FM urges public to celebrate New Year responsibly

As New Year approaches, the Scottish Government is urging folk in Orkney and across Scotland to be responsible over the festivities, in order to protect themselves and each other.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has is encouraging the public to stay home this Hogmanay, with the aim of suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ahead of celebrations marking the end of 2020, Ms Sturgeon has asked the nation to “stick with it and keep looking after each other” to ensure a safe start to 2021.

During a statement to Parliament the First Minister also wished the country a brighter and happier new year, although she warned we must remain vigilant during the difficult winter weeks ahead.

She said: “As this awful year draws to a close, let me again thank everyone across Scotland for your sacrifice and patience, and for looking out for each other.

“We have every reason to believe that the spring of 2021 will bring better times but we must first get through these difficult few weeks of winter.

“It is vital we keep doing everything we can to suppress this virus to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and to protect the NHS.

“So we must mark this new year responsibly and in line with the restrictions in place.

“To be clear, that means no gatherings, no house parties, and no first footing. Instead, we should bring in 2021 in our own homes with just our own household.

“We know our prospects for the rest of the year will be better if we get off to a safe start so let’s stick with it, and keep looking after each other.

“And let me wish everyone when it comes a better, brighter and happier new year.”