FOREWORD
This government believes that Scotland can be among the world's most successful nations. That's why we have focused government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.
Reporting on 100 Days has already given a clear account of the Scottish Government's early activity and the progress we have made. During the first 100 days, we have taken a fresh approach to government in Scotland - one based on setting a clear direction; on working in partnership and building consensus; and on setting a vision for the future of our nation which has given us a solid platform of success for four years of government.
It is in the spirit of offering a vision for Scotland's future that we have initiated a national conversation on the constitutional future of Scotland. In leading that conversation, we have set out our case for independence and have shown the benefits and the opportunities it could bring to Scotland over the long-term.
Now, looking to the year ahead, I want to share the priorities that will keep us on the path to greater success. This first year will be an important step towards what we will deliver over the term of this Parliament.
A priority this autumn will be to publish the Strategic Spending Review. That will set out our policies more comprehensively, and explain how we plan to invest the resources of government over the remainder of this Parliamentary term to achieve our strategic objectives.
Alongside the Strategic Spending Review, we will also take a number of important supporting measures to put Scotland further down the road to success. These involve the legislative and other priorities highlighted in this document.
We propose eleven items of legislation, but legislation is not the be all and end all of government. These are targeted measures to assist in the achievement of our overall goals. It is not our purpose to legislate - we legislate for a purpose. The proposed bills, alongside the other initiatives of government, shall take our programme for Scotland forward.
This government will continue to deliver by demonstrating competence in our day to day dealings; by building consensus where we can; and by providing the vision to inspire change for the better.
The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSPMP
The First Minister of Scotland