Nicola Sturgeon wears heart on sleeve before Alex Salmond inquiry

For an inquiry that has all too often found its important work consumed by handwringing over its own processes and constraints, the testimony of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon provided a raw, emotional edge.

In an investigation in which the question of who exactly is on trial is fiercely contested by opposing political tribes, it reminded the committee – and those watching at home – of its dreadful psychological toll.

A great deal of her evidence demonstrated a trained lawyer’s grasp of microdetail, dominating swathes of the evidence session with robust and dogged rebuttals of the allegation against her and her government. What stood out, however, was not the reason underpinning Ms Sturgeon’s answers, but the passion with which she foregrounded them.

The name plate before her in Holyrood’s Robert Burns committee room stated, in capital letters, FIRST MINISTER, yet she appeared in other capacities – as a former friend of Alex Salmond, and the leader of a party that is being torn apart by the terminal breakdown of that relationship.

She spoke with candour and empathy about that disintegration and its repercussions. During a striking opening statement, she tried to keep her emotions in check when talking about her ties with the man she once regarded as a “bestie”, and the impact on the women who made complaints against him.

Sometimes, she said, taking a deep breath, the human elements of this situation are lost.

Ms Sturgeon is among those who have paid a personal price and made as much clear. She said Mr Salmond was not just someone she regarded as a “close political colleague” for three decades, but someone she revered – for a time, at least.

Now, though, she expressed optimism there may soon be a time when she did not think about him.ms Sturgeon made clear her emotional response was not designed to elicit sympathy.

These “deeply personal” issues had a profound impact on her, and she told the committee that if at times she had appeared “cagey” when addressing them, this was why.