SNP leader, John Swinney, made a speech to begin the New Year in Glasgow on Monday morning referencing the Burns poem, To a Louse, saying that Scotland should “see ourselves as others see us”.
He set out the backdrop of the bad weather in parts of Scotland and said he had paid a visit to A&E at Glasgow Royal Infirmary to “see first hand the pressures staff face”.
In common with the other party leaders who have made similar statements on Monday, the speech was meant to be a new start for 2026 when all 129 MSP positions will become temporarily vacant pending the election on 7 May.
But he also used the speech at Oran Mor as an opportunity to say that he has written to the Privy Council to ask that the Monday after Scotland’s opening match in this year’s World Cup is declared a holiday. This would allow supporters to watch the match on TV “and share in the chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, to create tourism and hospitality interest within the country and to make deep and lasting cultural and sporting connections”.
Mr Swinney said that he wants this to be a “year of opportunity for everyone in Scotland. He said: “We’ve gone through a tough few years as a country.
“But despite those tough days, there is a lot to celebrate in Scotland – and I know that we have it within ourselves to overcome the challenges we face.
“This party – the national party of Scotland – offers our country the leadership to make us the very best we can be.
“And this year, we are going to inspire Scotland like never before.
“We are going to offer Scotland hope for a better future.”
Falling waiting lists
He then said that waiting lists and waiting times are falling in the health service, GP numbers are up and last year a “record” number of operations on hips and knees were performed.
On education he was equally effusive saying that literacy and numeracy in schools are at record levels, with rising attendance and teacher numbers.
As for Scotland’s economy he said that “business investment in Scotland has reached a 20-year high”. He referred to the credit rating awarded to Scotland late last year when the country was assessed on a par with the UK – higher than “some big industrial nations like Japan”.
Mr Swinney also claimed that child poverty in Scotland is falling and the “poverty related attainment gap” is at a record low. Unemployment is lower than the UK average and the renewables industry is growing.
Claiming a 31 point lead against other political parties he said this was a testament to the SNP record in government and the “trusted leadership we offer Scotland”.
His call to arms was that this is the year to build on previous momentum, saying that the vote on 7 May is important. The SNP will “offer a vision for a very different future for Scotland” from “those who seek to divide us”.
Mr Swinney said: “In this election, we will offer a vision for a very different future for Scotland.
“The Scotland we believe in is a modern, progressive, socially democratic Scotland at the heart of Europe. A country built on the values we share.
“Instead of suffering under a broken Westminster economic model…an economy built around Scotland’s immense economic strengths – one based on the wellbeing of our people and our planet.
“Instead of demonising those who choose to make our country their home…welcoming those who enrich our economy, our public services and our society.
“Instead of enduring the isolation and economic damage of Brexit…rejoining the European Union and returning to the world’s largest single market.
“Instead of wasting hundreds of billions of pounds on nuclear weapons…Investing that huge resource in Scotland’s future.”
He also used the opportunity to rekindle the independence debate saying the country will have to have a referendum that will be recognised by the international community. And he said that the SNP aim not just to win but “to win the overall majority that secures Scotland the right to choose our own future”.
He concluded: “On May 7th, let’s offer Scotland trusted leadership. A renewed focus on the priorities of the people. And a fresh start with independence.”
