The First Minister's official Christmas card is based on a specially commissioned painting by the artist John Lowrie Morrison, with the original to be auctioned for a children's charity in the New Year.

It shows a JoLoMo painting of Linlithgow Palace reflected in the loch, depicting Alex Salmond's home town. The town was also the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Mr Morrison was commissioned to do the painting by Mr Salmond but has donated it to the charity Who Cares? Scotland which will auction it at a gala concert next May.

Christmas cards from previous First Ministers have attracted controversies, such as the year when a card broke the fire safety rules by showing a lit candle next to decorations.

But this year Mr Salmond appears to have avoided controversy. He has even gone for a traditional, non-politically correct message, by saying inside: "Happy Christmas and a Guid New Year."

Unveiling the card at a reception at Bute House in Edinburgh, the First Minister said yesterday: "Linlithgow Palace is a location that is steeped in Scottish history and dear to my heart.

"Mary Queen of Scots was born within its walls as Royal Palace of the Stuart dynasty. Whoever owns this painting will own a slice of Scotland's past as well as a contemporary vision of Linlithgow and I hope that every card will echo with the pleasure this painting brings."

Mr Morrison said he felt "quite a lot of stress" doing the painting after Mr Salmond called him up recently to do the painting.

He told the First Minister: "It was a delight to do it for you. No doubt the anoraks in Linlithgow will say there's not enough windows in the castle and the spire's too tall and we don't get as much snow as that but I think it depicts Linlithgow Palace in a good way."

A painting of that size normally goes for about £3000 in galleries and Mr Morrison said he hoped it would raise as much as possible for youngsters in foster and residential care.

Mr Salmond said: "At this time of year I am pleased to have the chance to thank everyone who has helped us make such rapid progress. That is why I am sending out this card, not only as a mark of John Lowrie Morrison's artistic success but also as a tribute to all those who have worked for Scotland's success.

"I want everyone in Scotland to share our ambition and to have equal opportunities to achieve their goals.

"The voluntary organisation Who Cares? Scotland takes us a step closer to giving everyone that chance, by working to improve the standard of life for young people in care. I am delighted to support their efforts by auctioning this Christmas painting of Linlithgow Palace reflected in the loch, with proceeds helping to fund their work."

The director of the charity, Heather Gray, was among those present at the First Minister's official residence. She said of next year: "This is an important year for the charity as it will be its 30th anniversary. We are delighted to be recipients of the painting."

Meanwhile, according to figures last night more than £12,500 has been spent on Christmas cards by one Westminster government department over the past five years.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said the cost to the Culture Media and Sport Department ranged from £1962 last year to £3235 in 2004.