First Minister said:
"Each year, the world rings in the new year by singing a song
from Scotland.
"A song passed down through generations, written by our national
poet, Robert Burns.
"We may be a small country, but like Auld Lang Syne, we are
celebrated.
"For our spirit, our bravery, our generosity and our kindness.
"Those strengths start here at home, in our communities.
"They come from small acts, the moments of care and togetherness
that we show each other.
"Each one builds the Scotland we want to live in.
"And, at the New Year, we come together.
"We remember old acquaintances and toast the year gone by.
We make resolutions for the year ahead.
"I will be toasting Scotland's famous win against Denmark and
looking forward to next year's World Cup and to the Commonwealth
Games in Glasgow.
"For some, though, they may be remembering that the last year was
difficult. And thinking of the conflict and upheaval we
have seen across the world.
"It is at times like these that those small acts of care and
compassion make the biggest difference.
"Our public services, our charities and community groups,
volunteers, families and friends. We are all here for each
other.
"The holidays are the perfect time to reach out to those around
us. To ring up an old friend or check on a neighbour.
"As Robert Burns said, to take a cup of kindness.
"So that we all come a little closer together.
"These are the things that make an area into a community.
"These are the things that make Scotland, Scotland.
"As First Minister of Scotland I wish every one of you a very
happy 2026.
"Happy New Year. Bliadhna Mhath Ùr."
