Graeme Dey makes some valid points about the structure and type of motions, but I also acknowledge that motions are a great opportunity to highlight worthwhile causes. We just have to look at the amount of information that is transmitted to see that motions can be a way to recognise an individual and an organisation within a region or a constituency as well as nationally.

However, I acknowledge that there seems to have been an erosion of some of that and that it would be a better conclusion for everybody if there was a standard that members would be expected to always reach when lodging motions, and a level that goes below the bar, if a bar has to be produced to suggest what we would expect. That would be a useful guide for staff and MSPs. In reality, nine times out of 10, a staff member might be putting together the motion on behalf on the member, and that needs to be considered. A bit of training might be required when it comes to what researchers, communications officers and managers within the Parliament are trying to do.

All of that needs to be looked at, and, if we can capture that, it will be easier for everybody to manage the process.

After the Scottish National Party-Green Government decided to cut the network support grant plus on 9 October, it did a quick U-turn and reintroduced the scheme in December 2022. However, the scheme has been brought back only until March, and the funding for bus operators has been reduced by 22 per cent. Will the minister confirm the reasons for ending the scheme again and why the funding that is offered has been significantly reduced?

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out an assessment of the potential impact of its decision to end the network support grant plus for bus operators. (S6O-01790)

There is no doubt that the petition has created real anxiety across all areas. When the minister was here the last time, the committee was quite intent on progressing it. Mr Ewing has, in his way, highlighted the things that were said in the previous session that needed to be corrected.

It is important that we go back to the minister, so I suggest that we write to the Minister for Environment and Land Reform and NatureScot on the outstanding issues that were raised, on a number of which clarification is still needed. Those issues include the existing licensing purposes and options; the circumstances in which falconry could constitute an offence and in which a person could be charged and prosecuted—that issue is vitally important; how the welfare of birds of prey, particularly large birds such as eagles, can be ensured through the content of the new arrangements for the protection of mountain hares; and the potential unintended consequences of any legislative change. Those are fundamental matters that we should raise at this stage, and I propose that we do that at the next level.

As you identify, this is an interesting petition. We should seek more information from stakeholders on where they are on the issue. It would be useful to write to CELCIS, Shared Parenting Scotland, The Promise Scotland, the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration and the Scottish Child Law Centre to seek their views on the issues that are raised. As the convener rightly identifies, the current situation seems to require a complex on-going process.

I very much concur with Mr Ewing’s comments. It is vital that we engage with local communities, and Rhoda Grant made an articulate case. In her representations, she talked about us contacting the minister. That may well be another route that we should consider in order to find out exactly what is happening. It appears that the roads meet the criteria that should be considered, so let us get some more clarity on the process from the minister.

It is important that we deal with Highland Council but, as Mr Ewing said, its resource is limited in relation to the expanse that it has to manage across its large geographical area. I therefore think that we should take forward Rhoda Grant’s suggestion about contacting the minister.

I very much concur with that. The petition has identified that there is a risk of financial loss to individuals. Mr Ewing has articulated that it should not be the case that individuals who have been diagnosed and have certification are not given the proper benefits to which they are entitled. That financial loss should be unacceptable at any level.

I am content to close the petition, because we know what the answer will be and extending our investigation would only prolong the situation. Where we are with the matter is clear cut.

Convener, you make a valid point about the timescale for the process. Rhoda Grant expressed some views but, as you have identified, I am not sure how the committee could progress the matter. We can ask for a timescale but, other than that, we are limited as to what we can do, considering that there has already been some development from the Scottish Government about what it has indicated that it plans to do. As you said, the problem is the timescale. We do not know how long it will take. It could be towards the end of this year before anything happens.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the debate and congratulate Evelyn Tweed on bringing it to the chamber.

I, too, convey my most sincere condolences to the Ferrier family on their deeply tragic loss of Callum. Although I acknowledge that that awful event happened almost exactly 15 years ago, I know from personal experience that no number of years can cushion that type of loss in such terrible and unexpected circumstances.

Many colleagues will know that, in the previous parliamentary session, I was pleased to be a co-convener of the cross-party group on heart disease and stroke. During that time, fellow MSPs, together with patients, health professionals, consultants and the British Heart Foundation as the secretariat, along with Stroke Association Scotland and other charities involved, achieved a great many objectives in the research and treatment of the myriad heart conditions that sadly affect so many people across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. When I was invited to do similar for the new cross-party group on heart and circulatory diseases, I was more than delighted to take up the opportunity.

As we have already heard and as the motion explains, cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that is manifested in many forms. In essence, it makes it harder for the organ to pump blood to the rest of the body, which can tragically lead to heart failure. Young Callum was one of many people who have suffered from the condition. There can be no real symptoms at all and individuals can feel completely well before a tragic situation occurs. Indeed, that scenario renders the effects of subsequent heart failure even more devastating.

That makes the Ferriers’ fundraising achievements even more substantial and extraordinarily. To raise in excess of £30,000 is a phenomenal achievement. The way that they have dealt with such a terrible loss, appalling grief and undoubtedly dark times, and have turned those round through time into a superhuman example of courage, determination and the wish to help others is truly exceptional.

The target of such determination and focus is Cardiomyopathy UK. It is the only UK charity dedicated to providing support and information to everyone who is affected by the condition. The charity relies entirely on donations for its work on prevention, to ensure prompt diagnosis and to provide information and treatment to save lives and improve quality of life for people who are affected by the condition. It is all about trying to ensure that the message is put across. The debate is an example of what we can all do to try to highlight the circumstances and situations.

I wholeheartedly commend what the Ferriers have done and Cardiomyopathy UK for all that it has done. I also congratulate the local businesses, clubs, organisations and schools that are mentioned in the motion on their tireless and unstinting endeavours to benefit all levels of research, treatment and wellbeing for everyone affected by the devastating and often silent condition.

We need to raise awareness and we are privileged to have the opportunity to do so. We can fight the corner for many individuals who do not have that opportunity. We need to take that on board.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the debate, Presiding Officer.