section’ of bookshops, adding that she had a ‘brass neck’ to give it such a title.
Ms Sturgeon has been working on the book since at least 2023, when publisher Pan Macmillan picked up the UK rights in a hotly-contested auction.
The book, for which she received an advance of £300,000, promises to be a ‘personal and revealing memoir’ which charts Ms Sturgeon’s journey from ‘working-class’ Ayrshire to becoming Scotland’s First Minister.
Nicola Sturgeon has announced she will step down from Holyrood at next year´s election (Robert Perry/PA)
The book will see Ms Sturgeon give her account of her relationship with predecessor Alex Salmond
The cover of Nicola Sturgeon's memoirs was revealed online
Amazon describes the book, set to be released on August 14, as: ‘Full of the verve and wit that made Sturgeon one of the most high-profile politicians in the UK, this is a unique blend of personal insight and captivating vignettes. Infused throughout with a love of Scotland and its people, it honestly discusses Sturgeon’s mistakes, her battles, and her triumphs.’
But critics said that her track record of failing to recall key information during inquiries into the Alex Salmond affair, Covid and the ferries fiasco meant that the book will need to be taken with a pinch of salt.
In 20201, Ms Sturgeon faced almost eight hours of questioning from the Scottish Parliament’s committee looking into the devolved government’s handling of the Alex Salmond affair.
She was accused of ‘delay, obstruction and obfuscation’ after ‘failing to recall’ key information 50 times during the hearing.
Later, she told the UK Covid Inquiry she had deleted her WhatsApp exchanges about Covid in line with policy, but insisted she was ‘certain’ that any ‘salient points’ discussed about government policy would be documented on the corporate record.
An FOI request asked for a breakdown of messages from the then First Minister which were transferred to Holyrood’s electronic records and documents management system since January 2020.
In response, the Scottish Government said that ‘the answer is zero’.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: ‘Bookshops might have to stock this in their fantasy section given the brass neck title chosen by Nicola Sturgeon.
‘Unlike the former First Minister, Scots won’t forget how her memory suddenly failed her when she was grilled at the Covid and Salmond inquiries or over her role in the ferry scandal.’
In a social media post, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘I have poured my heart into this book, it tells the story of my personal journey, it recounts the extraordinary events that I have been privileged to live and to lead through.’
She said it will be a behind-the-scenes look, including of her interactions with ‘colourful characters’.
Ms Sturgeon continued: ‘The title sums up what the book is: open, honest candid. About my mistakes and my heartbreaks as well as my triumphs and achievements.’
First Minister John Swinney, who previously served as Ms Sturgeon’s deputy, said: ‘I’m sure it’ll be a good read.’
Asked if he had experience of Ms Sturgeon speaking ‘frankly’, he replied: ‘That’s a different question. I’m sure I have. Maybe the odd occasion? I’m sure it’ll be a lovely read.
‘And just for absolute clarity, I have no immediate plans to write my memoirs because I intend to be in office for a long time.’
In the months after announcing her resignation as first minister in February 2023, her husband - and former SNP chief executive - Peter Murrell was arrested in relation to a police probe into the SNP’s finances.
He was later re-arrested and charged in connection with the alleged embezzlement of party funds.
Ms Sturgeon was also arrested in relation to the same probe, as was former party treasurer Colin Beattie.
They were both released without charge pending further inquiries.