That the Parliament welcomes the launch of a new app for ScotRail employees, which aims to offer quick and easy advice to staff who come across someone who may be at risk of suicide, including a direct link to the British Transport Police’s suicide hotline; understands that the app was developed by Network Rail and the Samaritans and has already been available for download for Network Rail employees since 2017; notes that, as part of ScotRail’s suicide prevention strategy, 300 staff have already been trained by the Samaritans in how to prevent people from taking their own lives, and that as a result of this work, for every life lost on the railway, six are saved; considers that suicide is a hugely complex issue of which prevention on the railways is a vital part, and commends the staff involved in these ongoing efforts.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the launch of a new app for ScotRail employees, which aims to offer quick and easy advice to staff who come across someone who may be at risk of suicide, including a direct link to the British Transport Police’s suicide hotline; understands that the app was developed by Network Rail and the Samaritans and has already been available for download for Network Rail employees since 2017; notes that, as part of ScotRail’s suicide prevention strategy, 300 staff have already been trained by the Samaritans in how to prevent people from taking their own lives, and that as a result of this work, for every life lost on the railway, six are saved; considers that suicide is a hugely complex issue of which prevention on the railways is a vital part, and commends the staff involved in these ongoing efforts.
Supported by: Jenny Gilruth
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That the Parliament welcomes the news that Borders Buses will operate a City Sightseeing Scottish Borders open top tour in summer 2018 as part of its commitment to encourage more visitors to the Scottish Borders; understands that the tour will operate from 25 May to 23 September from Galashiels Transport Interchange, taking in Abbotsford House, Tweedbank, Melrose, St Boswells, Dryburgh Abbey, Wallace Statue and Scott's View; notes that, as part of the launch, Borders Buses is in partnership with ScotRail, offering a joint rail and open top bus ticket, and is also working alongside Midlothian and Borders Tourist Action Group; recognises the positive knock-on economic impact that this project could have for local businesses benefiting from increased tourist footfall; considers that the Scottish Borders has much to offer visitors from near and far, and hopes that this will encourage more people to take in all that the area has to offer.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the news that Borders Buses will operate a City Sightseeing Scottish Borders open top tour in summer 2018 as part of its commitment to encourage more visitors to the Scottish Borders; understands that the tour will operate from 25 May to 23 September from Galashiels Transport Interchange, taking in Abbotsford House, Tweedbank, Melrose, St Boswells, Dryburgh Abbey, Wallace Statue and Scott's View; notes that, as part of the launch, Borders Buses is in partnership with ScotRail, offering a joint rail and open top bus ticket, and is also working alongside Midlothian and Borders Tourist Action Group; recognises the positive knock-on economic impact that this project could have for local businesses benefiting from increased tourist footfall; considers that the Scottish Borders has much to offer visitors from near and far, and hopes that this will encourage more people to take in all that the area has to offer.
Supported by: Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Gordon Lindhurst, Clare Haughey, Rona Mackay, Michelle Ballantyne, Clare Adamson, Emma Harper, Fulton MacGregor, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Jenny Gilruth, Tom Arthur
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As an amendment to motion S5M-12133 in the name of Jeremy Balfour (Peter Smaill, First Conservative Provost of Midlothian), insert at end “; understands that the Conservatives, with only five councillors, had Mr Smaill elected only with the support of Labour councillors who opposed the nomination of the SNP councillor, Joe Wallace, the former provost, and, despite the SNP being the largest party on the council, considers that this demonstrates that, by voting Labour, you get Conservative and that 'Better Together' is alive and well.”
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S5M-12133 in the name of Jeremy Balfour (Peter Smaill, First Conservative Provost of Midlothian), insert at end “; understands that the Conservatives, with only five councillors, had Mr Smaill elected only with the support of Labour councillors who opposed the nomination of the SNP councillor, Joe Wallace, the former provost, and, despite the SNP being the largest party on the council, considers that this demonstrates that, by voting Labour, you get Conservative and that 'Better Together' is alive and well.”
Supported by: Ivan McKee, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, David Torrance, Clare Haughey, Angus MacDonald, Colin Beattie, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament recognises the success of the second annual Holyrood Dog of the Year contest, which was run jointly by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust to provide an opportunity to engage with Members and raise awareness of canine welfare issues, such as dog training and socialisation; acknowledges that the event highlighted the number of dogs awaiting rehoming, often due to people having bought them without properly understanding the care that dogs need; notes that as well as MSPs’ pets, there were a number of Dogs Trust rescue animals participating; hopes that the rescue dogs will be successful in finding a home soon, and congratulates all of the participants, in particular the winner, Leo the cocker spaniel, who inherited the title from the collie, Maya.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the success of the second annual Holyrood Dog of the Year contest, which was run jointly by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust to provide an opportunity to engage with Members and raise awareness of canine welfare issues, such as dog training and socialisation; acknowledges that the event highlighted the number of dogs awaiting rehoming, often due to people having bought them without properly understanding the care that dogs need; notes that as well as MSPs’ pets, there were a number of Dogs Trust rescue animals participating; hopes that the rescue dogs will be successful in finding a home soon, and congratulates all of the participants, in particular the winner, Leo the cocker spaniel, who inherited the title from the collie, Maya.
