That the Parliament notes that, in January 2018, the Scottish Government issued a press statement on shock collars stating that it would “take steps to effectively and promptly ban their use in Scotland” and “there to be no doubt that painful or unpleasant training for dogs will not be tolerated”, and that it would be issuing “strong Ministerial guidance on the use of all painful training devices for Courts to take into consideration in any cases brought before them regarding unnecessary suffering through the use of these devices”; further notes additional published guidance that stated “Particular training devices that the Scottish Government does not condone are: electronic shock (static pulse) collars, electronic anti-bark collars, electronic containment systems…These techniques compromise dog welfare”; considers that this guidance, though not publicised by the Scottish Government, had been initially welcomed by welfare and animal behaviour organisations as a positive step forward; understands that these organisations now consider that the guidance is not enough to put an end to the use of shock collars and that, as the Scottish Government has since stated, the use of electronic training aids is not prohibited; considers that this is backtracking on a previous unequivocal commitment to ban electronic shock collars, and notes calls for these devices to be banned unequivocally.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that, in January 2018, the Scottish Government issued a press statement on shock collars stating that it would “take steps to effectively and promptly ban their use in Scotland” and “there to be no doubt that painful or unpleasant training for dogs will not be tolerated”, and that it would be issuing “strong Ministerial guidance on the use of all painful training devices for Courts to take into consideration in any cases brought before them regarding unnecessary suffering through the use of these devices”; further notes additional published guidance that stated “Particular training devices that the Scottish Government does not condone are: electronic shock (static pulse) collars, electronic anti-bark collars, electronic containment systems…These techniques compromise dog welfare”; considers that this guidance, though not publicised by the Scottish Government, had been initially welcomed by welfare and animal behaviour organisations as a positive step forward; understands that these organisations now consider that the guidance is not enough to put an end to the use of shock collars and that, as the Scottish Government has since stated, the use of electronic training aids is not prohibited; considers that this is backtracking on a previous unequivocal commitment to ban electronic shock collars, and notes calls for these devices to be banned unequivocally.
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That the Parliament recognises the work done by the Lauder-based charity, Zaagi, which remakes donated bridal gowns into garments for stillborn babies and babies who pass away shortly after birth, with over 2,500 gowns having been donated since it was established in 2015; notes that the charity was set up by Kimberly Shaw-Walker following the death of her own daughter, Sarah, when she realised that standard baby clothes often do not meet the needs of stillborn babies due to things such as the way that they fasten, which can cause distress to parents at an already upsetting time; understands that the garments made by Zaagi are available at a number of maternity units, including at Borders General Hospital and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, for people who want them, allowing parents to dress and spend time with their baby in a dignified manner, with a square of the fabric given to parents as a keepsake, and believes that, while a stillbirth is an unimaginable loss, such an initiative helps bring some level of comfort.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the work done by the Lauder-based charity, Zaagi, which remakes donated bridal gowns into garments for stillborn babies and babies who pass away shortly after birth, with over 2,500 gowns having been donated since it was established in 2015; notes that the charity was set up by Kimberly Shaw-Walker following the death of her own daughter, Sarah, when she realised that standard baby clothes often do not meet the needs of stillborn babies due to things such as the way that they fasten, which can cause distress to parents at an already upsetting time; understands that the garments made by Zaagi are available at a number of maternity units, including at Borders General Hospital and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, for people who want them, allowing parents to dress and spend time with their baby in a dignified manner, with a square of the fabric given to parents as a keepsake, and believes that, while a stillbirth is an unimaginable loss, such an initiative helps bring some level of comfort.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Rona Mackay, Sandra White, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Fulton MacGregor, Gil Paterson, Tom Arthur, Angela Constance, Gail Ross
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That the Parliament congratulates InChorus, a Peebles community choir, on its 10th anniversary; understands that, as part of the celebrations of this milestone, the choir undertook a weekend trip to Barcelona where it performed in a range of venues from town squares to churches to the Palau De La Musica Catalana; notes that the choir met and formed a link with Coral Catasons, a Catalan choir, which is now planning to visit Peebles and the wider Scottish Borders next year; considers that the warm welcome that the choir received in Barcelona is indicative of its talent and positive ethos, and wishes everyone involved in the choir all the best for the next 10 years.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates InChorus, a Peebles community choir, on its 10th anniversary; understands that, as part of the celebrations of this milestone, the choir undertook a weekend trip to Barcelona where it performed in a range of venues from town squares to churches to the Palau De La Musica Catalana; notes that the choir met and formed a link with Coral Catasons, a Catalan choir, which is now planning to visit Peebles and the wider Scottish Borders next year; considers that the warm welcome that the choir received in Barcelona is indicative of its talent and positive ethos, and wishes everyone involved in the choir all the best for the next 10 years.
