THE eyes of the world will be on Scotland next year, Nicola Sturgeon has promised in a message to mark Hogmanay.
The First Minister said that though there were still difficulties ahead as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, there was a lot for Scots to look forward to in 2021.
Sturgeon continued: “Tens of thousands of people in Scotland have now received their first vaccination against Covid-19.
And that number will grow in the weeks and months ahead. 2021 will also see the expansion of free nursery care, the introduction of the Scottish Child payment to tackle child poverty, and the first full year of Scotland’s new investment bank.
“As we rebuild after this pandemic, we can, we must, focus on making Scotland a fairer country and a greener country.”
She added: “And of course, towards the end of the year, the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow, and the COP 26 climate change summit – a gathering that has the potential to set the whole world on a path to a more sustainable future.
“So even as we reflect on this darkest of years, we can see light ahead.”
This last year had “been unimaginably difficult,” she said.
“Thousands have lost loved ones, our society has been upended, our economy has taken a severe hit, many have lost jobs, families have had to cancel holidays, and of course Christmas plans had to be cancelled too.
“We have had to deny ourselves so many of the things that we most value in life, human companionship, hugs from loved ones, the comfort and the pleasure we get from meeting and spending time with each other. I can simply never thank all of you enough for the sacrifices you have made, and the patience you have shown, during these last difficult months.”
READ MORE: Five great things which offered hope in an otherwise terrible year
Sturgeon ended her message, saying that the next few weeks and months would “be tough for all of us.”
“So let’s stick with it, and stick together,” she said. “Let’s continue to show each other kindness, compassion, and love.
“And let’s all of us resolve to make 2021 Scotland’s year of recovery. I wish all of you a Happy New Year.”
In his message, Douglas Ross accused the SNP of being obsessed with independence.
“The people of Scotland are due to return to the polling stations. It is no exaggeration to say the country’s future is at stake,” he said.
“On the ballot will be the SNP’s obsessive determination to inflict another divisive independence referendum on the country.”
Ross continued: “This, in the minds of the Nationalists, is more important than pulling together to help rebuild our shattered economy and a society scarred by the pandemic.
“They will give no credit to the strength of the United Kingdom, which was at its best in the face of the pandemic.”
Ross said 2021 could be “the year to heal, not to reopen the old wounds of the past.”
LibDem leader Willie Rennie also attacked the SNP’s push for indyref2.
Rennie continued: “If the SNP get to push forward with another independence referendum, recovery will play second fiddle just like everything else has.”
Green co-convenor Lorna Slater was also looking forward to COP26.
“This could be the year that Scotland takes global leadership on climate matters,” she said.
“While the summit may have been put on hold last year, because of the pandemic, global warming was not.
“Let’s make 2021 the year that we expect better things.”
Slater added: “The year that we demand immediate and urgent change.
“On behalf of those whose work is undervalued or unrecognised.
“On behalf of those who face hate and discrimination. On behalf of our nature, our future and the future of our planet.”
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