Sarwar and Slater thank emergency service workers in Christmas messages

The leaders of Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens have both paid tribute to the thousands of emergency service employees working this Christmas.

Anas Sarwar and Lorna Slater issued separate Christmas messages on Wednesday, with the Greens co-leader urging Scots to think about those working during the holidays.

Sarwar also told the country “hope is just around the corner”.

The Scottish Labour leader urged Scots to “take time to relax, to enjoy time with family and friends” and to see the Christmas period as a “time of new hope and new beginnings”.

He urged people to remember that “new light and hope is just around the corner”, as he pledged to commit himself to “working hard to make life better for everyone in Scotland” in 2025.

In his Christmas message, Sarwar said: “To everyone in Scotland and across the globe, I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

“Christmas is a time of celebration and relaxation; a time for people to come together and remember the importance of family and community.

“A time to reflect on the last year and to look ahead to the potential that the future holds.

“Above all, it is a time to remember that even in the depth of the dark winter – new light and hope is just around the corner.

“For all those working hard to support those in need this Christmas, I want to send my sincere thanks and admiration.

“And I want to send a special message of thanks and appreciation for all of those across our emergency services and armed forces who will work throughout the festive period to keep us safe.”

He added: “Christmas is a time of new hope and new beginnings.

“As this year comes to a close, I want to recommit myself to working hard to make life better for everyone in Scotland in the coming year.

“As a nation, we have so much potential: let’s work together to unlock opportunities for us all.

“This Christmas, try to take time to relax, to enjoy time with family and friends and to remember the laughter and joy that helps us all get through the dark winter months.

“So from my family to yours and from all of us in the Scottish Labour family, we hope you have a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

“Merry Christmas, everybody.”

Meanwhile, Slater encouraged Scots to think about emergency service workers and those alone this Christmas.

She said that while the festive season is a time of cheer for many, it was difficult for others.

The former circular economy minister, who leads her party alongside Patrick Harvie, said that included those in isolation as well as those working throughout the holidays.

Saying peace was needed more than ever, Ms Slater urged Scots to extend their hope and solidarity “beyond our borders”.

She said: “The festive period can be a time of celebration and cheer, but for many it can be difficult. It is a natural time to think about our cherished memories and about those who we miss the most.

“There’s no right or wrong way to feel. It can be a time when families and friends come together in joy.

“But for others it is a time when feelings of loneliness, isolation and loss can be greater than ever.

“For a lot of people today will be a day of work. Whether it is the doctors, nurses and care workers in our hospitals or the firefighters and police officers prepared to respond to a crisis, every one of these workers should be in our thoughts and given our gratitude.”

Ms Slater also paid tribute to the thousands of people volunteering during Christmas Day at shelters for the homeless, who are “doing all that they can to spread some relief and make life that bit brighter for others”.

She added: “The last few years have underlined just how connected and entwined our lives are and how much we depend on one another. It is even more important that we look after ourselves and support each other at this time of year.

“This is meant to be a season of peace, which is needed more than ever.

“Our thoughts, our hopes and our solidarity must extend beyond our borders and to people around the world, not just today but every day.”