Welcome Message

The government has set out a new economic strategy and Budget for all of Scotland, restoring free university education in Scotland, and removing tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges.

Scotland's sportsmen and women have also led the way. The country was celebrating into the wee small hours on 9th November when it was announced that Glasgow will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games which will benefit Scotland for generations to come.

The new Winter Festival programme was launched in November welcoming our Friends across the world to share Scotland's favourite celebrations – St Andrew's Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night. For the first time ever, there were festivities for St Andrew's Day in all of Scotland's cities, and Scots abroad celebrating from Moscow to Manitoba.

Throughout next year the government will take forward the National Conversation, to hear from the people of Scotland about the future of the nation. 2008 also marks the 500th anniversary of Myllar and Chapman printing Scotland's first book, signalling the beginning of the Scottish passion for the printed word. And like Scotland's proud footballers this year, who can guess what will be the big surprise of 2008!

We hope that you enjoy our special Hogmanay edition of Scotland Now. And wish you all peace, health and prosperity in the New Year ahead.

Wishing you a great Scottish New Year,

With best wishes,

Scotland Now