A video of the message is available on the council’s YouTube channel:

Provost Margaret Cooper said: “It is my great pleasure to wish you all a happy Christmas on behalf of everyone at South Lanarkshire Council.

“One of the highlights of 2023 was undoubtedly when we awarded the Freedom of South Lanarkshire for the first time ever and there could not have been more deserving recipients as we honoured the Royal Regiment of Scotland who marched through the streets of Hamilton with full colours flying on Saturday 17 June.

“It was a magnificent occasion and it showed off our area to a national audience.”

The full message can be viewed in the video above.