Nicola Sturgeon Embraces London Life on Luxury Houseboat

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, has moved to London and is now living on a luxury narrowboat on the Grand Union Canal. The 56‑year‑old uses the boat for training for a half‑marathon, social media posts, and a new commercial career. The move comes amid the fallout from her hu…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:04:02 GMT

Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has taken an unexpected turn in her post‑political life by settling on a luxury narrowboat on London’s historic Grand Union Canal. The 56‑year‑old, who resigned from the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 2023, is now living aboard a £150,000 vessel that boasts open‑plan interiors, a double bedroom and a modern kitchen. The boat is owned by Sturgeon’s close friend, human‑rights lawyer Claire Mitchell KC, and serves as a mobile base for her training, social media presence and growing commercial career.

From Edinburgh to the Canal

Sturgeon’s move to England was first hinted at in a brief statement that raised eyebrows across the UK. She has since revealed that she spends most of her time on the narrowboat, which is berthed along the Grand Union Canal in the heart of London. The canal, a key waterway that links the Midlands to the capital, has become a backdrop for Sturgeon’s new routine of running, writing and networking.

In a recent Instagram post, Sturgeon shared a selfie in running gear on the boat’s deck, captioning it: “Keeping myself accountable on the half‑marathon training!” She added that carrying her laptop in a backpack during a run “surely counts as weight training.” The post, which was shared with her 140,000 followers, highlights the former leader’s commitment to fitness and her preparation for a half‑marathon scheduled for next spring.

Life on the Water and in the City

Beyond training, Sturgeon has embraced a more relaxed lifestyle. She has been spotted dining alfresco in Notting Hill, attending local concerts, and enjoying the company of her friend Mitchell. The pair first posted photos from the boat on social media on May 26, showing the vessel winding its way along the canal. One image featured Sturgeon on deck with a life preserver around her neck, captioned: “Some time spent on the water today, in glorious sunshine with good friends, was great fun and good for the soul.”

The timing of the post coincided with the conviction of Sturgeon’s estranged husband, Murrell, who was found guilty of embezzling over £400,000 from the SNP while serving as its chief executive. In July, Murrell was sentenced to more than five years in prison. The scandal has cast a long shadow over the SNP, the party Sturgeon led for nearly a decade before her resignation.

New Career Path and Public Engagements

Despite the controversy surrounding her personal life, Sturgeon has been expanding her professional footprint in London. Over the past 12 months, she has travelled across the UK and Ireland, delivering talks to promote her newly released memoir, Frankly. The book offers a candid look at her time in politics and her decision to step down.

In a significant career move, Sturgeon has signed with United Agents, a prestigious London‑based talent agency that represents high‑profile clients such as Olivia Colman, Eddie Redmayne and James Corden. The partnership signals a permanent shift toward a commercial career, with potential roles in media, public speaking and advocacy.

What Lies Ahead?

Sturgeon’s future plans remain largely undisclosed, but her current activities suggest a focus on personal wellbeing, public engagement and a new chapter in the entertainment and advocacy sectors. The former First Minister’s presence on the canal has already sparked interest among fans and critics alike, and her social media updates continue to draw attention to her lifestyle choices and professional pursuits.

As she balances training for a half‑marathon with her growing commercial profile, Sturgeon’s story reflects a broader trend of former politicians reinventing themselves outside the political arena. Whether her move to London will inspire other ex‑leaders to pursue unconventional lifestyles remains to be seen, but for now, the former First Minister’s life on a narrowboat is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.

Key facts

Sturgeon now lives on a £150,000 narrowboat on the Grand Union Canal.
She uses the boat for half‑marathon training and social media posts.
Her friend Claire Mitchell KC owns the vessel.
The move follows her husband’s embezzlement conviction and SNP financial scandal.
Sturgeon is promoting her memoir and has signed with United Agents.
She is exploring a new commercial career in media and advocacy.

Why it matters

Nicola Sturgeon’s transition from political leadership to a life on a luxury houseboat illustrates how public figures can reinvent themselves, offering insight into the personal and professional adjustments that accompany such a change.