NICOLA Sturgeon began her mini tour of Scotland with a message that she will work to protect and improve the NHS and public services.

Ms Sturgeon, who will succeed Alex Salmond as First Minister next month, told a meeting of new SNP members she would lead for the whole country, not just SNP or Yes voters.

In Edinburgh at the first of six meetings which will see her speak in venues more used to big name music acts, Ms Sturgeon told the full house of more than 1600 people the different positions taken during the referendum can't be allowed to hold Scotland back from achieving progress.

Her tour, which began at the Corn Exchange in the capital, will include dates in Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries, Caird Hall Dundee, Eden Court in Inverness and the Music Hall in Aberdeen, with the largest gathering taking place at the Hydro in Glasgow on November 22 where more than 11,000 tickets have already been allocated.

Ms Sturgeon said: "If our Parliament does me the honour of electing me as First Minister, my government will have a relentless focus on the job in hand - on our public services, on the economy of Scotland, on tackling inequal-ity and on our precious NHS.

"Just as it is for people across our country, the NHS will be my daily priority. I will work tirelessly to protect and improve it."

The Glasgow Southside MSP said all Scots must face up to the opportunities which lie ahead.

She said: "Our differing views on independence doesn't mean we don't share many other aspirations for our country. We do. Aspirations of a healthy economy, strong public services, and a flourishing democracy.

"And that is why, for each and every day that I hold office as First Minister, I will govern this country to the very best of my ability - and I will do so for all of Scotland."

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk