“As we count down to 2019, it is often a time to reflect on the year that has past.

“It is also a time where we think about the future, and what we want from the New Year.

“The wonder of the festive period is that it can remind us of all the beauty in life that we take for granted: our family, our friends, and our faith.

“Although there is much to be positive about in 2018, I am still concerned that the way we handle public debate is corrosive and detrimental to every single man, woman and child living here.

“Although healthy disagreement is a necessary part of life, we should remember that the things we have in common are more important than the things we don’t.

"As we enter 2019, I hope that we can change the way that we go about our public and political debate and that we can return to the pragmatic discussions that we used to have in Scotland. It is time to put an end to the hostility that surrounds our political sphere, no matter what issue we are discussing.

“I hope that 2019 will be a return to positivity and I’d like to wish everyone reading this a very happy New Year and hope to speak to you in 2019.”