Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond sends his Christmas wishes to the people of Scotland in his Christmas message:
"It is important at Christmas time to extend our grateful thanks to all those who work year-round to help meet the challenges faced by Scotland and the wider world.
"In tough times, the Year of Homecoming delivered a much-needed boost for Scottish tourism and the wider economy.
"And as environmental issues become ever more pressing, Scotland's Parliament united across the parties to pass a world-leading Climate Change Act.
"As we celebrate Christmas and look to a new year, Scotland must continue to support economic recovery at home and meet our commitments abroad.
"We pay tribute to the dedicated staff of our emergency and armed services, who work tirelessly and serve over the holiday period, as they do the whole year round.
"Christmas is an opportunity to consider the past as well as what the future holds, to spend valuable time with friends and loved ones, and to consider those less fortunate than ourselves.
"On behalf of the Scottish Government, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas."
Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP MYP
