Since 2007, almost £170,000 has been raised for good causes through the cards.

Artwork commissioned by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for a Christmas card has raised £1000 for charity.

Mairi Hedderwick’s original painting for last year’s card was based on her Katie Morag books and went under the hammer at an auction on Saturday.

The proceeds will be split between four charities - Children 1st, Enable Scotland, Books Abroad and the Scottish Refugee Council.

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

Speaking after the auction, Ms Sturgeon said: “I was delighted that Mairi Hedderwick was able to create such a wonderful illustration for last year’s Christmas card.

“Katie Morag’s adventures accompanied by Mairi’s beautiful illustrations are adored by both children and adults right across the world.

“Christmas is a time for spending time with those we love, but it is also a time for thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves.

“There is no doubt that Scotland is a caring and compassionate country and First Ministers’ Christmas cards aim to publicise and support charity projects which do so much in our communities. Mairi generously donated her time and talent to the Christmas card initiative and she should be extremely proud of helping to support these fantastic good causes.”

Previous cards have featured artwork by Jack Vettriano, Elizabeth Blackadder and Alasdair Gray, among others.