NICOLA Sturgeon has submitted her first motion as a backbench MSP since her resignation as Scotland’s first minister.
Sturgeon’s shock resignation in February took many by surprise, with the former SNP leader taking up her spot on the backbenches alongside former deputy John Swinney.
The former first minister has not spoken in the chamber since her departure from the top job, but has taken part in a number of votes.
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But now, Sturgeon has submitted a written motion inviting fellow MSPs to celebrate the work of a charity in her Glasgow Southside constituency.
The motion called for the parliament to congratulate Govanhill Baths Community Trust after it emerged they had received £10,000 from the National Lottery Community fund.
Sturgeon wrote that the cash will go towards supporting members of the local community who are “affected by the cost of living crisis” through initiatives including the People’s Pantry, Youth Club, and a Wellbeing Programme for older people.
The motion says that the parliament "recognises what it sees as the vital work that Govanhill Baths carries out in supporting the community, and congratulates them on all on their hard work and dedication over the years to helping the people of Govanhill and across all of Glasgow Southside".
The motion is backed by SNP MSP Clare Adamson and Labour MSP Paul Sweeney.
Sturgeon returned to the Scottish Parliament at the end of April.
She told reporters in Holyrood that it is “fair to say this has not been the easiest time” after the arrest and later release of her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.
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The former SNP leader denied that she had been aware of the developments in the police investigation and that they had forced her to resign.
Sturgeon said: “One of the frustrating aspects of that [process] is that I’m not able to give my version of what is going on just now. Hopefully, the time will come when I can do that.”
It comes after Sturgeon insisted she had not been looking for another job while first minister. She was asked about rumours that suggested she had been seeking a high-profile opportunity with an international body, such as the United Nations.
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