Sunday 4 May, 2008 marks a year since the SNP made political history by winning the Scottish Parliament elections.

Writing for the BBC Scotland news website, First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond reflects on the last 12 months.

Almost one year ago we said it was time for Scotland to move forward. The people of Scotland agreed and they entrusted us with government.

Mr Salmond said Scotland could rise to any challenge

We are repaying the trust of the people of Scotland by breathing new life into Scottish democracy, and delivering for our great public services.

We are determined to show Scotland is using its responsibilities wisely - and together we are capable of much more.

We know we have faced some substantial challenges - as is clear from the Grangemouth industrial action.

Others have been the Glasgow Airport attack and the serious implications for rural Scotland of the foot-and-mouth outbreak south of the Border.

However, all nations face problems - the issue is how we cope with them, and stay focused on the key task of building a prosperous economy and rich society.

If we work together and act together, Scotland can rise to any challenge.

The Scottish Government trusts the people - and their right to choose our nation's future

In April, some of our key measures took effect - including freezing council tax to deliver relief for hard pressed households, cutting business rates to boost the economy and jobs, abolishing prescription charges to end the tax on ill health in this 60th anniversary year of the NHS and scrapping the graduate endowment to restore free education in Scotland based on the ability to learn rather than to pay.

We have also saved vital accident and emergency units at Ayr and Monklands, abolished the tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges, launched the national conversation on Scotland's constitutional future, and are funding 1,000 more police officers in Scotland's communities.

And we will continue to build on our record of delivery for the people of Scotland - increasing the natural and competitive advantages that our nation is blessed with.

As the SNP delivers good government in devolved areas, and secures the trust of the people, we will build the case for Scotland to be governed equally well in all areas.

While we are certainly not immune from global financial problems, I believe that we have the skills, resources and opportunities to thrive and prosper.

Scotland has a bright future as an independent nation. The key democratic issue is the people's right to choose that future in a referendum.

The Scottish Government trusts the people - and their right to choose our nation's future. That is a key reason why I believe the people trust the SNP in government as we mark our first year in office.

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