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, James Dornan, Joan McAlpine, Stuart McMillan, Ash Denham, Ruth Maguire, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Edward Mountain, Michelle Ballantyne, Sandra White, Mark Griffin, Richard Lyle, Clare Haughey, Gordon Lindhurst, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lochhead, Jenny Gilruth, Bruce Crawford, Alexander Burnett, Gail Ross, Gillian Martin, Tom Mason, Fulton MacGregor, Ivan McKee, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament congratulates the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland, Borders Group on winning the Campaigners of the Year award at the recent MS Society Awards; notes that the group works tirelessly to support people with the condition in the Borders and successfully campaigning to have an increase in administration cover for the part-time MS nurse, improving the holistic support for those with MS in the Borders; further notes that more than 11,000 people in Scotland have the condition; understands that the MS Society Awards are UK-wide awards that recognise the hard work and contribution of fundraisers, campaigners, carers, professionals, journalists and others who make a contribution to helping people with MS; believes that the efforts and dedication of campaigners, such as the Borders Group, are vitally important to help improving the lives of people with MS, and wishes it all the best in its future campaigning and endeavours.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland, Borders Group on winning the Campaigners of the Year award at the recent MS Society Awards; notes that the group works tirelessly to support people with the condition in the Borders and successfully campaigning to have an increase in administration cover for the part-time MS nurse, improving the holistic support for those with MS in the Borders; further notes that more than 11,000 people in Scotland have the condition; understands that the MS Society Awards are UK-wide awards that recognise the hard work and contribution of fundraisers, campaigners, carers, professionals, journalists and others who make a contribution to helping people with MS; believes that the efforts and dedication of campaigners, such as the Borders Group, are vitally important to help improving the lives of people with MS, and wishes it all the best in its future campaigning and endeavours.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Joan McAlpine, James Dornan, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Ash Denham, Liam McArthur, Michelle Ballantyne, Rachael Hamilton, Sandra White, Emma Harper, Jenny Gilruth, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Jackson Carlaw, Fulton MacGregor, Pauline McNeill, George Adam, Neil Findlay, Richard Lyle, Clare Haughey, Gordon Lindhurst, David Torrance, Richard Lochhead, Alexander Burnett, Gail Ross, Gillian Martin, Monica Lennon, Ruth Maguire, Ivan McKee, John Finnie, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament recognises the efforts of seven teachers from Penicuik High School, Mrs Murphy, Miss Docherty, Miss McCord, Mrs Van Aswegen, Mr Murphy, Mr Saffhill and Mr Merson, who will be running in the Penicuik 10k Road Race to fundraise for Midlothian Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS); understands that MYPAS provides a valuable range of counselling, therapy and advice for young people across Midlothian; notes that this fundraising ties in with the school's wider efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues and the benefits of exercise in maintaining mental health; understands that the event, which is being organised by the Penicuik Harriers Running Club, will take place on 12 May 2018, and wishes all of the runners the best of luck.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the efforts of seven teachers from Penicuik High School, Mrs Murphy, Miss Docherty, Miss McCord, Mrs Van Aswegen, Mr Murphy, Mr Saffhill and Mr Merson, who will be running in the Penicuik 10k Road Race to fundraise for Midlothian Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS); understands that MYPAS provides a valuable range of counselling, therapy and advice for young people across Midlothian; notes that this fundraising ties in with the school's wider efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues and the benefits of exercise in maintaining mental health; understands that the event, which is being organised by the Penicuik Harriers Running Club, will take place on 12 May 2018, and wishes all of the runners the best of luck.
