Scottish political leaders share Christmas messages

They're paying tribute to people working over the holiday period in their Christmas messages.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the Woodlands Community Cafe in Glasgow where she hailed all those ''thinking about and helping others''.

Ms Sturgeon said: ''This cafe, and the volunteers here, are among thousands of organisations and individuals throughout Scotland who do so much for our local communities - not just at Christmas, but all throughout the year. They exemplify the solidarity and compassion which is so important to our society.

I also know that for many people - for example workers in our emergency services, our health service and in our armed forces - Christmas isn't a holiday at all. Your hard work is appreciated all the year round, but is particularly valued at Christmas time.

So over this festive period, let's thank those who are working so hard on our behalf. And let's also - like the people here at Woodlands - do our bit to help others, and to spread some Christmas cheer.''

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson thanked armed forces personnel and organisations such as the Samaritans and also gave a special mention to people who have lost a loved one over the last year.

She said: ''The first Christmas without a spouse, sibling, child, parent or friend is always difficult and I hope they find comfort in the company of loved ones.

For many of us, Christmas is one of the few moments of the year when we get a chance to disengage from work and take a step back for a few days.

After a year in which we've often seen more heat than light in our public debate, I hope the holiday season will provide us with a moment to remember what we have in common.''

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: ''Those of us who are fortunate enough to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones should spare a thought for those who are not so lucky.

We should think of those who cannot take time off, those who work in our emergency services over Christmas, those who devote their lives to public service, to taking care of us all, from hospitality workers to nurses, firefighters and all emergency workers, to the people keeping the lights on.

And we should think of those refugees who have come to Scotland for sanctuary and to build a new life, and all those who are fighting to survive in too many countries riven with war or internal unrest.''

Mr Leonard said his greatest Christmas wish was for ''a reawakening of hope, and a new dawning that we make our own history so that we can build a world that works according to the principles of welfare and not warfare''.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said his party had ''turned the corner'' in 2017.

''We started winning elections again with more MPs and in charge of more councils,'' he said. ''I believe that winning is not just good for the Liberal Democrats but is also good for the country.

It means that we have moderate, outward looking, optimistic voices making the case for change and challenging authority and government.

With a bigger team of Liberal Democrats we can stand up for people who benefit from the police service, mental health services, education services and a stronger economy.''