Alex Cole-Hamilton’s New Year’s Message

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“As the Scottish Parliament election draws ever closer, I sometimes think about that fateful night in November, when fans quite literally shook the earth with their belief in this country. A small earthquake was recorded when Kenny McLean scored that final miracle of a goal.

“Moments like that show you just how much Scotland has going for it. But right now, too many people feel like things aren’t working. Their household bills are soaring, they’re waiting too long to see a GP and Scottish education just isn’t what it used to be. People are tired and frustrated and they’re right to be. They deserve better.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have got a realistic plan to get things done. It’s a plan that will deliver first-rate healthcare so you can see your GP, dentist or mental health professional when you need them. It will help you with the cost of living- insulating cold homes and using Scottish renewable energy to drive down household bills.

“It's about getting Scotland moving again: to fix our roads, our ferries and our public transport. It's about getting Scottish education back to its best: to expand pupil support in every school so we can give every child the best start in life.  

“Let me be straight with you. At May's election, you have two votes. In many constituencies we are on the verge of winning against the SNP: from Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Inverness and Nairn, all the way down to Edinburgh Northern and Strathkelvin and Bearsden.

“But our fairer voting system also means we can give every corner of Scotland a Liberal Democrat champion. That's why we we're asking for your vote on the list seats in every region too. A vote for us on that second, peach-coloured, regional ballot paper will deliver change with fairness at its heart.

“Rolling up our sleeves and getting stuff done is what Liberal Democrats are all about - it's what Scotland is all about.

“I wish you all a very Happy New Year.”