Scottish Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has released his Christmas message:

First of all I would like to thank all of those in our emergency services and those in the military who cannot spend Christmas with their lived ones because they are on duty today. You have our thanks, stay safe.

It’s been a massively successful year for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. From pushing for action on long mental health waits and the closure of care homes, to delivering progress on the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion and the Belford Hospital in Fort William, I am so proud of how my party gets stuck in and gets stuff done. That’s what Scottish Liberal Democrats are all about.

It was with that energy and ambition that we kicked off our spring conference in Inverness, welcoming the former Conservative MSP Jamie Greene into our ranks. Jamie’s decision struck a chord with all those people who are frustrated with the Conservative Party as it lurches to extremes and apes the likes of Nigel Farage. Sensible, moderate voters – who perhaps took a chance on Ruth Davidson’s Conservatives – deserve better than this.

In every corner of Scotland, people deserve a party that will restore decency to our politics, that will fight for them on the issues that matter – that’s what you get with the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

It is now just over 100 sleeps until the Scottish election: a chance to get the change Scotland truly needs – a change of government.

If you want a party that will get you the healthcare you need close to home, that will drive down bills, grow our economy and get Scottish education back to its best, you can back the Scottish Liberal Democrats next May to get a change with fairness at its heart.

This year, it’s so important that we take inspiration from the hope, love and understanding that lies in the timelessness of the Christmas message. These are the things that will drive us forward in the weeks, months and years ahead.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.