THIS was the moment Nicola Sturgeon was officially sworn in as Scotland's First Minister.
Ms Sturgeon received the Royal Warrant at the Court Of Session, Edinburgh. Her formal appointment as First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal took about six minutes in Court One of the Parliament House building.
It took place before a "full bench" of 15 judges and was presided over by the Lord President of the Court of Session and head of the Scottish judiciary, Lord Gill.
Ms Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell was among those who watched the proceedings.
During the ceremony, the Lord President called for the Royal Warrant to be read to the court.
Ms Sturgeon then bowed her head in agreement as she was asked to "solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that you will well and truly serve Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, in the office of First Minister of the Scottish Government".
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