The National:

ASH Regan has unveiled a massive sign she is going to run for the SNP leadership – quite literally.

The former minister – who dramatically quit the government over gender recognition reforms – appears a dead cert to make a bid to take over from Nicola Sturgeon.

Tweeting more prolifically than any of her suspected competitors, Regan on Saturday posted a picture of her posing with a huge Yes sign she made for the 2014 referendum.

She said: “9 years ago I painted and proudly displayed my Yes sign. It is time I got it back out. Independence - nothing less.”

READ MORE: New poll gives Yes parties whopping 23-seat majority in Holyrood

Regan has also hit out at SNP high command for fast-tracking the contest, which is expected to last just under six weeks.

Writing in The National earlier in the week, Regan said this was not enough time for party members to make an informed decision about who should take over from the outgoing First Minister.

So far, no one has officially said they will run, but environment minister Màiri McAllan, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson are all thought to be likely contenders.

Regan is so far the only of the expected leadership hopefuls to show off her commitment to the cause through the medium of signage – others better be making their way to their nearest arts and crafts shops.

If you’re thinking this is a big hoo-hah over nothing on a slow news day, maybe you'd prefer to read something about the Scottish Labour party conference which is taking place this weekend…