NICOLA Sturgeon was back in Irvine as she delivered a speech and took part in a Q&A session at The Gailes Hotel on female leadership.

In advance of the Ladies Scottish Open teeing off at Dundonald Links, the First Minister took part in a forum for female leadership in business and sport.

Introduced by Martin Gilbert, the Chief Executive of tournament sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management, she addressed a packed audience before taking part in a Q&A session.

In her address, Ms Sturgeon spoke about the work being done to encourage increased numbers of women in the field

She said: “We’ve seen some good progress in recent years and it’s encouraging that activity levels amongst teenage girls are increasing.

“However, there is still a gender gap in sports participation and physical activity levels.

“There’s also a shortage of women involved in sport from grassroots right up to elite level.

“My government is committed to doing more to support women and girls to be more active and to promote their participation in all aspects of the sporting sector and in being active more generally.”

Speaking alongside Mr Gilbert on the business panel were Rain Newton-Smith, Director of Economics, CBI; Krystyna Nowak, Managing Director of UK Board Practice, Norman Broadbent; and Justine Lutterodt, Director of the Centre for Synchronous Leadership.

The panellists debated a range of topics including the possible impact of Brexit on gender equality, equality targets and supporting female entrepreneurship.

Mr Gilbert added: “Female representation in business is still a big issue, which we at Aberdeen take very seriously. Today’s forum reflected on the work that still needs to be done but also on the progress already made.

“There is no doubt that diversity makes for better decision making and should be seen as a competitive advantage.

“I am particularly indebted to the First Minster for launching the forum, and for being so supportive with our sponsorship.”

A lively debate followed in the sport panel, moderated by broadcaster Georgie Bingham. Panellists included Alison Kervin, sports editor of the Mail on Sunday; Steve Martin, CEO of M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment; and professional golfers and Aberdeen Asset Management ambassadors Cheyenne Woods and Catriona Matthew.

During the event and on behalf of the Ladies European Tour, the Scottish First Minister announced that Catriona Matthew will be Vice Captain of Team Europe for the 2017 Solheim Cup.

The Scot has been tipped as a strong favourite to captain Europe when the Solheim Cup is held at Gleneagles in 2019.

Catriona, 46, said: “I love The Solheim Cup and it’s my favourite week each time it comes round every two years.

“It’s just so different for a golfer to be in a team environment where you’ve got your teammates and the captains and vice-captains.

“Golf is such an individual sport that it just makes it great fun. I’ve got great memories from it.”