This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Minister's Christmas message
23/12/2005
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"Christmas is a time of reflection. And the past year has given all of us much to reflect upon. 2005 was a year of achievement in Scotland, and a year when the generosity and compassion of Scots has made me very proud.
"No one will forget the images from Boxing Day last year of the Asian Tsunami, but I will not forget the amazing response of the Scottish people either. In the immediate aftermath of this terrible disaster, Scots contributed £20 million to help the victims.
"We also remember the victims of the London Bombings; and we must continue to stand together against those who terrorise ordinary people and our way of life.
"The hurricanes in Central America and the USA brought much hardship and suffering, particularly to those who were already vulnerable.
"And the devastation of the South Asia Earthquake is making this winter hard for hundreds of thousands of people in Pakistan, India and Kashmir, and many Scots are helping alleviate the suffering in the region.
"It has indeed been a year of international tragedy but the compassion shown by so many made 2005 a year of hope too.
"Last year we set out to put Scotland on the map internationally. G8, the Make Poverty History campaign, the World Island Games, the Special Olympics and many other occasions, have shown that Scotland is a serious destination for major world events.
"At home, progress was made to improve our national health through the smoking ban, and shorten waiting times for hospital treatment. Employment continues to rise, our Universities achieve international recognition and Project Scotland, our youth volunteering scheme, has started with a bang.
"2005 will be remembered as the year when Scotland's population grew. For the first time since records began in 1952 more people came to Scotland to live than left. And, of course, the new laws on Anti Social Behaviour are helping communities and the authorities fight back against the misery caused by a few.
"But my own abiding memory of 2005 was my visit to Malawi, and the international attention given to Africa.
"In Malawi, I was so struck by the enormity of the challenges facing this beautiful country. There children grow up with a life expectancy that has dropped from 42 years to 37.
"But I also saw much that made me proud to be Scottish.
"Individual Scots who had given up their annual holiday to work in health clinics, training Malawi nurses in life-saving techniques.
"And Scottish charities making a real difference by providing meals for young children.
"So I was not surprised when Scots of all ages, and others, supported the Make Poverty History Campaign, and I was delighted when the G8 leaders responded.
"As we gather with our families and friends this Christmas, we should remember others.
"Those who give up their time at Christmas to work in the service of others. Doctors, nurses, policewomen and men, paramedics, and the thousands of others who provide care services to the elderly and vulnerable. People who put public service first and foremost. Scotland needs and values their contribution.
"Those, at home and abroad, they need our support and those lives can be changed by the actions of individuals and governments. And those who give up their time, from Motherwell to Malawi, to help others and make a difference.
"I wish everyone in Scotland who has been part of this remarkable year a very happy and peaceful Christmas."