Politicians have praised Nicola Sturgeon as a "feisty Ayrshire lassie" who rose above "vitriolic abuse" to lead the country through its darkest hours.
SNP colleagues across the region have been queuing up to pay tribute to the First Minister following her bombshell resignation earlier today.
Ms Sturgeon called time after eight years at the helm during a hastily arranged press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh this morning.
The SNP leader, originally from Irvine, admitted that she could not give the role of First Minister "every ounce of energy," it needed after "wrestling" with the tough call to step down.
Ms Sturgeon said: "In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it is right for me, for my party and for the country. And so today I am announcing my intention to step down as First Minister and leader of my party."
Her announcement sent shockwaves throughout the UK political landscape, including from fellow Ayrshire SNP colleagues who have described the First Minister as a "formidable leader."
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Dorans told of his shock.
Mr Dorans said: "Nicola has been exceptional leader of our country who has shown enormous strength and compassion. She has been an inspiration to many, especially women, to enter politics.
"In her own words, on reflection, yes she made mistakes and on looking back, may have made different decisions. However we need to recognise that she held the most challenging political role in the country for eight years."
The SNP MP praised his fellow party member for showing exceptional resilience despite being subjected to "never ending" abuse from online trolls.
Mr Dorans added: "In the brutal world of politics, Nicola showed exceptional resilience despite being subjected to daily, never ending vitriolic abuse in the toxic realm of social media - in her resignation speech, she reminded us all that she is only human. I wish her well and every success for the future."
Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown penned an emotional tribute to Ms Sturgeon as she shared a picture of the pair at Troon beach during Ms Brown's campaign for Ayr, Prestwick and Troon seat in 2021.
Ayr MSP Ms Brown said: "It was with great sadness to learn of the resignation of the First Minister this morning.
"Nicola Sturgeon has been a formidable First Minister serving Scotland for the past eight years and has firmly cemented Scotland’s place on the world stage.
"She has led Scotland through some very difficult, turbulent years with strength, compassion and competence.
“Nicola has been the longest serving First Minister of Scotland in the history of devolution and I am truly grateful for her strong leadership during her time."
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham, who was recently appointed as Minister for Community in Sturgeon's cabinet, said she was "never more honoured" to join her Government at the end of 2022.
Ms Whitham said: "I wish to firstly note my deep gratitude and thanks for her constant and unrelenting, internationally recognised leadership of our beautiful nation.
“As the first female First Minister, she has also been the longest serving incumbent in the role. Both of these are stunning achievements in themselves. "
Kilmarnock & Irvine Valley MSP, Willie Coffey, praised the Irvine-born First Minister for showing the qualities of a "feisty Ayrshire lassie."
Mr Coffey said: "She spoke of the great challenges that remain in helping care experienced young people in particular to find a loved and respected place in our society and her determination to continue with this is testament to her ongoing commitment.
"She is a champion for those whose voices are often silent and who need others to speak up for them in our society; what we would expect from a feisty Ayrshire lassie."
Irvine MSP, Ruth Maguire, hailed Sturgeon as "one of the most talented and successful politicians" Scotland has ever produced.
The Cunnighame South MSP said: "I am sorry to see her stand down as First Minister and Leader of the SNP, however, respect that in taking that difficult decision so she has shown great courage."
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