Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay urges people to reach out to anyone who may be alone. He said: “In my first festive message to you as the new leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, I want to say what an honour it is to be in this position and have the chance to serve you.
“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.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “This Christmas, there’s certainly a lot to look back on – what a marathon year it has been politically speaking.
“Just a few months ago we had a general election, a landmark result that saw people calling time on the twin failures of the Conservatives and the SNP.
“For the Liberal Democrats, however, the story was momentous for a different reason. We returned a record-breaking 72 MPs to Westminster, our best election result since the founding of our party. In huge swathes of Scotland, we showed that it was only the Liberal Democrats who could beat the SNP, deliver change and fight for a fairer future.
“That fight for a fairer future is so important to us. Even with a new Labour government in charge, it wasn’t long before the cracks started to show. GPs, care homes and small businesses have been clobbered by the government’s national insurance tax. Vulnerable pensioners are worried about heating their homes after the callous removal of the winter fuel payment.
“On those issues and many more, Liberal Democrats are using our strengthened position to stand up for what matters. Whether it’s seeing your GP, getting your child the right support at school or ensuring everyone has a safe and secure roof above their heads, my party will be in your corner, holding both our governments to account.
“There may only be one sleep until Christmas, but there are also just 500 sleeps to the Scottish election- that’s when we have the chance to get the change Scotland really needs: a change of government.
“To all those who will be working today, whether that is in our hospitals, care homes, homeless services and more, I want you to know that my party appreciates everything you do, and we will work tirelessly to support you in the year ahead.
“Of course, we all know that Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time. Not everyone is as fortunate to enjoy the security and sanctuary that most of us do in Scotland. This year, my thoughts are with everyone in Syria facing an uncertain future, the brave soldiers of Ukraine and everyone in the middle east desperately seeking a lasting peace.
“So, wherever you are in the world this Christmas, whether in Scotland or further afield, I pray that you can find hope, support and love in the company of family, friends and community.”
A message from the Scottish Greens co-leader, Lorna Slater recognises that Christmas is not always the easiest time for everyone.
She said: “The festive period can be a time of celebration and cheer, but for many it can be difficult. It is a natural time to think about our cherished memories and about those who we miss the most.
“There’s no right or wrong way to feel. It can be a time when families and friends come together in joy. But for others it is a time when feelings of loneliness, isolation and loss can be greater than ever.
“For a lot of people today will be a day of work. Whether it is the doctors, nurses and care workers in our hospitals or the firefighters and police officers prepared to respond to a crisis, every one of these workers should be in our thoughts and given our gratitude.
“There are also thousands of people working and volunteering at shelters and support services, doing all that they can to spread some relief and make life that bit brighter for others.
“The last few years have underlined just how connected and entwined our lives are and how much we depend on one another. It is even more important that we look after ourselves and support each other at this time of year.
“This is meant to be a season of peace, which is needed more than ever.
“Our thoughts, our hopes and our solidarity must extend beyond our borders and to people around the world not just today but every day.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
