First Minister said:
Hogmanay and New Year are important celebrations in Scotland, and
have been for many centuries.
Here, the end of one year and the start of another is a time for
togetherness and also for reflection.
2024 was a remarkable and memorable year for me as I was given
the honour of serving you all as First Minister of Scotland.
I will also be remembering the many moments of joy that we shared
together in 2024, from joining the Tartan Army in Munich, to
appointing the first Gaelic-speaking Makar, to celebrating 25
years since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened.
These are the moments, alongside time spent with my family, that
fill me with purpose and with energy.
And like many of you, I am also reflecting on the challenges that
we faced over the last year, and there have been many.
With higher bills to pay, winter can increase financial hardship
for many families and for pensioners.
That is why my Government has set out a Budget to ensure that
pensioners will once again receive universal Winter Fuel
Payments, that will move a step closer to eradicating child
poverty by mitigating the two-child cap, and that will deliver
record investment for our precious National Health Service.
For some, the turn of the year can also be a lonely time.
So, let me encourage you to look out for your neighbours and
ring-up an old friend or a family member.
New Year is an ideal time to look forward, to engage in acts of
kindness and to renew past friendships.
Our dedicated public and armed services, and many charities,
community groups and volunteers, continue working hard to look
after us all throughout the winter.
And in the year ahead, my Government will also be working hard to
eradicate child poverty, to grow the economy, to tackle the
climate crisis and to improve our public services.
So, for now, I wish you and your loved ones every health and
happiness in 2025.
Please be safe and enjoy your celebrations.
And, as First Minister of Scotland, I wish you a very happy New
Year.
Bliadhna Mhath Ùr.
Happy New Year.
