THIS week, the unopposed election of Nicola Sturgeon as the leader of the Scottish National Party, signalled a new era of Scottish politics.

Alex Salmond, or a least his ghost, is unlikely to fade away completely from the landscape of Scottish politics, yet his importance and relevance, have been diffused.

Nicola Sturgeon, joined the SNP aged 16 and by the age of 29, was an MSP. She studied Law and worked as a solicitor, however, she is in almost every sense, a career politician.

In setting out her political stall, she has made it clear she refuses to rule out another independence referendum, in the short term.

This doesn't exactly chime with her former leader, who articulated that he would accept the settled will of the Scottish people, at least for the next generation. Unless of course, generations and now measured in timeframes of three years. Perhaps a week isn't a long time in politics after all.

Since the referendum, tens of thousands have swelled the SNP ranks. These recruits will be motivated by a persisting and renewed ambition of independence. It is unlikely either their patience, or their politics, will stretch to waiting for a new generation of political thinking in Scotland.

It is also unlikely their political ideology will push the SNP in any visible direction, other than to the left. The management of the aspirations of activists in her own party, will be among the early tests for Nicola Sturgeon.

There is however a greater test, a test which will either prove or disprove her credentials, in advance of the next elections to the Scottish Parliament on May 5, 2016.

More than 60% of Scots, either didn't vote, or voted no to Independence. As Scotland's new First Minister, it will be in the exercise of her duty of care to this majority, that her leadership will be most tested. How will her leadership of the Country, embrace their political will, thoughts and ambitions?

Short of independence, the Smith Commission can never satisfy the SNP agenda. The failures of a previous day are unlikely to diminish Sturgeon's life-long ambitions. Her stewardship must be capable of representing the ambition of all its citizens, or at the very least, the majority. It is in reconciling these issues, that her leadership, judgment and humility will be fully tested. I, for one, wish her well, but I do find myself pondering whether true ambition, ever ends.

GOOD news about the six Glasgow metalworkers, whose syndicate, had won the Euromillions lottery. The men shared winnings of more than £330,000 or £55,000 per person.

As the man responsible for running the syndicate, Nigel Himsworth was delighted when the cheque was deposited into his account, enabling him to provide shares to the rest of the syndicate.

Most of us have imagined what it must feel like. We imagine going to the bank and thinking of what we would do with the money. However, first things first, it would be important to celebrate your win with your colleagues.

It is easy, therefore, to imagine how Nigel felt, when he went to the bank, only to discover they had refused to cash the cheque. Apparently, some banking official classed the win as a "suspicious payment" and locked the account.

He had to borrow the money, to toast the win, with his pals. Whilst I am sure this story will ultimately have a happy ending, I do have some advice for Nigel. In the coming days, his bank manager will pick up the phone to him, explaining he is acting in his best interests and asking him to come and see him regarding the potential to invest this money.

Go and see him Nigel ... and look at the reaction on his face, as you tell him you are closing your account, moving to another bank and you realise you both have something in common. When he asks you what is, tell him you and your colleagues are not the only ones for whom the number is up.

CHILD poverty hit the headlines again this week, with news that some 220,000 Scottish children, remain in poverty.

We have Westminster elections in May and Holyrood elections the following year. It is time political parties set out their agendas, for tackling this recurring problem. We need properly costed strategies, relating to low pay, increased housing costs and childcare provision.

However, we also need to recognise that poverty can also become a way of living and thinking, not just a lack of money or possessions. Political strategies, from all the parties, that tackle these issues, are long overdue issues that bring such shame upon our Nation.