Supported by: Joan McAlpine, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Rona Mackay, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Maureen Watt, Angus MacDonald, Angela Constance, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, John Finnie, Mark Ruskell
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That the Parliament congratulates Bright Sparks Play Group in Midlothian on being awarded £120,012 from Children in Need to fund the project for a further three years; understands that the charity provides various groups and social activities for children with complex additional needs and their families within Midlothian; notes that this work is supported by a team of volunteers who are parents of children with disabilities; considers that this project provides a vital source of support for these children and their families, who otherwise may face social isolation, and wishes everyone at Bright Sparks the very best for their continuing success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Bright Sparks Play Group in Midlothian on being awarded £120,012 from Children in Need to fund the project for a further three years; understands that the charity provides various groups and social activities for children with complex additional needs and their families within Midlothian; notes that this work is supported by a team of volunteers who are parents of children with disabilities; considers that this project provides a vital source of support for these children and their families, who otherwise may face social isolation, and wishes everyone at Bright Sparks the very best for their continuing success.
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Emma Harper, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Ruth Maguire, Rona Mackay, Mark McDonald, Jenny Gilruth, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Alexander Burnett, Angela Constance, Gordon Lindhurst, Mark Ruskell, Angus MacDonald, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Gil Paterson
Current Status: Achieved Cross Party Support
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That the Parliament condemns the remarks made by Michelle Ballantyne MSP in the Chamber on 24 October 2018 that “it is fair that people on benefits cannot have as many children as they like while people who work and pay their way and do not claim benefits have to make decisions about the number of children they can have”; considers this statement a callous and cruel approach to welfare adopted by someone whom it considers has no experience of the reality of life for benefits recipients, given that these people might simply want more children, find themselves in the situation of having more than two children for a range of reasons, including accidental pregnancy, an abusive or coercive partner or having had a change in financial circumstances following the conception of their children following, for example, redundancy or family breakdown; believes that it is fundamentally wrong for people in positions of power to moralise on who can or cannot have children and considers that withdrawing welfare support for children born into financially-deprived circumstances first and foremost harms the child in question and perpetuates the cycle of deprivation; further considers that, what it sees as ill-informed remarks from a mother-of-six, who it believes has financial means, exposes the stance of the Conservative Party and the UK Government on welfare; believes that this shows that Ms Ballanytne is indeed a "true blue" who, it considers, is prepared to defend the so-called rape clause that it believes is indefensible, and demands her resignation from her frontbench role as the Conservative spokesperson for social security.
