Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates the breast cancer advanced nurse practitioner, Gerry O’Hare, and consultant clinical oncologist, Dr Abdulla Alhasso, on winning the Global Citizenship Award at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Excellence Awards; understands that this is in recognition of their combined 20 years of experience in supporting cancer care in Palestine, with a particular focus on breast cancer in Gaza; notes that outcomes for women with breast cancer in Gaza are significantly worse in comparison to neighbouring countries and against international benchmarks; recognises that, over the last five years, they have both used their own time to make regular visits to Gaza, with support from Medical Aid for Palestine; understands that they use these visits and weekly online multidisciplinary meetings to allow them to work with healthcare professionals in Gaza and enhance the clinical outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer, and believes that, by improving diagnosis and treatment, Gerry and Abdulla are ensuring that women diagnosed with breast cancer in Gaza are being given the best chance of a full recovery.

That the Parliament congratulates NHS Lothian on what it sees as the early and significant progress that it has made since launching its 10-year Biodiversity Action Plan on 21 May 2025; understands that, within weeks of its launch, the plan has already influenced the design and management of NHS Lothian sites, embedding biodiversity considerations into capital projects, greenspace maintenance and decision-making across its estate; welcomes the reported start of on-the-ground conservation works by NHS estates and grounds teams, including the creation of meadow areas, pollinator corridors and new habitats to support local wildlife; notes that the plan was named "Project of the Month" by Greenspace Scotland in July 2025 in recognition of its leadership in demonstrating how healthcare estates can contribute to nature recovery and community wellbeing, and commends NHS Lothian for its partnership work with local communities through initiatives such as the Parks4Life fund, supporting community gardens and green health activities, and for showing how the health service can play a vital role in tackling the nature and climate crises while enhancing spaces for staff, patients, visitors and the wider public.

That the Parliament congratulates the Youth Work Team at Dumfries and Galloway Council on winning an award for being the UK local government team of the year at the prestigious Local Government Awards ceremony 2025, staged in London at the end of June; understands that the nomination for the honour had been focused on the volunteers and youth workers involved in delivering the hugely successful Youth Beatz Festival, as well as other community-based youth work; notes that the award is also in recognition of the excellent work carried out in communities on a daily basis that it believes is making a significant impact on young people and communities, as well as the marvellous achievement in delivering Youth Beatz and The Toon while delivering the largest youth event in the UK for the young people in Dumfries and Galloway; recognises that volunteers and frontline staff, as well as Councillor Maureen Johnstone, chairperson of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, attended the event to collect the coveted trophy, and wishes all involved continued success in the coming months as it endeavours to brighten the lives of many young people in the region.

That the Parliament congratulates GalGael Trust on being awarded £301,527 in multi-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund’s Fairer Life Chances Fund to support its Making Just Futures project; notes that this vital funding will enable the charity to create accessible volunteering opportunities for over 300 people annually in marginalised communities across Glasgow; recognises the project’s focus on improving mental health, building resilience and fostering mutual support through practical, hands-on activities, such as mending, growing, baking and crafting; acknowledges what it sees as the critical role that Making Just Futures plays in addressing significant challenges faced by people experiencing abuse, isolation, long-term health conditions, financial hardship, homelessness, addiction and discrimination, particularly in the context of declining volunteering rates and the ongoing cost of living crisis; notes GalGael’s nearly 30 years of experience in supporting disadvantaged communities and its commitment to improving life chances through inclusive and innovative social action, and commends all volunteers and staff involved for their dedication to strengthening community wellbeing and fostering positive change.

That the Parliament recognises that Loch Lomond has been named Most Picturesque Spot in the UK by GO Outdoors, one of Britain’s largest outdoor retailers; understands that the expansive 22-mile-long loch, the largest by surface area in Britain, is encircled by hills within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and an ancient village and is deemed the most scenic loch in the UK, boasting over 600,000 social media posts that have been attributed to Loch Lomond; acknowledges that visitors can experience the nearby Ben Lomond mountain, which offers panoramic views that attract nature lovers, hikers and photographers from around the world; understands that the area of immense natural beauty brings in around £540 million in revenue and around four million visitors per annum, which supports the wider economy, and considers that this recognition highlights its enduring appeal and importance to Scotland’s cultural and environmental heritage.

