Artwork by John Byrne will be auctioned off to raise money for Food Train, SCIAF, Scottish Women’s Aid and the Teapot Trust

Four charities are set to benefit from the First Minister’s Christmas card.

A specially designed card – entitled Say it With a Kiss – by artist John Byrne for Nicola Sturgeon was revealed this week.

The artwork which the card is based on will be auctioned next year with the proceeds going to four charities – Food Train, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Scottish Women’s Aid and the Teapot Trust.

Sturgeon said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have such a beautiful painting by John Byrne for my Christmas card this year. He is one of our most celebrated artists and this work has a wonderful festive feel while maintaining John’s inimitable style.

“The four charities that will benefit from the sale of the painting do fantastic work on local, national and international levels and I’m very pleased that the card can support such a wide range of good causes.”

Since 2007, artwork from the First Minister’s official Christmas cards has raised around £170,000 for good causes through sales of the original paintings and limited edition prints.