Leaders urge Scots to get vaccine boosters in Christmas messages
The First Minister and Prime Minister thank NHS workers
Last updated 24th Dec 2021
Nicola Sturgeon's using her Christmas message to say the vaccination campaign had been "a source of brightness during a really difficult month", and is urging Scots to get the jag.
In the First Minister's address on Christmas Eve paid special tribute to the thousands involved in the race to vaccinate people ahead of the highly infection Omicron coronavirus variant.
"The vaccination programme has been a source of brightness during a really difficult month," she said.
"Getting vaccinated is the most important way, although certainly not the only way, in which we can all protect each other, as we get through this next phase of the pandemic.
"Vaccination is above all else a demonstration of compassion for, and solidarity with, each other.
"By continuing to show compassion and solidarity, I hope we can all enjoy the best and the safest festive period possible."
"I also want to say a special thank you to the thousands of people, who have been involved in the remarkable vaccination effort in recent weeks.
"I know that many of you are working right up until Christmas Eve, and will start up again straight after Boxing Day for the run up to new year.
Christmas workers
Wishing Scots a merry Christmas, Ms Sturgeon said for many December 25 would not be a holiday at all.
"That of course includes our armed forces, our emergency services, and so many other vital services," said the First Minister.
"And of course for many people working in care homes, and in our National Health Service, Christmas will be another working day, at the end of another incredibly hard year.
"So thank you.
"I know that, even three or four weeks ago, all of us were looking forward to a fairly normal Christmas.
"I am so sorry that this year's won't be quite like that.
"But for many of us, because of vaccination, it will still be more much normal than last year."
The Prime Minister is also encouraging people across the UK to get their booster jags in his Christmas message, describing it as a "wonderful" gift to their families.
READ MORE: Scottish self isolation rules under review
READ MORE: The latest research on Omicron
Prime Minister thanks NHS staff
Boris Johnson will also say that the pandemic is far from over, as "Omicron is surging", and will pay tribute to the work of NHS staff.
In his Christmas message released on Friday, Mr Johnson will say: "Though the time for buying presents is theoretically running out, there is still a wonderful thing you can give your family and the whole country, and that is to get that jab, whether it is your first or second, or your booster.
"So that next year's festivities are even better than this year's."
"And I hope I can be forgiven for taking pride in the immense spirit of neighbourliness that the people of this country have shown.
"Getting jabbed not just for themselves, for ourselves, but for friends and family and everyone we meet.
"And that, after all, is the teaching of Jesus Christ, whose birth is at the heart of this enormous festival, that we should love our neighbours as we love ourselves.
"And so let's think of all those who are being good neighbours and thinking of others.
As he opens his message, the Prime Minister will refer to the spread of Omicron, saying: "After two years of this pandemic, I can't say that we are through it.
"How can I?
"When Omicron is surging, when we all know, we must together try to stop the spread of this new variant, we must test ourselves and take extra care when meeting elderly or vulnerable relatives.
"We know that things remain difficult."
Holyrood leaders messages
Party leaders across the political spectrum have also wished fellow Scots a merry Christmas.
Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, said with the mutant Omicron variant spreading fast "this is far from the normal Christmas that we were all hoping for even a few, short weeks ago".
"But after last year's long winter lockdown, we will all relish being able to spend some time with our loved ones, albeit responsibly," he said.
Mr Ross said it was "thanks to the incredible success of the UK vaccination scheme that we are able to come together, even in a limited way".
Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, said that while Christmas was a time for celebration, coming together and hope, this year would be different.
"While many will be able to be together this year, many will still be making that difficult choice to stay apart again, putting their health and the health of their loved ones first," he said.
"And sadly, many will be mourning the loss of someone special who isn't with us this year.
"Christmas is a time for reflection and when we think about those less fortunate than ourselves.
"Tragically, too many children will wake up to very little or nothing this Christmas.
"Many will be sleeping rough and in temporary accommodation.
"Others will spend Christmas alone with no one to talk to or to celebrate with.