Political leaders deliver Christmas messages to the public

Scotland’s political leaders have urged people to pay special attention to children, the elderly and people in hardship this Christmas.

Nicola Sturgeon was joined by children at Bute House. Picture: Contributed

Nicola Sturgeon, Kezia Dugdale, Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie also offered their thoughts to those working to keep people safe.

First Minister and SNP leader Ms Sturgeon was joined by eight-year-olds at her Bute House residence in Edinburgh to deliver her “Merry Christmas” message.

She said: “The sound of excited children ringing round Bute House was a wonderful experience and there was no better opportunity to join in with them to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

Nicola Sturgeon was joined by children at Bute House. Picture: Contributed

Ms Dugdale, Scottish Labour leader, said Christmas is “a great time of year” but can also be “a difficult period” for some.

Ms Davidson, Scottish Conservative leader, said Christmas is “a special time of year” but “can also be cruel”.

“If you’re lonely, worried about your job, your marriage or relationship is in difficulty or you are suffering from bereavement, far from being the best time of year,Christmas can be the hardest,” she said.

Mr Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, hailed Scotland’s response to the darkest moments of 2015, including the war in Syria and the Paris attacks.

Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain’s Christian values have been key to making the UK a good home to people of all faiths and none.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will not issue a Christmas message, the party confirmed.