NICOLA Sturgeon named Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon as her favourite novel at the 20th Wigtown Book Festival.
The First Minister told an audience about the books that have shaped her life in a discussion hosted by writer Damien Barr on Friday.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon – 10 things that changed my life
The self-confessed book lover said if she had to choose a favourite it would be Sunset Song, which is set in north-east Scotland at the start of the 20th century, with its strong central female character and depiction of rural life.
She said her earliest memory of books involved her hiding under the table and reading at her own fifth birthday party.
Following the event, Sturgeon said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to spend time discussing the books I’ve had the benefit of reading over the years and that have helped shape my life.”
This year’s festival runs from September 21 to 30.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here