2 December 2015
The First Minister has unveiled her official Christmas card for 2015.
Here's FM @NicolaSturgeon's Christmas card featuring Katie Morag. https://t.co/VpQTjHCcd0 pic.twitter.com/YYZvixbDYd
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) December 2, 2015
The Christmas card this year is a unique illustration created by children’s author and artist Mairi Hedderwick who is most famously known for her Katie Morag books.
On the card, Katie Morag can be seen welcoming children from around the world to the First Minister’s official residence, Bute House.
The First Minister said:
“I am delighted that Mairi Hedderwick was able to create such a wonderful illustration for this year’s Christmas card.
“Katie Morag’s adventures accompanied by Mairi’s beautiful illustrations are adored by both children and adults right across the world.”
To those who follow Katie Morag’s adventures on screen, the First Minister was joined by a familiar face – Cherry Campbell who plays Katie Morag in the CBeebies adaptation, as well as the artist herself Mairi Hedderwick.
Children from Forthview Primary joined the First Minister, Mairi and Cherry at Bute House for a Christmas party to celebrate the launch of the Christmas card.
The original illustration will be auctioned next year and the proceeds will be shared between four charities; ENABLE Scotland, Children 1st, Books Abroad and the Scottish Refugee Council.
The FM's Katie Morag card will raise funds for @ENABLEScotland, @children1st, @scotrefcouncil and @booksabroad. pic.twitter.com/1r9iNm1o4b
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) December 2, 2015
Representatives from all four charities joined the First Minister at Bute House today. Among them was Theresa Shearer, ENABLE Scotland’s Chief Executive. She said:
It is a real honour for ENABLE Scotland to be chosen as a beneficiary of the First Minister’s Christmas Card, and I was delighted to be at the launch.
“Christmas is a time of giving, and the card perfectly sums up the warm welcome, compassion and support that people in Scotland give others who need it.”
The First Minister added:
“Christmas is a time for spending time with those that we love, but it is also a time for thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves.
“There is no doubt that Scotland is a caring and compassionate country but this year in particular, I have been so proud of the warm welcome and kindness which has been extended to all who have come here.
“Whether it’s by helping out at a charity, or having a cup of tea and a chat with a friend or neighbour who is on their own, it’s important to spend some time over the next few weeks giving comfort, companionship and support to those who need it.”