John Swinney urges Scots to show small acts of kindness in new year message

John Swinney has urged Scots to follow the message of Robert Burns’s Auld Lang Syne and show small acts of kindness in 2026.

In his new year message, the First Minister said Scotland is celebrated for its spirit, bravery, and generosity.

Looking to the year ahead, he also said he was celebrating Scotland’s entry into the World Cup.

But for others he said the start of the new year could be more difficult, as he urged Scots to come together in 2026.

“Each year, the world rings in the new year by singing a song from Scotland,” he said. “A song passed down through generations, written by our national poet, Robert Burns.

“We may be a small country, but like Auld Lang Syne, we are celebrated. For our spirit, our bravery, our generosity and our kindness. Those strengths start here at home, in our communities.

“They come from small acts, the moments of care and togetherness that we show each other.

“Each one builds the Scotland we want to live in. And, at the new year, we come together.

“We remember old acquaintances and toast the year gone by. We make resolutions for the year ahead.”

He said he would toast Scotland’s win against Denmark and the country’s entry into the World Cup, as well as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

But he urged Scots to remember the new tear would be difficult for some, while others would reflect on the conflicts taking place around the world.

Urging people to be kind, he said: “It is at times like these that those small acts of care and compassion make the biggest difference.

“Our public services, our charities and community groups, volunteers, families and friends. We are all here for each other.

“The holidays are the perfect time to reach out to those around us. To ring up an old friend or check on a neighbour.

“As Robert Burns said, to take a cup of kindness.

“So that we all come a little closer together.

“These are the things that make an area into a community.

“These are the things that make Scotland, Scotland.

“As First Minister of Scotland I wish every one of you a very happy 2026.

“Happy new year. Bliadhna Mhath Ur.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay described 2026 as a “defining year” for Scotland.

“In a few short months, we face one of the most important contests of our lifetimes, with the country at a crossroads,” he said.

“I’m talking, of course, about the World Cup. It’s the first time the Scotland men’s team will play at the tournament in 28 years.

“The entire nation will come to a standstill when Steve Clarke’s lads and the Tartan Army head Stateside in June.

“Aged 25, I was lucky enough to be at France 98 to cheer on Scotland.

“Little did I think that it would be almost three decades before we’d reach the World Cup again. So this will be an historic occasion for us all to savour.”

Mr Findlay also pointed to May’s election, which he said will “impact our country greatly”.

He said: “The choice couldn’t be clearer: another five years of the nationalists pushing for an independence referendum at every turn, or the Scottish Conservatives, focused on growing the economy, faster GP appointments, improving schools, and cutting your bills.

“In five months’ time, we can remove the SNP from power, move on from this wasted era of failure and division, and deliver for the people of Scotland.

“We’ll be fighting for every vote to get it done.

“A very happy new year to you and your family.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also touted the importance of the election, saying in his new year message: “Here in Scotland, we have the chance to elect a new government to change our country and a new first minister that shares your ambition and will work as hard as you do.

“Because we all know how great a country Scotland is and how much potential our people hold.

“We are being held back by a tired SNP Government that is out of ideas and out of time – but it doesn’t have to be like this.

“We can choose a new government that will fix our NHS, unlock opportunities for our young people, get our economy thriving again, deliver jobs for the next generation, make our communities safe places to live, respect your money, and deliver the new direction, new ideas and new leadership that Scotland needs.

“That’s the choice we have before us in 2026 – to stick with the failures of the past or to choose a brighter future with Scottish Labour.”

Looking ahead to the election in May and Scotland’s appearance at the World Cup, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “As the Scottish Parliament election draws ever closer, I sometimes think about that fateful night in November, when fans quite literally shook the earth with their belief in this country. A small earthquake was recorded when Kenny McLean scored that final miracle of a goal.

“Moments like that show you just how much Scotland has going for it. But right now, too many people feel like things aren’t working. Their household bills are soaring, they’re waiting too long to see a GP and Scottish education just isn’t what it used to be. People are tired and frustrated, and they’re right to be. They deserve better.”

Mr Cole-Hamilton said the Scottish Liberal Democrats “have got a realistic plan to get things done. It’s a plan that will deliver first-rate healthcare so you can see your GP, dentist or mental health professional when you need them. It will help you with the cost of living – insulating cold homes and using Scottish renewable energy to drive down household bills”.

He said: “Rolling up our sleeves and getting stuff done is what Liberal Democrats are all about – it’s what Scotland is all about.

“I wish you all a very happy new year.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “New year gives us all a chance to look to the future.

“And 2026 will be a year when the UK Government is delivering real change to communities right across Scotland.

“This year, the Scottish Government will receive from the UK Government the largest-ever block grant in the history of devolution. That means we should be seeing better public services delivered as a result of that investment.

“And with Scotland going to the World Cup this year, it will be a chance to come together with loved ones and support our team. Let’s hope Andy Robertson and the boys do us proud.

“Wishing a very happy and prosperous new year to you all.”

The Scottish Greens urged Scots to back action in 2026 that would deliver positive change “for people and planet”.

Gillian Mackay, the party’s co-leader, said: “I know that in the dark winter days it can be hard to maintain a belief that things can be better.

“Particularly when we have divisive bad faith actors gaining ground and trying to split our communities, and with the backdrop of atrocities in Gaza and beyond, it can be hard to keep hope alive.

“A lot of people are angry and feeling the strain of rising bills and costs. They see a political system that has promised so much change but delivered business-as-usual.

“It doesn’t need to be this way. The year ahead must be one where we work towards restoration and peace. It must be a year in which we strive to do better both individually and collectively.

“Scotland faces big choices in 2026 and I hope that we can build a future that we can be proud of.

“I hope it is a year when we can come together to support action and deliver change for people and planet.

“I hope that we can build a world and a society that future generations will cherish, and that so many of those who came before strived for.”