Refugees and key workers are at the heart of leaders’ good wishes
NICOLA Sturgeon used her Christmas message to thank those who had welcomed refugees to Scotland as part of its tradition as a “caring country”.
In a video recorded with pupils from Alness Primary in the Highlands, the First Minister said: “We should also remember those working in our emergency services, those keeping our transport network running and the many more who give up time with their loved ones at Christmas in the service of others.
“Scotland has a proud reputation as a caring country and I want to thank everyone in who has extended a warm welcome to those seeking refuge and comfort here.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale called for an end to divisions in society.
She praised emergency workers and asked people to remember the homeless and bereaved, as well as those suffering in Syria. She said: “Christmas is a chance to reflect on where we are as a nation. The constitution remains the defining issue in our politics and the divisions of recent years still remain.
“When our country is facing so many major challenges, now more than ever we need to unite and work together. My hope is that by next Christmas we will be more united as a nation.”
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson paid tribute to those working over the holidays, such as emergency service workers and NHS staff, “but also the assistant at the 24-hour petrol station, the pot-washer in the hotel kitchen, and the delivery worker on night shift”.
She said: “Often the work they do goes unnoticed or is taken for granted. It’s time for a very overdue thank you.”
In a video filmed at a child refugee centre in Paris, UK LibDem leader Tim Farron asked people to imagine how they would feel if the UK was war zone and they were forced to send their children to safety in another country.
He said: “Let us hope in 2017 we can be true to our British values and proud of our country.”
Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said there was still hope at the end of a turbulent year: “There is little doubt we are in a more uncertain and dark place in global affairs. Yet there is hope in the response to the conflicts and to the rise of divisive politics.
“The positive alternative of government and charitable international aid, combined with alternative voices that promote tolerance, optimism, openness and unity, means that there is light among this darkness. There is hope at Christmas.”