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This is Kinnaird Head lighthouse - just about, but not quite, the most easterly point in Scotland. Over there - that's Norway.

The light from here used to shine some 28 miles into the North Sea guiding fishermen home to harbour, just like they came home for this holiday season.

I love New Year - a time for family, for reunions, for taking stock, for looking back and looking forward.

2007 was a good year for Scotland but, you know what, 2008 will be even better.

In 2008 we can keep up the momentum and keep the country moving forward. If 2007 was a year of optimism, then 2008 can be a year of achievement and success.

We have plenty of social problems to meet in Scotland but we can overcome them if we set about them with a will.

There are chill winds blowing in the international economy but Scotland can be the exception if we match and marry our human talent to our competitive advantage.

There is more recognition of Scotland, people are becoming more aware of Scotland internationally. That is one of our great advantages if we capture and market that.

Now, 2007 saw triumphs for Scotland in sport, culture and in politics.

In sport our football team restored national pride. We won the world cup in golf, a Scot won the Indy 500 and even a Wimbledon title.

In a vibrant cultural scene the National Theatre conquered America with its production of The Black Watch and a Scot won the X Factor.

And we had a bit of progress in politics as well.

Best of all, 70 other countries from around the world entrusted Glasgow and Scotland with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

And so the Scottish Government's policies will reflect the new mood in the nation by realising that the days of waiting for Westminster to do things for Scotland - these days are over.

We need to make our own initiatives now, solve our own problems, take our own opportunities.

There is a growing realisation that this country has the talent and ability to stand on its own two feet and we have got to find the democratic structure that will allow us to do that. That is what 2008 is going to be all about.

So, wherever you are this Ne'erday have a happy and successful 2008.