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Home » News » First Minister’s New Year message, 2017

First Minister’s New Year message, 2017

5 January 2017

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon used her New Year message to reflect on some of the achievements of the last year and to look forward to 2017.

She highlighted developments such as the introduction of the baby box, which will see every new mum in Scotland given a box of essential items for a newborn baby by summer next year, and the expansion of free early learning and childcare. By the end of this Parliament, all three and four year olds, and around a quarter of two year olds, will be eligible for more than 1100 hours a year of free early learning and care, almost double the current levels of provision.

The First Minister also pointed to infrastructure projects set for completion or further progress in 2017, including the Queensferry Crossing, finishing the electrification of the main Glasgow to Edinburgh rail line, dualling the A9, the Aberdeen Western Peripheral route, and making superfast broadband available to all households.

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She said:

These are examples of how we are building a better future for communities in every part Scotland.

We are working to safeguard the opportunities that so many people in Scotland now take for granted. We are determined that Scotland’s vote to remain in the European Union will be respected – and that people in Scotland retain as many of the benefits of EU membership as possible, including the freedom to work, travel and study in other member states.

New year is inevitably a time when we look to the future. I’m determined to ensure that we give our children and young people – Scotland’s future – the support and care they need to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. And I’m confident that in 2017, we will make further progress towards that goal. That’s something, which is well worth looking forward to.

So wherever you are – whether you’re here in Scotland, or further afield; whether you’re at work, spending time on your own or with your friends or family – I hope you have a wonderful Hogmanay, and a great new year. And I wish all of you all the best for 2017.”

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First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has addressed the Zero Carbon Forum and committed to working with our European partners to fight climate change. We are delighted that Mayor @AnneHidalgo signed the Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity this week, on behalf of the city of Paris. pic.twitter.com/V87NNkLQ2V

We have a winner! Sophie Blackett, Age 10 from Calderwood, East Kilbride has designed the First Minister's 2020 Christmas card.🎄📨 Well done Sophie and thank you to everyone who took part, we had almost 700 fantastic entries.🌟 Sophie's design along with the message inside⬇️ twitter.com/ScotGovFM/stat… pic.twitter.com/EjBNmEaPk4

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First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has met staff co-ordinating the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. The hospital is one of 23 centres where priority groups will be vaccinated against coronavirus. Read more ➡️ bit.ly/36OawE6 pic.twitter.com/pH0jRSvGgD

The First Minister @NicolaSturgeon delivered a speech at the @USChamber Space Summit, and underlined that Scotland is keen to work with partners around the world on a what is a priority area for inward investment. twitter.com/USChamber/stat…

Entries can be scanned and emailed to firstminister@gov.scot with the subject heading 'Christmas Card Competition' 🖥️ Or posted to St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG marked 'Christmas Card Competition' ✉️ Good luck! 🤞

Then make sure they enter before midnight on Monday November 30. ⏰ Pictures should be no larger than A3 and drawn in pen/pencil/crayon/paint only. No stickers or glued on pieces please. ✏️🖍️🖌️🎨

The First Minister is looking for a picture that represents kindness to use for her Christmas card this year.🎄📨 Do you know a young person under the age of 16 who can present the perfect festive picture to wrap up 2020? 🎁🎀

The original artwork for the First Minister's 2019 Christmas card will go to auction on Friday 27 November, Lot 870: bit.ly/361HnoO twitter.com/ScotGovFM/stat…

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