First Minister’s Official Christmas Card Set for Auction

A photograph of Loch Faskally, captured by photographer Jane Barlow, has been chosen for the first minister’s official Christmas card. John Swinney unveiled this year’s Christmas card image, which was taken in his North Perthshire constituency, at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh. A framed copy of the photograph, personally signed by Mr Swinney, is slated for auction in the new year to generate funds for the children’s charity, Children First. Speaking at the launch event, which included children and young people who have received assistance from the charity, Mr Swinney affirmed his commitment to eradicating child poverty in Scotland. Mr Swinney stated: “The Scottish government is committed to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. So, it was important to me that this year’s Christmas card reflected that pledge.” He commended Children First for its “tremendous work protecting children from harm and delivering emotional, practical and financial support for families”. The first minister extended his thanks to Ms Barlow, the “very talented” Press Association news agency photographer, for her image. Ms Barlow, who possesses two decades of experience as a photographer covering news and sport, received awards for her final images of the Queen at Balmoral just two days before she passed away in 2022. Mr Swinney described Loch Faskally as a “place of great natural beauty that showcases the very best Scotland’s environment has to offer”. Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, conveyed that they were “delighted and honoured” that the first minister had selected the charity to benefit from this year’s Christmas card. Previous designs for the cards included contributions from singer Annie Lennox and photographer Harry Benson, who is renowned for his photographs of celebrities, particularly the Beatles. The card will be distributed to everyone on the Scottish leader’s mailing list.