A MUSSELBURGH artist’s design featuring Scottish landmarks and national symbols has been unveiled as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s Christmas card.

Emily Hogarth’s red and white design shows recognisable structures from across the country, including the Finnieston Crane and SEC Armadillo venue in Glasgow, and the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, along with thistles and a Charles Rennie Mackintosh-style rose.

It also has personal links to the First Minister, as her official residence Bute House in the Capital is included in the design, while it also features books to reflect that she is an avid reader.

Emily 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.”

Through her work, Emily 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.

Earlier this year, she also decorated one of the six-foot-tall hares for the Big Hare Trail for Leuchie House, near North Berwick.

The 36-year-old mum-of-three told the Courier she “loved” working on the hare, which allowed her to work with other artists.

She said: “The hare was a bit more challenging [than the Christmas card].

“The Christmas card was fun but definitely much more in my comfort zone.”

The First Minister highlighted what made Emily’s card stand out.

She 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.

“I hope this card will help to lift people’s spirits, spread some festive cheer and, most importantly, remind us all that better days are ahead.”