FOREWORD BY THE FIRST MINISTER
Over the past 12 months the Scottish Government has been working hard to protect and create jobs, support communities and invest in the skills, education and industries that will ensure our recovery and future success.
With the economic downturn continuing and the ongoing threat from H1N1 flu, our efforts over the next year will be redoubled. We will continue to refine and focus our Economic Recovery Plan - a plan that is supporting up to 15,000 jobs across Scotland. And we will take all the necessary action to protect the people of Scotland from the worst impacts of the flu pandemic.
As a government we have full confidence in the abilities of our nation. We will take forward our work with social partners, with local government through the Concordat and with education, business, the third sector and the trade unions; because we know that only by working together can Scots and Scotland overcome the current challenges and reach our full potential.
Our pledge remains the same - we will work with vision and competence to earn the trust and support of the community of Scotland. We will remain an inclusive government that always puts the Scottish interest first: a government that acts quickly to deal with challenges and is open to the best ideas and contributions, wherever they come from.
Over these coming months, we will build on the principles that have been central to our approach. Our focus remains firmly on delivery of our core purpose - to create a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.
In the face of growing financial pressures as a result of the unprecedented cuts to the Scottish budget announced by the UK Government, we will work hard to make sure opportunity is shared throughout society and in all corners of our nation so that no one, and no region, is left behind. And we will take forward with enthusiasm the challenge set by our world-leading Climate Change Act and in particular the huge opportunity presented by our nation's vast renewable energy wealth.
Legislation is of course just one part of the action we can take to support families and communities across Scotland and this year we are bringing forward some important Bills which, if successful, will make it easier for all of Scotland to flourish in the future.
The Forth Crossing Bill will enable us to deliver an infrastructure project that is crucial to our economic future. Action on Housing, Alcohol and Patients' Rights will improve the health and wellbeing of our nation, and help create the wealthier, healthier and fairer nation we all seek.
And just as we are working to earn the trust of the people, we also have trust in the people of Scotland's desire for a stronger and more modern partnership with the other nations on these Isles. We believe that the people should have the opportunity to express that desire through a referendum on Scotland's constitutional future. We will be asking Parliament to also trust the people by supporting our Referendum Bill.
Independence is the key to unlocking Scotland's full potential and giving our nation the best opportunity for prosperity. Independence is at the very heart of our nation's future success.
There is much work to be done. The Scottish Government is ready and focused on the important choices. I have no doubt the people of Scotland are up for the challenge - it is now for Parliament to also play its part.
The Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSPMP
The First Minister of Scotland