First Minister John Swinney's New Year message: 'Care and compassion make Scotland'

John Swinney has said small acts of care and compassion are some of the things that make Scotland, Scotland.

In his New Year’s message, the First Minister praised the nation of Scotland for its spirit, bravery, and generosity.

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

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

“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.”

The First Minister acknowledged that some Scots may be remembering that the last year was difficult, with “conflict and upheaval” seen across the world.

But in these trying times, Swinney urged the nation to follow the message of Robert Burns’s Auld Lang Syne and show small acts of kindness in 2026.

“It is at times like these that those small acts of care and compassion make the biggest difference,” he said.

“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.”

Across the political spectrum, other political figures have shared their thoughts and hopes for the coming year.

Douglas Alexander: ‘Scotland will do us proud at World Cup’

Scottish secretary Douglas Alexander said the New Year provides people with an opportunity to look to the future.

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

“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.”

Russell Finday: ‘Holyrood election will impact Scotland greatly’

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.

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

Anas Sarwar: ‘Scotland has potential in its people’

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar emphasised the importance of the election, highlighting “how great a country Scotland is and how much potential our people hold”.

“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,” Sarwar said.

“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.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton: ‘Lib Dems will get things done’

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said he believes Scotland has much going for it, but acknowledged that right now, “too many people feel like things aren’t working”.

Referencing the 2026 election, Cole-Hamilton said the Scottish Liberal Democrats “have got a realistic plan to get things done”.

Gillian McKay: ‘We need to do better collectively’

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.

“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.”