Mark Ruskell - Green MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife

Lots of us will be glad to see this strange and difficult year end but as we look to the future there are many reasons to be optimistic.

The roll out of the vaccine will continue next year, and Scotland welcomes the world as we host the COP26, the UN’s international climate conference.

This is an amazing opportunity to place saving our climate at the forefront of our thoughts. We can make 2021 the beginning of the end of the climate emergency.

Many of those who helped us get through this year will likely find their holiday extremely brief. Key workers put their own health at risk to support us and they deserve our gratitude.

Not just in the form of gestures from governments, but through meaningful efforts to protect the rights of key workers and ensure they all receive at least a real living wage.

While the pandemic has been tough, it’s brought out the best in people. There was a real sense of community spirit and a determination to support each other through this dark time.

When we look back on 2020 let’s make sure we remember those acts of kindness. Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear.