This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Christmas Message
24/12/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell has issued a special Christmas message.
He said:
"Christmas is a time for reflection and a time to appreciate the sacrifices made by others on our behalf.
"2006 has been a year of achievement for Scotland. Across a range of important areas we have seen real progress in the past twelve months.
"Our population is continuing to rise. Not only have we stopped the brain drain but we have started to reverse it. We are attracting people from all over the world who want to come and live and work here. But interestingly we are also attracting more and more people from the rest of the UK who see Scotland as an exciting place with a great quality of life.
"Our economy continued to grow in 2006. Few places in the EU have as many people in work as Scotland and our unemployment rate is at historically low levels.
"On top of this 2006 was a year when more new schools were built, better health services were provided and our older people got the right to travel freely the length and breadth of this beautiful country.
"But for me there were two things that really stood out in a year littered with great achievements by individual Scots.
"The nation's spirits were lifted in 2006 by some stunning sporting successes. It was a timely reminder of the importance of sport to Scotland and Scots.
"My personal highlight was the achievements of our Commonwealth Games athletes in Melbourne and the swimming team in particular. They were fantastic young ambassadors for Scotland. I am sure that many other young sportsmen and women will draw inspiration from what they achieved.
"But our Games team were not our only Scottish sporting heroes in 2006. There were outstanding wins in many sports and Scotland has several world champions. I hope they will continue to be role models for others to follow.
"The second outstanding achievement of 2006 for me was the success of the ban on smoking in public places.
"I was very proud of the way everyone helped to make this work. Of course I was proud that my government had passed this legislation but I was even more proud to be Scottish and have the people embrace the ban and celebrate that Scotland was leading the way.
"I believe March 26, 2006 will be remembered as the day Scotland began to lose its sick man of Europe tag. And future generations will thank all of us for that.
"At this time of year it is important to recognise those who make sacrifices on our behalf.
"So, I want first to thank the hard working staff of the NHS in Scotland many of whom will be working throughout this festive period looking after others.
"Our other emergency services will also be out in force over this festive period. They do a wonderful job, often in the most difficult of circumstances and I would like to thank them all for everything they do for us.
"I would also ask everyone to respect the emergency services and the job they do. Don't abuse their efforts, support them and we'll all enjoy this Christmas a little bit more.
"On that hopeful note I would like wish everyone in Scotland a very happy and peaceful Christmas."