New Year messages from the party leaders in Scotland

The leaders of political parties in Scotland have issued their traditional messages this New Year.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “2025 must be the year where we start to restore trust in politics.

“Too many people are disillusioned and feel that the Scottish Parliament is disconnected from the things that matter to them, their families and their communities.

“The issues that are brought up around dinner tables and in workplaces don’t get the attention they deserve from Holyrood politicians.

“I understand why so many people feel left behind and left out, with nothing ever appearing to change and nobody seeming to represent them.

“In 2025, I’m determined to change all that and to be a voice for everyone in Scotland who just wants sensible and practical solutions to the issues that affect their everyday lives.

“I will work hard to win back trust by only making promises I can keep and committing to deliver on any promises I do make. That’s my commitment to you for 2025 and all the years ahead.

“Happy New Year to you and your family.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“This new year comes at something of a critical hour for Scotland.

“After more than 17 years of SNP mismanagement, so many people feel like nothing works anymore. Many of them are tearing their hair out trying to see a GP or an NHS dentist. Parents are worried about their children’s educations and futures. Businesses are struggling to make ends meet, held back by crumbling transport links and staff forced off work by long NHS waiting lists.

“People are fed up, but they also want to see those they have elected to parliament doing something about it. As their elected representatives, we have a duty to try and unpick some of the damage wrought by the SNP.

“Liberal Democrats know that the only thing that will bring about the change that Scotland needs is a change of government. The election at which we can deliver that change is now less than 500 days away.

“But it is not good enough to simply wait for that election. That’s why my party and I have sought to improve the lot of our constituents in the forthcoming budget, and you can see significant Liberal Democrat demands backed into the pages of the first draft.

“There is the reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, spending on social care, affordable homes, insulation, family carers, additional support needs, GPs, dentists, Long Covid, the Belford Hospital in Fort William and Edinburgh’s Eye Pavilion.

“Over the coming weeks, we will continue to put pressure on the government to set out the detail of those commitments and make progress on other key priorities.

“As we enter this new year, Scottish Liberal Democrats will be working hard to put the issues that matter to you front and centre.

“Scotland is a brilliant, talented, creative and welcoming country- my party will fight for the fair deal it deserves.

“I hope you all have a very happy new year.”