The First Minister, who made the announcement yesterday, said she “will remain in office until my successor is in place”.

Commenting on the resignation, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Regardless of political persuasion, we can all agree that the First Minister has been a committed, dedicated and passionate public servant for Scotland.

“We have agreed and disagreed on economic policies but we have always found common ground on the importance of promoting Scotland on the world stage to boost our exports and promote investment.

Looking forward to the First Minister’s successor, Dr Cameron noted: “Urgency, action and partnership will be the watchwords from the business community. These will be essential parameters to create a business environment in Scotland which is growth-led and competitive.

“We will continue to work with the next First Minister as genuine partners as we collectively grow the economy as well as correcting regulatory policies which are not practically working for businesses.”

Federation of Small Businesses’ Scotland policy chair, Andrew McRae, said: “We always enjoyed a constructive relationship with the First Minister throughout her record-breaking term – a period which was dominated by some of the greatest challenges our economy and communities have faced in decades.

“We look forward to continuing this positive role as a critical friend with her successor. The incoming First Minister will have an exceptionally challenging in-tray and we would urge them to look to Scotland’s small businesses and the communities they sustain as an early priority.

“We wish Nicola Sturgeon all the very best for whatever comes next. And we look forward to working with her successor, whoever they may be.”

David Alexander, CEO of DJ Alexander Scotland Ltd, added: “The unexpected resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister provides an opportunity for a change of approach on housing policy in Scotland.

“I would hope that the next Scottish leader would adopt a more conciliatory, reasoned approach to the housing sector consulting widely to produce policy which reflects the reality of all parts of the market.”