Salmond delivers festive message

Mr Salmond said his government had achieved much since May

The first minister uses his Christmas message to outline the "mood of optimism" sweeping Scotland.

Alex Salmond said 2007 had been a "remarkable year" for the country, with the SNP being voted into power for the first time.

Mr Salmond pointed to the achievements of his government since winning the Holyrood poll in May.

And he said the Glasgow Airport terror attack proved that Scotland's greatest resource was its people.

Mr Salmond also acknowledged that the public did not want the Scottish Government to bicker with Westminster "for the sake of it."

A fresh wind has blown through Scottish political and cultural life, lifting our spirits and helping our hearts beat prouder and faster Alex Salmond First Minister

In his festive message to the country, issued on Christmas Eve, Mr Salmond said his government had "moved quickly and achieved much."

He added: "The month of May saw a historic choice by the people of Scotland to elect a SNP government for the very first time.

"In the past eight months I have led that government which has shown a willingness to get to grips with the key issues in order to move the nation forward.

"My government has been keen to work with other political parties to build parliamentary consensus around issues that matter to the people of Scotland.

"But mostly we want to work with the institutions and communities of Scotland, local government, trade unions, business and the voluntary and Third Sector to deliver progress."

'Strongest resource'

Mr Salmond pointed to legislation to abolish tuition fees and prescription charges as being among the government's key achievements, along with the removal of bridge tolls and the reversal of plans to close accident and emergency units at Ayr and Monklands hospitals.

He continued: "This year has seen a change in the relationship between the Scottish Government and the government in London.

"People don't want us to spend our time arguing with the government in London for the sake of it.

"They do, however, expect us to stand up for Scotland on important issues. And to co-operate when necessary."

Mr Salmond said the attack on Glasgow Airport "demonstrated, through the reaction of the emergency services and members of the public, that Scotland's strongest resource is her ain folk".

James McFadden's goal against France lifted spirits

He said Scotland's optimism was boosted by the resurgence of the national football team, and by being chosen as the "perfect host" for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"I see it when I travel round Scotland meeting people. A fresh wind has blown through Scottish political and cultural life, lifting our spirits and helping our hearts beat prouder and faster," Mr Salmond said.

"I want to thank all of you who have helped us make the progress we have."

The first minister paid a special tribute to the "unsung heroes" in Scotland's hospitals and the emergency services, and sent his personal thanks to his ministerial team.

His message concluded: "So, wherever you are, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a guid New Year."