Sturgeon looks to a year full of 'challenges and tough times' for Scottish people

But with a general election and a possible independence referendum being held this year, she added that voters would have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

There will be a UK general election in the first six months of 2010. And the SNP Holyrood administration has brought forward a white paper on Scotland's constitutional future, which could pave the way for a vote on independence this year.

However, the Nationalists have yet to win the majority support they need to get a referendum bill through the Scottish Parliament, with the three main opposition parties all against such a vote.

In last year's European elections, the SNP won more votes in Scotland than any other party, and in her New Year message Ms Sturgeon said: "In 2009, Scotland's voters backed the SNP in the only UK-wide election and across all elections, putting the SNP first for Scotland in Europe and giving Scotland a stronger voice.

"In 2010, voters will have that opportunity again to ensure Scotland's voice is heard." She stated: "As a country, we will face challenges and tough times ahead, as we all pay the price for Labour's recession."

But Ms Sturgeon insisted: "Only the SNP will give Scotland the stronger, louder voice we will all need in the years ahead.

"And as we work to bring in the legislation for a referendum on Scotland's future, only the SNP want to give you the right to a voice here at home."

She also argued: "The real fight in 2010 is not the phoney war between Labour and Tory – the Tweedledum and Tweedledee of UK politics – the real fight is for Scotland and to make the coming decade Scotland's decade."

Ms Sturgeon has had a high-profile year, garnering headlines globally for her handling of the swine flu outbreak.

Scotland's main political figures have used their New Year messages as opening shots in the election campaign.

SNP leader Alex Salmond called for greater powers for the Scottish Parliament to allow it to exploit its green energy resources.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown used his message to launch a coded attack on the Tories, saying that his opponents stood for the "privileged few".

And Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said 2010 must be a year of "humility" after a disastrous 2009 for politicians.