That the Parliament congratulates Chris Gotterup on his win at the Genesis Scottish Open 2025; recognises that the tournament, which has taken place in North Berwick at the Renaissance Club since 2019, contributes millions of pounds to the Scottish economy; acknowledges that the Open is a fantastic, one-of-a-kind international event that brings record crowds to East Lothian for a weekend of golf and entertainment; believes that the Genesis Scottish Open is just one example of Scottish golf's immense success, and hopes that this success continues long into the future.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Southern Necropolis have each received Green Flag recognition in 2025; congratulates Glasgow Botanic Gardens on being given a Green Flag award for the 15th consecutive year and the Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens, whose volunteer-led work, ranging from fundraising for plant collections and conservation projects to delivering educational workshops and guided tours, has helped ensure that the Gardens remain a precious gift, freely accessible to the public for generations; commends the Friends of Southern Necropolis, whose volunteers have safeguarded and enhanced the 1840s Victorian burial ground, an important cultural resource for the people of Glasgow, as well as for visitors from across Scotland and around the world; understands that the necropolis, containing some 250,000 interments that chart the city’s rich history, has become a much-valued asset to the community; recognises the importance of both sites in providing accessible green spaces that enhance mental and physical wellbeing and foster civic pride while celebrating Glasgow’s heritage and supporting biodiversity, and urges continued support for these outstanding spaces and the volunteer groups that maintain them for the benefit of current and future generations.

That the Parliament commends the Glasgow School of Art for awarding honorary doctorates to two distinguished former students, Jasleen Kaur and Hiroaki Kimura, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the fields of fine art, design and architecture; notes that Jasleen, a graduate from Pollokshields, is celebrated for her interdisciplinary work exploring cultural memory, diasporic identity and colonial histories, reflecting the diversity and creative spirit of Glasgow; recognises Hiroaki, who is from Japan, for his four decades of dedication to the study and global promotion of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Glasgow’s most iconic architects, strengthening the city’s international reputation in architectural heritage; welcomes the continued success of Glasgow as a global centre for creative education and innovation, with the Glasgow School of Art nurturing talents who challenge traditions and inspire new perspectives in the arts, and acknowledges the vital role of the Glasgow School of Art in shaping creative careers and fostering an artistic community that reflects Glasgow’s unique heritage and forward-looking vision.

That the Parliament congratulates Captain Susan Cloggie-Holden of Drumchapel, Glasgow, on her historic appointment as the first female Group Harbour Master at Peel Ports Group, which, it understands, is the UK’s second-largest port operator; recognises her outstanding and distinguished career with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, where she broke new ground as the organisation’s first female commanding officer in its 120-year history; acknowledges the significance of her new role overseeing marine operations across seven harbour authorities, including the Port of Liverpool, Clydeport and London Medway, with responsibilities encompassing vessel traffic management, pilotage, harbour services and marine safety and security; applauds her leadership, expertise and dedication as a trailblazer for women in the maritime industry and a role model for future generations; notes with gratitude the legacy of her predecessor, Gary Doyle, and the strong foundations that she will build on, and wishes her every success in advancing safety, efficiency, and innovation across the UK’s vital maritime sector.

That the Parliament congratulates the young apprentices bringing new life to the historic Castlemilk Hall in Carmunnock, Glasgow’s last remaining village; recognises the importance of this major restoration project, which not only preserves a treasured community asset gifted to locals in 1893 but also provides invaluable hands-on experience in traditional building skills for trainees, such as the apprentice window maker, Demi Bushi, and the stonemason, Archie McLaren; notes that this initiative is supported by the Glasgow City Heritage Trust, local community fundraising and generous contributions from other organisations, including Patersons Quarries Ltd and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund; acknowledges the vital role that such projects play in safeguarding Glasgow’s rich heritage while fostering the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and wishes all involved every success as they restore and protect this emblematic part of Glasgow’s historic built environment.