Chamber and committees

I thank colleagues for their contributions to the debate.

I am reminded of the fact that, as many members have said, it is almost four years to the day since Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, which reminds us of the importance of global co-operation and the need for international law. It is right and proper that we can discuss such issues in Scotland’s national Parliament.

The Scottish Government and, I believe, all parties in the Parliament resolutely condemn Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, as we have done since its invasion. We have a continuing commitment to achieving a strong, just and durable peace that ensures that Ukraine has a secure future and that deters any future Russian aggression.

We would back a properly constituted international peace plan that respects Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, that is agreed by Ukraine and that restores peace in Europe. The Scottish Government remains absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine, not only until a just peace is secured, but through recovery and reconstruction to a brighter future beyond.

I will briefly respond to points that have been made in the debate. Concern has been raised about the actions taken in relation to the MV Bella 1, which is currently in Scottish waters. The First Minister made it clear in his statement to the Parliament that, although the Bella 1 was in Scottish waters, at no point were the UK or Scottish authorities in control of the vessel, and the Scottish authorities had no legal basis whatsoever for boarding the vessel at any time. The Scottish Government was informed that the two individuals had been removed from the Bella 1 by the United States after—not before—they had been removed from the vessel.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise—I could not connect. I would have voted no.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise—I could not connect. I would have voted no.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise—I could not connect. I would have voted no.

On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise—I could not connect. I would have voted no.

I am grateful to Clare Haughey for lodging the motion and securing the debate. I commend her as an outstanding member of the Scottish Parliament for Rutherglen and Cambuslang and for taking the opportunity to highlight what is a tremendous year of celebration for Rutherglen on its 900th year. As we have heard, it is a celebration for Rutherglen recognising its past, its present and its future ambitions. It is fantastic to hear that the Rutherglen community is pulling together to create a year-long festival of events, exhibitions and performances to mark this special milestone.

I thank the various speakers, including Annie Wells, Bob Doris and Monica Lennon, for their valuable and interesting contributions. In the spirit of cross-party agreement, I would be absolutely delighted to second Monica Lennon’s motion that Bob Doris perform dance. I am not quite sure whether it will be modern dance or Irish dance—other forms of dance are available.

We hear the Parliament updated from a sedentary position, Presiding Officer, that it will be contemporary dance. When the dates are confirmed, I am happy that my office will be in touch with Monica Lennon’s to make the necessary arrangements for both of us to attend that event.

That is fantastic. Those of us who are part of the on-going debate about skills in the heritage sector know how important stonemasonry is, so that is excellent to hear.

I am looking at the clock and realise that I am over my time, so—[Interruption.] Was that a request for an intervention from Bob Doris? It will have to be very short.

As ever, I agree with the general points that have been made. On the issue of castings, I am satisfied that efforts have been made to ensure that there will be no loss of intellectual property, history or heritage.

Well, that is now on the record, so it must be true.

I appreciate that I am over my allotted time, but I will make some brief final comments. In recognition of the importance of the volunteer-led efforts that I have described, the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in inclusive volunteering through the volunteering support fund, in which £2.2 million is being invested between 2025 and 2027. The fund helps organisations to recruit additional volunteers for volunteering projects, and it focuses particularly on supporting individuals who face barriers to volunteering, such as those from black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. By prioritising diversity, the fund aims to broaden the volunteer base in the sector.

Projects that have been funded in the area include Camglen Radio, a 24/7 community radio station that serves Cambuslang and Rutherglen, with the core aim of addressing inequality, promoting inclusion and improving wellbeing by giving local people a voice. The project includes targeted outreach sessions to engage underrepresented groups in the area.

Another VSF grant will help Project 31 to support people living in Cambuslang and Rutherglen, particularly children, families, parents, carers and older people. The project delivers a significant amount of outdoor activity that is free at the point of contact, which ensures that people are not prevented from participating by the impact of poverty.

I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate and Rutherglen on its 900th anniversary celebrations, and I pay particular tribute to the community of volunteers who have made it all happen.