The First Minister has told she is overwhelmed by birthday wishes received from across the country. 

Nicola Sturgeon, who turned 50 today, took to Twitter to express her gratitude. 

She wrote: "To say I’m overwhelmed by all the cards, flowers and good wishes I have received from across the country for my (ahem) 50th birthday, would be an understatement...

"So I just wanted to pop on here briefly (before hopefully staying away for the rest of the day!) to say thank you."

READ MORE: Clap for Nicola Sturgeon planned to coincide with her 50th birthday

Her husband Peter Murrell revealed earlier this morning that he had surprised her with balloons shaped as the number 50. 

He posted the image to Twitter with the caption "wakey, wakey". 

Thousands are expected to mark the occasion with a "Clap for Nicola" at 8pm, but the idea has left many divided. 

Nonetheless, more than 8000 people have marked their intention to join in on the Facebook event page. 

Another 23,000 people have marked themselves as interested in joining in tonight.