We've taken tough choices to create the nation I want for our kids

Humza Yousaf responds to critics who claim his first year in office was a flop

TIME has flown since I became First Minister 12 months ago. Every hour of every day in the job is a privilege, an opportunity to make a positive difference for all who live here.

Government is always about tough choices and I hope I've shown that we have made good choices in the toughest of times, based on clear values.

In my first budget, I didn't prioritize tax cuts for higher earners like the Tories did at Westminster. I chose, instead, to prioritise investment in our NHS, education and other public services.

That record investment is reaping rewards. Just this week it was announced that there are more junior doctors joining the NHS than ever before, with GP training programmes filled at 100 per cent for the first time.

And with more than a million operations cancelled in England due to ongoing strike action, we've given a fair pay deal to Scotland's hard-working doctors, nurses and other NHS staff to ensure we haven't lost a single day to strikes. No other UK nation can say that.

We've worked with councils to deliver a fully-funded council tax freeze next year - keeping money in your pocket when you need it in the cost of living crisis.