The First Minister has issued a Christmas message saying he is looking forward to spending time with his family – particularly his first grandson.
The leaders of the other parties have also published messages sending their good wishes to people living in Scotland.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “This Christmas gives me a chance to reflect on my first year as Scottish Conservative leader during which time I’ve met hard-working Scots to hear directly about their hopes for the future.
“It’s an honour to work alongside our fantastic MSPs, MPs, councillors and activists as we focus on rebuilding our party and standing up for our common-sense conservative values.
“At Christmas, politics should take a back seat. This is a time to reflect, enjoy time with loved ones. It is also important to think about how to help those who may be alone or in need of support.
“We should also thank the many dedicated public servants who work 24/7 through the festive season. Our Armed Forces at home and abroad, emergency service workers, and everyone else who keeps us safe and well.
“From everyone at the Scottish Conservatives, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “Christmas is a time for celebration, relaxation, and looking back on the year that is coming to a close.
“Just like millions of Scots, I’m looking forward to taking part in all my favourite Christmas traditions. A festive walk with my family, a big roast dinner, and falling asleep in front of the TV after a few too many roast potatoes.
“Christmas is a time of joy and a time to give thanks for all we are lucky to have in our lives. But that is why it’s also important to remember all of those working over the Christmas break. The doctors, the nurses, firefighters, police officers and hospitality staff.
“They are all working to keep us safe, healthy and looked after over the festive period. At this time of year, we must also remember those in need. We think about those spending a cold Christmas night on the street. And those who are struggling with health or money woes.
“But the message of Christmas is that even in the darkest night, the hope of a brighter tomorrow is always there.The hope that things will get better, and that there is always hope. So, this Christmas, join with me in enjoying time with your family and friends.
“And look forward to brighter days to come in 2026.”
Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day at the Scottish Parliament with party leaders taking part, PICTURED L-R Scottish Labour: Anas Sarwar MSP, Presiding Officer , (SNP): John Swinney MSP (First Minister), Scottish Conservatives: Russell Findlay MSP, Scottish Green Party Ross Greer MSP (co-leader) and Scottish Liberal Democrats: Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP Image © Sandy Young Photography/ Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com
Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP, has this message for everyone in Scotland.
He said: “First of all I would like to thank all of those in our emergency services and those in the military who cannot spend Christmas with their lived ones because they are on duty today. You have our thanks, stay safe.
“It’s been a massively successful year for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. From pushing for action on long mental health waits and the closure of care homes, to delivering progress on the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion and the Belford Hospital in Fort William, I am so proud of how my party gets stuck in and gets stuff done. That’s what Scottish Liberal Democrats are all about.
“It was with that energy and ambition that we kicked off our spring conference in Inverness, welcoming the former Conservative MSP Jamie Greene into our ranks. Jamie’s decision struck a chord with all those people who are frustrated with the Conservative Party as it lurches to extremes and apes the likes of Nigel Farage. Sensible, moderate voters – who perhaps took a chance on Ruth Davidson’s Conservatives – deserve better than this.
“In every corner of Scotland, people deserve a party that will restore decency to our politics, that will fight for them on the issues that matter – that’s what you get with the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
“It is now just over 100 sleeps until the Scottish election: a chance to get the change Scotland truly needs – a change of government.
“If you want a party that will get you the healthcare you need close to home, that will drive down bills, grow our economy and get Scottish education back to its best, you can back the Scottish Liberal Democrats next May to get a change with fairness at its heart.
“This year, it’s so important that we take inspiration from the hope, love and understanding that lies in the timelessness of the Christmas message. These are the things that will drive us forward in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”
Ross Greer MSP’s 2025 Co-Leader Christmas Message
For many of us the festive season is an opportunity to slow down, reflect on our year and connect with our loved ones. That isn’t the case for everyone though, so the Scottish Greens want to thank the emergency services, carers and everyone else whose work keeping our communities safe and supported doesn’t stop over Christmas and New Year.
As a Christian I’m looking forward to spending time with my church community and my family. We’ll continue reflecting on the theme of our congregation’s nativity service this year, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
That verse, from the Gospel of Matthew, was strikingly relevant here in Scotland in 2025 and I’m sure it will be the same in 2026.
The principle of welcoming, whether it be the stranger, the foreigner, the friend yet to be made, is the most often repeated throughout the Bible. It is at the core of my personal faith and of my work as an MSP.
The nativity was a story of ordinary people in the most extraordinary of circumstances. Between carols at our nativity service this past Sunday, our congregation talked about the experience of Mary and Joseph as strangers in Bethlehem, and then their escape to Egypt as refugees with the baby Jesus.
Scotland has a proud record of welcoming the stranger, but this year that value has come under vicious attack. I am proud that across the length and breadth of our country people have stood firm against those attacks, including by rallying in defence of refugees who have sought sanctuary here.
We cannot allow the forces of hatred and fear to divide us. Every one of us can be the light against the darkness.
It is important that we remember that and offer our support to those who need a helping hand at this time of year.
The world can be a challenging place, but it can also be full of beautiful experiences particularly when we have a supportive community around us.
On behalf of all the Scottish Greens, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas. I hope that you find time to share that peace with your loved ones, with neighbours and with the strangers who are friends you’ve yet to make.”
