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First Minister's Christmas message
24/12/2008
First Minister Alex Salmond has today issued his annual Christmas message.
He talks about 2008 having been a year of special challenges for Scotland, but a period where, in the best traditions of protecting the 'common weal' and looking out for others, the Scottish Government has acted to help hard pressed individuals, families and communities at home and abroad.
Mr Salmond said:
"As we near the end of another year and gather with friends and family this Christmas, we can look back on 12 months that have brought special challenges for Scotland.
"But this is, more than any other time of year, a moment when we should also pause to think of those who are perhaps less fortunate than ourselves.
"That fine Scottish tradition of protecting the 'common weal' and looking out for one another is something that marks us out as a nation.
"It is a spirit of co-operation and generosity to others, and it has found new expression this year as we in the Scottish Government have reached out to poorer parts of the world by increasing our international aid programme.
"Even in these tough times we have made sure that we give something to those in the world who have nothing at all.
"Scotland is fulfilling its obligations when it comes to helping those nations with fewer of the advantages we enjoy.
"But that dedication to the 'common weal' means we are also doing a range of things to help people here in Scotland, at home.
"We are installing more free central heating for our pensioners - more than ever before. We're properly funding, for the first time, free personal care for the elderly. We are going to introduce free school meals for our youngest schoolchildren, making sure they get the best possible start in life. We have re-established the principle of free higher education, something that Scotland invented, that we gave to the world.
"And we are well on the way to scrapping prescription charges. This last year is the 60th anniversary of the National Health Service, and what better way to celebrate it than to get back to the original principle of free healthcare at the point of need.
"The Scottish Government is doing everything in its power to help people, as the global downturn bites. We are trying to turn every challenge into an opportunity and are bringing support to people at home and companies in the High Street.
"This time last year I spoke about the historic changes that 2007 had brought, with the election of a new Scottish Government and the fresh wind blowing through Scottish political and cultural life.
"The last 12 months have been ones in which we, as a Government and a nation, have built on that solid foundation of new-found confidence and optimism - and we shall need that confidence and optimism as we face the difficult times ahead.
"Now 2009, the Year of Homecoming, promises to be a landmark year for Scotland, one in which the country reconnects with the global Diaspora that gives us such a fantastic worldwide brand and international recognition.
"Homecoming also helps point the way ahead to a successful future, because that same Scots innovation which helped build the modern world can also help define the shape of things to come.
"For example, Scotland has vast untapped potential, nowhere more so than in the field of clean, green renewable energy, where the Scottish Government's £10 million Saltire Prize, the world's biggest ever prize for innovation and challenge in marine energy, has already sparked no less than 33 responses and declarations of interest from some of the great companies and best minds around the world, to come and develop their new energy devices and inventions here in Scotland.
"That is the face Scotland should be presenting to the world - open, generous, welcoming, enterprising and inspiring - with an eye to the future and a heart to forgive.
"Christmas is a time for returning home, for gatherings and for enjoying precious time with loved ones.
"But we should never fail to look out for those who may be spending the day alone. And, as ever, there will be those for whom Christmas is another working day - especially those dedicated staff in our emergency services, to whom we all owe so much, who work for us every day.
"And so, wherever you are, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas."
The video message was filmed at the First Minister's office at the Scottish Parliament.