Swinney sends message of ‘warmth, kindness and connection’ at Christmas

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to emergency service workers who will be on shift during Christmas.

The SNP leader said that Scotland is a “patchwork of communities” and that acts of generosity and sharing defined the festive season.

He also said that many families would be grieving the loss of a loved one, including his own family, after he lost his father-in-law.

Mr Swinney said: “As First Minister of Scotland, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.

“For many of us, this is a joyful time. A season of lights and decorations, of school concerts, community celebrations, and precious moments with the people who matter most.

“But I also know that, for some, Christmas can be difficult.

“For some, it may be the first year without a loved one. It will be for my family.

“For others, it may bring feelings of loneliness.

“We are living through uncertain and challenging times.

“That is why the kindness we show one another – especially at Christmas – matters more than ever.

“To those of you working today, so that others can rest, feel safe, or receive the care they need – especially those in our public and emergency services – thank you.

“You make Scotland safer, healthier and stronger, every day of the year. And you help bring our communities together.

“Across Scotland, from our biggest cities to our smallest islands, we are a patchwork of communities.

“What connects us is how we look out for one another.

“Checking in on a neighbour, sharing a meal, giving a gift. Small acts that can make a big difference to others.

“However you choose to spend Christmas this year, I hope you find warmth, kindness and connection.

“I look forward to spending time with my own family – especially with my first grandson.

“So, from our family to yours – Merry Christmas.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said that “politics should take a back seat” at Christmas.

He 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.”

Meanwhile, with Holyrood elections taking place in May, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he is looking forward to “brighter days to come in 2026”.

He described Christmas as being a “time for celebration, relaxation, and looking back on the year that is coming to a close”.

The Labour leader added: “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.”

But he urged people to “remember all of those working over the Christmas break”, such as doctors,  nurses, firefighters, police officers and hospitality staff.

Mr Sarwar continued: “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.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton 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 loved 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 former Conservative MSP Jamie Greene into our ranks. Jamie’s decision struck a chord with all those frustrated with the Conservative Party as it lurches to extremes and apes the likes of Nigel Farage. Sensible, moderate voters 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.

“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.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer MSP said: “For many of us the festive season is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect with loved ones. That isn’t the case for everyone, so the Scottish Greens want to thank the emergency services, carers and everyone else keeping our communities safe.

“As a Christian I’m looking forward to spending time with my church 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 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.

“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.”