The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
I’ll protect Scotland’s place at heart of Europe, Sturgeon says
Country hailed for welcoming reputation to others
The Scottish Government will work “to protect Scotland’s place at the heart of Europe” in 2019, Nicola Sturgeon has said in a New Year message.
Scotland’s first minister believes the reputation for being a hospitable country “has never been more important”, and said EU nationals who have made Scotland their home will always be welcome.
Although Brexit is likely to dominate politics in 2019, Ms Sturgeon said her government will work to make Scotland “a greener, fairer and more prosperous country”.
In a recorded message, she said: “One of the things we should be proud of, at Hogmanay, is the number of people from around the world who come to Scotland to see in the New Year.
“They come in part because of Scotland’s reputation for offering a warm welcome for all. That’s a reputation we should cherish. And it’s one which will endure, regardless of the changes we may see in 2019.
“In the year ahead, the Scottish Government will continue to do everything we can to protect Scotland’s place at the heart of Europe. However, whatever the outcome of Brexit, Scotland will always offer a warm welcome to the world.”
Scottish Tory interim leader Jackson Carlaw said: “The next few weeks will be a momentous moment in our country’s history – and none of us can predict exactly how it is going to turn out.
“But as we go through this period, I believe that we all have good cause to do so with a well-grounded optimism in our future.”
Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie said: “We can safeguard our future in Europe, and the next few months will be critical if that hope is to become a reality.”
Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “The power we have is not being used to make people’s lives better. So we must renew that founding spirit.”