Humza Yousaf Instagram – 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Whatever you are doing to celebrate, I wish you all fun and friendship this St Andrew’s Day! It’s a time when our diaspora communities around the world come together to celebrate their connections and shared love for Scotland. As the nights draw in – and our schools and faith communities share in many festivals of light – I know the kindness and compassion of people living in Scotland, or who have a Scottish connection, will burn bright. Whether you are: • Raising money for charity, • Volunteering within your community, • Safeguarding our natural environment, • Donating essentials to those in need, • Holding an inter faith service, • Taking care of the shopping for a family member, • Inviting an elderly neighbour for a meal this St Andrew’s Day, • Or, sharing your personal connection with Scotland through our new Diaspora platform, I invite you to reflect on the great many things – big or small – that we can all do to improve the communities we live in every day of the year, here in Scotland and abroad. And, as we celebrate St Andrew’s Day – at concerts, ceilidhs, and dinners – let’s also raise a cup of kindness to the 800 million people who live in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence. In Scotland, we’re fortunate to enjoy the peace and freedom of a stable democracy, which we should never take for granted. And, personally, I’d like to thank all the essential workers and community volunteers who will be keeping us safe this winter and into the new year. Together, let’s ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scotland, and that Scotland speaks out for everyone in need. So, whether you’ve planned a cosy night in, or are already ironing your tartan troos for The Gay Gordons – and, yes, I can confirm I am that guy who always forgets the steps despite having attended dozens of Ceilidhs before!