Mr Salmond said:
"On my first Christmas as First Minister I would like to take this opportunity, to wish everyone in Scotland compliments of the season.

"2007 has been a remarkable year for many reasons. The month of May saw a historic choice by the people of Scotland to elect a SNP government for the very first time.

"In the past eight months I have led that government which has shown a willingness to get to grips with the key issues in order to move the nation forward.

"My government has been keen to work with other political parties to build parliamentary consensus around issues that matter to the people of Scotland.

"But mostly we want to work with the institutions and communities of Scotland - local government, trade unions, business and the voluntary and Third Sector to deliver progress.

"We have moved quickly and achieved much.

• We created a smaller ministerial team
• We have introduced legislation to reintroduce free education in Scotland by abolishing fees and we are about to do the same with prescription charges
• We created a Council of Economic Advisers
• We struck the historic agreement with local government through Cosla
• We moved to save the accident and emergency units at Monklands and Ayr
• We passed legislation to remove the unfair tolls from the Forth and Tay bridges
• Just this week we announced a new Forth bridge will be built, guaranteeing a crucial economic link for the country
• And we have started a national conversation about the future of Scotland

"It has been a busy few months but this list of achievements is not exhaustive. And we have a real determination to do even more.

"This year has seen a change in the relationship between the Scottish Government and the Government in London.

"People don't want us to spend our time arguing with the Government in London for the sake of it. They do, however, expect us to stand up for Scotland on important issues and to co-operate when necessary.

"The terror attack on Glasgow Airport demonstrated that we will do exactly that. But it also demonstrated, through the reaction of the emergency services and members of the public, that Scotland's strongest resource is her ain folk.

"I have often spoken of the mood of optimism sweeping the country. I see it when I travel round Scotland meeting people.

"And it isn't just down to the resurgence of our football team as an international force - though that has certainly helped.

"There was also our success in securing the 2014 Commonwealth Games for Glasgow by winning the endorsement of 70 other countries around the Commonwealth. They were confident Scotland would be the perfect host - and we will be.

"A fresh wind has blown through Scottish political and cultural life, lifting our spirits and helping our hearts beat prouder and faster.

"I want to thank all of you who have helped us make the progress we have made. Let's also give a special thank you to all those who will be working over the festive period caring for us and protecting us - the unsung heroes in our hospitals, and emergency services.

"They do a wonderful job, often in difficult circumstances and I would like to send my personal thanks and that of my Ministerial team to them for everything they do for us.

"So, wherever you are, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a guid New Year."