The first minister has revealed that Scotland's sporting success and its smoking ban were his 2006 highlights.
Jack McConnell said the nation's spirits had been lifted by the achievements of the country's athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
He also said the date the smoking ban came into force, 26 March, would be remembered as the day Scotland began to lose its sick man of Europe tag.
And he praised NHS staff working over Christmas in his festive message.
Mr McConnell claimed that Scotland's economy was strong, with an historically low unemployment rate, and said a growing population had started to reverse the brain drain.
"I am sure that many other young sportsmen and women will draw inspiration from what the athletes achieved"
He said his personal highlight of the year was Scotland's medal haul from the Melbourne games.
Athletes won total of 29 medals - including 11 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze.
Mr McConnell said: "My personal highlight was the achievements of our Commonwealth Games athletes in Melbourne and the swimming team in particular.
"They were fantastic young ambassadors for Scotland.
"I am sure that many other young sportsmen and women will draw inspiration from what they achieved."
'Very proud'
He named the second outstanding achievement of the year as the ban on smoking in enclosed public places.
"I was very proud of the way everyone helped to make this work," he said.
"Of course I was proud that my government had passed this legislation but I was even more proud to be Scottish and have the people embrace the ban and celebrate that Scotland was leading the way.
"And future generations will thank all of us for that."
He added: "On top of this, 2006 was a year when more new schools were built, better health services were provided and our older people got the right to travel freely the length and breadth of the country."
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