'Make 2026 the year for acts of kindness'

John Swinney has urged Scots to follow the message of Robert Burns's Auld Lang Syne and show small acts of kindness in 2026.

- CRAIG MEIGHAN, PRESS ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND

In his new year message, the First Minister said Scotland is celebrated for its spirit, bravery, and generosity. Looking to the year ahead, he also said he was celebrating Scotland's entry into the World Cup.

But for others he said the start of the new year could be more difficult, as he urged Scots to come together in 2026.

"Each year, the world rings in the new year by singing a song from Scotland," he said. "A song passed down through generations, written by our national poet, Robert Burns.