Supported by: Joan McAlpine, James Dornan, Sandra White, David Torrance, Michelle Ballantyne, Clare Haughey, Monica Lennon, Ash Denham, Richard Lyle, Jenny Gilruth, Fulton MacGregor, Gail Ross, Neil Findlay, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Bill Kidd, Tom Arthur, Ivan McKee
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That the Parliament recognises the work of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the Scottish Horticulture Panel in highlighting the significance of horticulture to Scottish society; considers that the horticultural industry not only provides significant economic benefit but also delivers quality of life for people through the design, development and maintenance of green spaces, both public and private, that make up the green infrastructure of Scotland's towns and cities; notes that HTA’s recently published Scottish Horticulture Action Plan outlines a number of aims for horticulture in Scotland in areas including health, environment , education, economy and tourism, and looks forward to seeing how the HTA can work alongside the Scottish Government and other partners to achieve these ambitions.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the work of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the Scottish Horticulture Panel in highlighting the significance of horticulture to Scottish society; considers that the horticultural industry not only provides significant economic benefit but also delivers quality of life for people through the design, development and maintenance of green spaces, both public and private, that make up the green infrastructure of Scotland's towns and cities; notes that HTA’s recently published Scottish Horticulture Action Plan outlines a number of aims for horticulture in Scotland in areas including health, environment , education, economy and tourism, and looks forward to seeing how the HTA can work alongside the Scottish Government and other partners to achieve these ambitions.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Iain Gray, Joan McAlpine, Liam McArthur, Richard Lochhead, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Haughey, Alex Rowley, John Mason, Sandra White, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Alexander Burnett, Ivan McKee, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament commends the efforts of the Cardrona Rainbows group in encouraging people and schools to switch to biodegradable glitter in their craft and cosmetic projects; notes that the group, whose members are aged from five to seven, started to raise awareness of this issue because of concerns that most of the glitter that it was being given to use was made from plastic, with the small size of its particles making it a potential ecological hazard, particularly for the oceans; believes that the young people have shown an admirable level of environmental responsibility and awareness in raising this issue; supports the Rainbows' campaign to encourage people to switch to biodegradable glitter alternatives, and hopes to see others follow the group's glittering example.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the efforts of the Cardrona Rainbows group in encouraging people and schools to switch to biodegradable glitter in their craft and cosmetic projects; notes that the group, whose members are aged from five to seven, started to raise awareness of this issue because of concerns that most of the glitter that it was being given to use was made from plastic, with the small size of its particles making it a potential ecological hazard, particularly for the oceans; believes that the young people have shown an admirable level of environmental responsibility and awareness in raising this issue; supports the Rainbows' campaign to encourage people to switch to biodegradable glitter alternatives, and hopes to see others follow the group's glittering example.
Supported by: David Torrance, Emma Harper, Joan McAlpine, Alison Johnstone, Claudia Beamish, Richard Lyle, Fulton MacGregor, Ash Denham, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Jackie Baillie, Gillian Martin, Clare Haughey, Michelle Ballantyne, Ruth Maguire, Ivan McKee, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament welcomes the UK's proposal to ban the sale of ivory of any age with very limited exceptions, such as items comprised of less than 10% ivory by volume and made before 1947, musical instruments made before 1975 and comprised of less than 20% ivory; rare or important items at least 100-years-old, which will be assessed by specialist institutions before exemption permits are issued; notes that this ban is an effort to reduce elephant poaching, which sees an estimated 20,000 elephants each year brutally killed for their tusks; further notes that it is proposed that breaching the ban may lead to five years imprisonment or a substantial fine, and while welcoming these proposals, hopes that sufficient expert personnel will be in place to enforce these.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the UK's proposal to ban the sale of ivory of any age with very limited exceptions, such as items comprised of less than 10% ivory by volume and made before 1947, musical instruments made before 1975 and comprised of less than 20% ivory; rare or important items at least 100-years-old, which will be assessed by specialist institutions before exemption permits are issued; notes that this ban is an effort to reduce elephant poaching, which sees an estimated 20,000 elephants each year brutally killed for their tusks; further notes that it is proposed that breaching the ban may lead to five years imprisonment or a substantial fine, and while welcoming these proposals, hopes that sufficient expert personnel will be in place to enforce these.
Supported by: Ruth Maguire, Ivan McKee
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That the Parliament congratulates Arniston Rangers Youth Football Club, local parent teacher associations, Gorebridge Cares and many in the community who have successfully fought off the local Labour-run council's proposals to close down two football pitches in Gorebridge, which it understands currently sees 300 young people regularly playing there, with the club forecasting an increase to 400 in the near future; considers that young people having easy access to sport is an important part of encouraging healthy lifestyles and the numerous other benefits associated with taking part in sports; congratulates the campaigners on this victory, and wishes all at Arniston Rangers the very best for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Arniston Rangers Youth Football Club, local parent teacher associations, Gorebridge Cares and many in the community who have successfully fought off the local Labour-run council's proposals to close down two football pitches in Gorebridge, which it understands currently sees 300 young people regularly playing there, with the club forecasting an increase to 400 in the near future; considers that young people having easy access to sport is an important part of encouraging healthy lifestyles and the numerous other benefits associated with taking part in sports; congratulates the campaigners on this victory, and wishes all at Arniston Rangers the very best for the future.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Ash Denham, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Clare Haughey, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Gillian Martin, Sandra White, Ruth Maguire, Ivan McKee
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