Today marks the start of the new parliamentary term, which makes it a good time to look ahead to the coming year – but it’s also worth taking a moment to reflect on the past year too.

This time last year I unveiled a Programme for Government which was widely praised for its ambitious policies, and we have spent the past year delivering on those ambitions and building a Scotland that is fairer, prosperous and more progressive.

There are many milestones and achievements to reflect on and it is fair to say that a number of them are world-leading. For example we have implemented measures to improve health and wellbeing and tackle inequalities and, in the process, become the first country anywhere in the world to implement a minimum price for a unit of alcohol and offer free sanitary products to students at all schools, colleges and universities.

Our action to tackle period poverty is a further example of our unwavering support for women’s rights. Another world leading example is the Domestic Abuse Bill, passed earlier this year, which aims to tackle harmful, coercive and controlling behaviour in relationships in Scotland.

We’ve also marked a historic moment in devolution, launching Social Security Scotland. – a new public agency that will deliver a social security system that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.

Next week the first Scottish benefits will be introduced with carers receiving the first payments of the new Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Our new social security agency is a true demonstration of the SNP government’s commitment to fairness and that value extends to the new Scottish income tax system introduced this year, which embeds a progressive approach to taxation. Our reform of income tax protects the lowest earning taxpayers in Scotland whilst those earning higher incomes pay a little bit more, helping to protect our NHS and other public services, support our economy and tackle inequality in our society.

We are implementing radical policies to grow our economy and support businesses, taking steps to establish a Scottish National Investment Bank and a National Manufacturing Institute.

This work to drive economic growth is paying off – Scotland remains the top UK destination outside of London for Foreign Direct Investment, and we’ve seen a 12 per cent increase in the value of goods exported from Scotland, the fastest growth in any part of the UK.

Unemployment is close to record lows, offshore and onshore tax revenues are rising, and our recent GDP growth is twice as fast as that of the rest of the UK.

In short, we have made significant social and economic progress over this past year and today I will set out how we intend to build on that. when I announce in Parliament our Programme for Government for the year ahead.

While our new programme won’t focus on Brexit, it’s important to consider it in that context given the coming year is also the one where, as things stand, the UK will leave the European Union.

The Scottish Government has fought hard to make the case for Scotland and the UK to remain in the EU and, failing that, inside the Customs Union and Single Market. We should never forget that the EU single market is around eight times bigger than the UK market alone.

Short of continued membership of the EU, staying within it stands as the most sensible economic solution to the UK Government’s shambolic handling of Brexit. Only months away from a deal deadline, the stakes have never been higher, and we’ll continue to make the case for a common sense approach to Brexit over the coming months.

As we work hard to shape what that deal will mean for Scotland, we continue to set and deliver a domestic agenda which promotes prosperity and equality, whilst preparing Scotland for the future. This includes embracing challenges as opportunities – climate change being an obvious example.

Over recent years Scotland has established itself as a world leader in renewables and the Scottish Government is prioritising the transition to a low carbon economy. Next year the new electric trains between Glasgow and Edinburgh will be in operation and today I’ll also set out how the Government will become an early adopter of electric vehicles.

Doing so will build on Scotland’s world-renowned reputation as a country that is taking responsible action against climate change, but in taking these step we will also create employment and present new opportunities for industry in Scotland.

This Programme for Government has at its core support for our public services and we are strengthening our work to build an NHS which is fit for the future, addressing the challenges an ageing population brings.

We are also focused on the defining mission I have set for Government – closing the attainment gap in our schools.

The SNP Scottish Government has a strong and proud record on setting big ambitions and delivering for Scotland. This year will be no different. We know we face big challenges ahead, but this programme for Government will intensify our focus on improving the wealth and the wellbeing of communities across Scotland.