THE Scottish Government’s “utmost priority” is tackling child poverty, the First Minister has said in his Christmas message.
On Tuesday, John Swinney wished the country a Merry Christmas and thanked volunteers, emergency service workers and those in the armed forces.
He said: “The festive period is always a good time to appreciate those who mean the most to us.
“For me, that is my family. It has been an unexpectedly busy year for all of us, and I cannot thank my family enough for the support they have given to me.
“I can’t wait to spend some more time at home over the holidays.
“At the top of our list will be taking time to enjoy the countryside near our home – the Perthshire countryside – places such as Loch Faskally, which are very special to me.”
He added: “I even made it the cover of my Christmas card this year, the proceeds of which will support Children First.
“The utmost priority of my Government is eradicating child poverty here in Scotland, and Children First provides support to Scotland’s children and their families.
“Because, while Christmas is a wonderful, festive time of the year for many, it can also be a difficult or hectic time for others.”
Earlier, Swinney announced money earned from a framed, signed copy of the picture of Loch Faskally on his personal Christmas card, which was taken by PA news agency photographer Jane Barlow, will be auctioned in the new year with proceeds going to charity Children First.
Swinney then paid tribute to those working in public and armed services, as well as those who volunteer to help others for free.
“Their hard work and dedication make Scotland’s many wonderful communities what they are,” he said.
“So, I hope you will all join me, in whatever way you choose, in saying thanks to those who mean the most to you, whether they are sitting around a table with you or simply in your thoughts.
“From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.”
The Scottish Greens, meanwhile, in a Christmas Eve message, called for and end to genocide in Gaza and for the UK government to offer safe routes and support for people fleeing the humanitarian disaster.
The party’s justice and human rights spokesperson, Maggie Chapman (below), accused successive UK governments of complicity in the atrocities being inflicted on Palestinians by Israeli forces and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
She also called for an end to the hostile environment that has punished generations of refugees and people seeking asylum and is demanding safe passage for people in need.
There are currently no safe routes for people seeking asylum from Gaza to find safety in the UK.
Chapman said: The festive season should be one of compassion, love and peace. And yet the UK Government seems determined to perpetuate violence, starvation and genocide.
“The humanitarian cost of the genocide in Gaza has been catastrophic, and the UK government is utterly complicit, with arms sales to Israel continuing, and a deep political support for the assault.
“There is a particular moral responsibility on those governments who have fuelled the crisis to support people who have suffered as a result. The arms sales and the complicity must end and the focus must be on achieving an immediate ceasefire and lasting justice for Palestinians.
“At the same time, we must also offer safe passage and sanctuary for refugees, just as we did, rightly, for those affected by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“There are thousands of Palestinians who live in the UK. Many have lost loved ones and friends, and they remain terrified about the impact of the bombardment on those who have been under siege for too long.
“By putting up needless barriers and hurdles, the UK is further punishing people who are already facing one of the gravest humanitarian crises in the world.
“The UK rightly created a visa scheme to allow Ukrainian applicants to seek refuge here. Particularly bearing in mind the complicity of the UK in the ongoing genocide, it is long past time for a similar scheme for Palestinians."
Ash Regan thanked hospitality workers in her Christmas message, giving thanks to the "people across Scotland for whom Christmas will not be a holiday".
The Alba Party Holyrood leader praised those who look after others, including emergency services, NHS, hospice, unpaid carers and care home workers, and everyone working in the hospitality industry and in essential operational roles over Christmas.
Ash says her party is entering the Christmas period "on a high," adding: "I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. And I want to thank the many people across Scotland who will work on Christmas Day and have been working throughout the entire holiday period."
"This includes our NHS workers, carers, transport, members of the armed forces, and the many people who continue to work in key operational roles over the period. But I want also to pay tribute to hospitality workers across Scotland.
"The festive hospitality we enjoy across venues wouldn't exist without them, and where would we be without our retail workers managing the Christmas rush for presents, party outfits and Christmas fayre, so to those on the other side of shop counters, hotels, bars and restaurants serving the public: thank you."
Meanwhile, Russell Findlay gave his first ever festive message as Scottish Conservative leader.
He said it is an “honour” and a “privilege” to work in public service, and promised to stand up for the rights of Scots.
He said: “Public service is not just a duty, it’s a privilege, too. I will never take for granted the opportunity to represent you and stand up for your hopes, concerns and ambitions.
“At Christmas, we should all take a moment to thank those public servants who won’t get much of a holiday over the festive period, especially armed forces personnel and emergency service workers.
“We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make in doing their duty and keeping us safe.
“I hope you will get a chance to spend time with family and friends this year. Over Christmas, we should all take the opportunity to cherish moments with loved ones and also think about reaching out to those who may be alone and lonely.
“Merry Christmas from everyone at the Scottish Conservatives.”
