NICOLA Sturgeon has placed keeping Scotland within the European single market as her top priority for 2017 as her political opponents emphasised their opposition to holding another independence poll.

After a political year dominated by the June 23 referendum vote and its aftermath, the First Minister in her New Year message said: “We are working to safeguard the opportunities that so many people in Scotland now take for granted.

"We are determined that Scotland's vote to remain in the European Union will be respected and that people in Scotland retain as many of the benefits of EU membership as possible, including the freedom to work, travel and study in other member states.”

Ms Sturgeon said she and her government were determined to ensure that the nation’s children and young people were given the support and care they needed to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.

"I'm confident that in 2017, we will make further progress towards that goal. That's something which is well worth looking forward to,” declared the FM.

She added: "So, wherever you are - whether you're here in Scotland or further afield; whether you're at work, spending time on your own or with your friends or family - I hope you have a wonderful Hogmanay and a great new year. I wish all of you all the best for 2017."

Ruth Davidson, in her New Year message, reflected on the political turbulence of 2016 when, she said, the "world felt that it shifted a little on its axis".

The Scottish Conservative leader expressed the hope that 2017 would bring "more stability and moderation”.

She went on: “Here in Scotland, that means we need to focus not on creating further division and instability; but on improving services and supporting business to get our economy moving again - to help families who are struggling to get by."

Ms Davidson added: "My commitment for this coming year is to do everything I can to make sure that happens. To all of you here at home, and to Scots right across the world celebrating this evening: all the very best for the coming year."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale underlined her Unionist belief, saying: "Nothing is more important to the future prosperity and security of Scotland than remaining in the UK. But the Tories' reckless Brexit gamble has given the SNP an excuse to resurrect its obsession with separation.

“Being part of the UK is even more important to Scotland than staying in the EU and Labour will campaign with everything we have to protect that relationship across our isles.”

She added: "Remaining in the UK is good for jobs, it's good for our economy and it's good for our public services. Labour will never support the SNP's attempt to force another referendum on the people of Scotland.”

Meantime, Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie also decried any prospect of a second independence referendum saying: "Liberal Democrats will also oppose Scottish independence. Scotland's place is with our partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We need to put the politics of division behind us and focus on making Scotland a better country to live in."

Declaring Liberal Democrats were the only party that was “pro UK, pro EU and progressive,” he added: “My colleagues and I will make the powerful case for a Brexit Deal Referendum on the terms of the deal. It would only be right for voters to have the final say rather than just signing a blank cheque for the Prime Minister to agree any deal she likes no matter what the consequences.”