First Minister’s Christmas card

A design featuring landmarks and national symbols of Scotland has been unveiled as the First Minister’s 2021 Christmas Card.

It has been created by artist Emily Hogarth, who has previously worked on illustrations to mark St Andrew’s Day and a welcoming new space for children at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.

The card features some of Scotland’s best-known landmarks and iconic buildings, with familiar images such as the Scottish Parliament building and the Finnieston Crane. It also has personal links to the First Minister, with her official residence Bute House included in the design.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“I am thrilled to have such a striking design for my Christmas card this year.

“Emily Hogarth’s artwork celebrates just a few of the things that make Scotland special, and there’s no better time of year to stop and reflect on the things that make our lives a little brighter.

“After another particularly difficult year living through the COVID-19 pandemic I hope that this card will help to lift people’s spirits, spread some festive cheer and most importantly remind us all that better days are ahead.”

Emily Hogarth said:

“I felt very honoured to be selected. It’s been lovely to work with the Scottish Government in the past, but to be chosen by the First Minister to do the Christmas card felt very special.

“It’s more important than ever that we focus on the little things that make life better, whether that’s receiving a nice card or having chats with your friends. We need to remember that we’re all in this together and that good times will come again.”

Background

Emily Hogarth is a Musselburgh based artist. Through her work she tries to capture the magic of the Scottish landscape and she loves the combination of the boldness and the delicacy of working with papercut illustrations.

Since completing her masters at Edinburgh College of Art in 2008, she has been working as a self-employed illustrator and surface designer. Her designs have been seen in The National Museum of Scotland and at the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.