Nicola Sturgeon to become first serving prime minister or first minister to lead Pride

Nicola Sturgeon will become the first serving prime minister or first minister in the UK to lead a pride event this weekend, it has been confirmed.

The FM will appear as honorary grand marshal at Scotland’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) pride event on Saturday, at the same time as US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Scotland.

Sturgeon, who described herself as “personally disappointed” by Trump winning the presidency, said she was taking part in the march because society “must champion equality and fairness at all times”.

Protests against the US President are expected across the UK, with the Scottish Government warning “we will not compromise our fundamental values of equality, diversity, and human rights and we expect these values to be made clear during the Presidential visit to the UK”.

More than 8,000 people are expected to take part in the march, with Sturgeon set to lead the parade along with 200 LGBTI young people from across Scotland.

Sturgeon said: “I’m proud that Scotland is considered to be one of the most progressive countries in Europe regarding LGBTI equality and Pride Glasgow is a fantastic event that brings communities together and celebrates all that LGBTI people bring to Scottish life.

“As a society we must champion equality and fairness at all times and defend the progress that has been made. I am pleased to be named as the first ever honorary Grand Marshal of Pride Glasgow and I look forward to joining young LGBTI people in the parade to mark Scotland’s Year of Young People.”

The FM is not expected to meet Trump, who is scheduled to travel to his golf course in Turnberry after arriving from talks with Theresa May in London.

Alastair Smith, chief executive of Pride Glasgow, said: “We’re delighted to name First Minister Nicola Sturgeon the first honorary Grand Marshal of Pride Glasgow in recognition of her longstanding support of LGBTI equality. We can’t wait to welcome her, and tens of thousands of others to the Glasgow Pride celebrations this weekend.”