Current Status:
That the Parliament condemns the remarks made by Michelle Ballantyne MSP in the Chamber on 24 October 2018 that “it is fair that people on benefits cannot have as many children as they like while people who work and pay their way and do not claim benefits have to make decisions about the number of children they can have”; considers this statement a callous and cruel approach to welfare adopted by someone whom it considers has no experience of the reality of life for benefits recipients, given that these people might simply want more children, find themselves in the situation of having more than two children for a range of reasons, including accidental pregnancy, an abusive or coercive partner or having had a change in financial circumstances following the conception of their children following, for example, redundancy or family breakdown; believes that it is fundamentally wrong for people in positions of power to moralise on who can or cannot have children and considers that withdrawing welfare support for children born into financially-deprived circumstances first and foremost harms the child in question and perpetuates the cycle of deprivation; further considers that, what it sees as ill-informed remarks from a mother-of-six, who it believes has financial means, exposes the stance of the Conservative Party and the UK Government on welfare; believes that this shows that Ms Ballanytne is indeed a "true blue" who, it considers, is prepared to defend the so-called rape clause that it believes is indefensible, and demands her resignation from her frontbench role as the Conservative spokesperson for social security.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Joan McAlpine, Rona Mackay, Alasdair Allan, Emma Harper, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament congratulates Borders Pet Rescue on its 30th year, having been founded by Jill Solway in 1988; notes that, earlier in 2018, the charity set an ambitious fundraising target of £30,000 to mark this anniversary, having raised £6,000 so far; understands that the funds will be used to build a further 10 kennels to increase its capacity and support the current 250 to 300 animals that it rehomes annually; further understands that the charity deals with a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits and a number of exotic pets, as well as taking in wild hedgehogs for rehabilitation over the winter; commends the staff and volunteers involved in keeping the charity running for the last 30 years, and wishes them all the best for the next 30 years.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Borders Pet Rescue on its 30th year, having been founded by Jill Solway in 1988; notes that, earlier in 2018, the charity set an ambitious fundraising target of £30,000 to mark this anniversary, having raised £6,000 so far; understands that the funds will be used to build a further 10 kennels to increase its capacity and support the current 250 to 300 animals that it rehomes annually; further understands that the charity deals with a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits and a number of exotic pets, as well as taking in wild hedgehogs for rehabilitation over the winter; commends the staff and volunteers involved in keeping the charity running for the last 30 years, and wishes them all the best for the next 30 years.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Emma Harper, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, Gillian Martin, Bill Kidd, Alasdair Allan, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur, David Torrance, Ruth Maguire, Jenny Gilruth, Joan McAlpine
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That the Parliament notes with concern the European Commission’s proposal to end current daylight saving arrangements; understands that time is a matter reserved to the UK Government but believes that Scotland has particular needs regarding this due to its northern location; believes that dark mornings therefore have more of an impact on those living in Scotland, including those driving in the morning and schoolchildren walking to school, particularly in rural areas with no pavements and no street lighting, such as in parts of the Borders and Midlothian; considers that safety should form a key part of these considerations, and calls on the UK Government to take Scotland’s specific needs into consideration when making any decision.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern the European Commission’s proposal to end current daylight saving arrangements; understands that time is a matter reserved to the UK Government but believes that Scotland has particular needs regarding this due to its northern location; believes that dark mornings therefore have more of an impact on those living in Scotland, including those driving in the morning and schoolchildren walking to school, particularly in rural areas with no pavements and no street lighting, such as in parts of the Borders and Midlothian; considers that safety should form a key part of these considerations, and calls on the UK Government to take Scotland’s specific needs into consideration when making any decision.
