This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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A happy and peaceful Christmas
23/12/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
This has been a great year for Scotland. Devolution is
increasingly making a real difference to people's lives and
our small country is once again being noticed across the
world.
But what strikes me most when I travel around Scotland
is the increasing enthusiasm, ambition and confidence of
our young people.
Young people like the Princes Trust Award winners I met
earlier this month in Glasgow or our Commonwealth Youth
Games team who have just returned from Australia with more
than 50 medals.
And I have been overwhelmed by the commitment of our
young people to helping others, whether it is working for
free on an environmental project, or volunteering in an
after school club.
In a few months time the first volunteers will sign up
for our national youth volunteering programme, Project
Scotland. These young people will be doing something
exceptional for themselves, their community and their
country.
As we gather together with our family and friends this
weekend, we should remember those people who put their
neighbours and their community first.
It is that spirit of community that marks Scotland out
as one of the best countries in the world and fills me with
great hope for the future
Scotland has a proud tradition of philanthropy and an
enduring respect for community.
This Christmas we should also consider how best our
small country can play a big part in building a better
world and I am determined that we will use Scottish values,
skills and commitment to help those less fortunate than
ourselves elsewhere in the world.
I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.
The First Minister's official Christmas card showing a
painting of his former family home Glenscorrodale Farm on
the island of Arran.