Season's greetings from Highland political leaders include messages of hope for the future and tribute to the way communities have responded to the coronavirus pandemic
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An eye-catching scene of colourful illuminations reflected on the River Ness has been chosen by Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael for this year’s official Christmas card.
As the provost sent out season’s greetings, the message in her Christmas card this year is one of reflection and looking forward.
"Not only does it show the beautiful illuminations reflecting on the River Ness it also depicts my reflection on another year of pandemic," she said.
"In spite of these difficult times, we are achieving and looking forward to a better future.
"Completion of the beautiful riverside and art works along its banks, the ongoing Inverness Castle Project which will become an international tourist attraction and the final naming and completion of the Archimedes Screw hydro project.
"These are my reflections and my season’s greetings and best wishes to the people of Inverness city and area."
A similar sense of hope is echoed by Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson whose card features a compilation of snowy scenes from around the region including Inverness Castle.
"While 2021 has been a challenging year of recovery, I look forward with hope and certainty to a positive and sustainable future for the Highlands," she said.
"Public and business interest has never been higher in the region, with outstanding tourism demand and major investment in green energy and industry."
Aviemore Primary School pupil Ellis Duffy designed the winning card for council convener Bill Lobban.
"Christmas is a special time for all of us but especially children and I have made a point of always asking local primary school kids to design my Christmas card," he said.
"It was great to see all the kids and their entries but thankfully I don’t have to do the judging."
Ellis Duffy, a P4/5 pupil, joined the prizegiving by video as she was unable to attend. The runners-up were Mason Whyte (P3/4) and Jacqueline Golebiowski (P4).
Chairman of the education committee, Councillor John Finlayson has chosen a scene of the Old Man of Storr, the popular visitor site on Skye, for his card.
It is also a site where Highland Council has invested a huge amount over the last few years to support traffic management and create additional facilities, with parking and toilets being added.
Cllr Finlayson took the opportunity to pay tribute to the way communities in the Highlands have responded to the pandemic.
"I would like to wish all pupils, staff and parents in our schools and early learning centres a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year at the end of a very challenging year where once again they have all shown great resilience, dedication and fortitude to ensure our children and young people have been supported both in and outwith school with their learning and their wellbeing," he said.
"We are all in this pandemic together and although it may not seem that way just now, we will emerge stronger and better equipped to deal with life’s adversities when it is over."
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is highlighting her consultation on proposals to include a Right to Food in Scot’s Law.
She said people were accessing food banks more mainly because of a lack of income or inadequate social security payments.
"This then leads to the mushrooming numbers of food banks emerging, with the pandemic exacerbating the problem," she said.
Historical health problems due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies plus obesity were also increasing.
"It is much cheaper and easier to access food that is high in sugar and fat than to access a healthy diet which may be more expensive," she said.
"The ensuing health problems increase health inequalities."
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain turned to his former army regiment in his choice of Christmas card which depicts Christmas Guard Mount painted by Millie Lewin and is sold in aid of The Blues & Royals Association.
Mr Mountain served in the Blues & Royals, part of the Household Cavalry, from 1980 to 1992.