Supported by: David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Gordon MacDonald
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That the Parliament recognises the achievements of the seven Borders businesses and individuals who have been shortlisted for the Scottish Thistle Awards Lothian and Borders regional finals; notes that these include Born in the Borders, which is in the running for the Best Visitor Attraction award, Fauhope Country House, near Melrose, which has been nominated in the Most Hospitable B&B or Guest House category, Windlestraw in Walkerburn, which is competing for Most Hospitable Hotel and Thirlestane Castle in Lauder, which is nominated for the Best Self-catering Experience; understands that the awards aim to celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in the tourism and hospitality industry, while recognising those who have made a valuable contribution in the sector; believes that such a strong representation of Borders businesses demonstrates the high quality of tourism businesses and individuals working within the industry locally to promote the Borders as a prime tourist destination, and wishes all those shortlisted the best of luck at the awards ceremony, which will take place on 15 November 2018.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the achievements of the seven Borders businesses and individuals who have been shortlisted for the Scottish Thistle Awards Lothian and Borders regional finals; notes that these include Born in the Borders, which is in the running for the Best Visitor Attraction award, Fauhope Country House, near Melrose, which has been nominated in the Most Hospitable B&B or Guest House category, Windlestraw in Walkerburn, which is competing for Most Hospitable Hotel and Thirlestane Castle in Lauder, which is nominated for the Best Self-catering Experience; understands that the awards aim to celebrate success, innovation, excellence and best practice in the tourism and hospitality industry, while recognising those who have made a valuable contribution in the sector; believes that such a strong representation of Borders businesses demonstrates the high quality of tourism businesses and individuals working within the industry locally to promote the Borders as a prime tourist destination, and wishes all those shortlisted the best of luck at the awards ceremony, which will take place on 15 November 2018.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Michelle Ballantyne, Emma Harper, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Tom Mason, Joan McAlpine, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Gillian Martin, David Torrance, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire, Alexander Burnett
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That the Parliament congratulates the Talking Peeblesshire News on its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1978 by the late Margaret Murray; understands that the group delivers weekly recordings of the Peeblesshire News to people from the area who are unable to read because of visual impairment, meeting every Friday at 8 am just as the paper is published to record it; recognises the hard work of all the volunteers who make this possible and who have maintained the continuity of the group following Margaret death in 2005; believes that this service is beneficial in ensuring that visually impaired people feel connected to their communities, and notes the work done by similar organisations across the country, including the Borders Talking Newspaper.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Talking Peeblesshire News on its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1978 by the late Margaret Murray; understands that the group delivers weekly recordings of the Peeblesshire News to people from the area who are unable to read because of visual impairment, meeting every Friday at 8 am just as the paper is published to record it; recognises the hard work of all the volunteers who make this possible and who have maintained the continuity of the group following Margaret death in 2005; believes that this service is beneficial in ensuring that visually impaired people feel connected to their communities, and notes the work done by similar organisations across the country, including the Borders Talking Newspaper.
Supported by: David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Richard Lyle, Gordon Lindhurst, Stewart Stevenson, Colin Smyth, Angela Constance, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Tom Mason, Michelle Ballantyne, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament congratulates Planning Aid Scotland (PAS) on its 25th anniversary; understands that PAS, through a network of specialist volunteers, including chartered planners and other built environment professionals, helps people and community groups get involved with the planning system in an impartial, open and inclusive way; notes that these efforts have included a European Youth Camp at Galashiels Academy in September 2018, at which young people from that area hosted their peers from Latvia, Poland, Germany and Norway to take part in a week of learning and exchange of ideas regarding placemaking, active citizenship and decision-making; recognises that PAS’ work also looks at a range of other issues, including how to create places that encourage good health, and wishes all at PAS the very best for the next 25 years and beyond.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Planning Aid Scotland (PAS) on its 25th anniversary; understands that PAS, through a network of specialist volunteers, including chartered planners and other built environment professionals, helps people and community groups get involved with the planning system in an impartial, open and inclusive way; notes that these efforts have included a European Youth Camp at Galashiels Academy in September 2018, at which young people from that area hosted their peers from Latvia, Poland, Germany and Norway to take part in a week of learning and exchange of ideas regarding placemaking, active citizenship and decision-making; recognises that PAS’ work also looks at a range of other issues, including how to create places that encourage good health, and wishes all at PAS the very best for the next 25 years and beyond.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Richard Lyle, Jenny Gilruth, Jeremy Balfour, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Tom Arthur, Mark McDonald, Sandra White, Monica Lennon, Stewart Stevenson, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Angela Constance
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