Chamber and committees

That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, agrees to—

(a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, and

(b) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act.

That the Parliament notes the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 1st Report, 2026 (Session 6), Standing Order Rule changes – lodging deadlines for public bills (SP Paper 954), and agrees that the temporary rule change to Standing Orders set out in Annexe B of the report be made with effect from 19 January 2026.

That the Parliament congratulates the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) on its 50th anniversary of being formed, on 23 January 1976; notes that FST is the membership and sector support body for professional dance, opera and theatre in Scotland, with around 200 members comprising organisations and individuals; understands that the theatre sector in Scotland directly sustains over 12,000 jobs, and its activities contributed over £234 million gross value added to the Scottish economy in 2023; celebrates the long-term positive impact of the FST bursary, mentoring and training programmes for the development of skills and experience in the performing arts; recognises the importance of FST’s advocacy for the sector, alongside partners such as Culture Counts, in navigating the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in funding pathways and policy developments; acknowledges the ongoing challenges that FST supports the sector through, including what it sees as chronic underfunding, and looks forward to FST progressing its excellent work in 2026 and continuing to facilitate a thriving performing arts community that is integral to a vibrant, diverse and equitable Scotland.

That the Parliament notes the 25th anniversary of Govan Community Project; recognises its work across Glasgow in supporting the community locally, refugees and people seeking asylum; praises it for providing food support for those facing food insecurity; commends its work in improving social justice, and wishes it well for the future.

That the Parliament welcomes the award of £550,000 of Scottish Government funding to Aberlour - Scotland’s Children’s Charity, to help provide direct support to families experiencing poverty; understands that this money will be distributed through Aberlour’s highly effective Urgent Assistance fund; notes that this is part of a £10 million allocation of additional Scottish Government cash for anti-poverty initiatives, and commends Aberlour for what it sees as its excellent work supporting children and families across Scotland.

That the Parliament commends the tireless efforts of local council workers and the farming community across the Highlands and Islands for their essential work during the recent period of severe winter weather in January 2026; notes that these individuals often worked through extreme conditions and unsociable hours to grit roads, clear snow and maintain vital transport links; further notes what it sees as the indispensable role played by farmers and contractors who utilised their own machinery to ensure that rural and remote communities remained accessible; recognises that their dedication was crucial in ensuring the safety of residents and the continued delivery of emergency services and essential supplies; expresses its gratitude to all those who went above and beyond to support their neighbours during this challenging time, and wishes all involved in winter maintenance a safe remainder of the season.

That the Parliament celebrates the 70th anniversary of Junior Up-Helly-A’ in Lerwick, Shetland; understands that Junior Up-Helly-A’ was established in 1956 as a means of introducing young people to participation in the Lerwick fire festival, Up-Helly-A’, which takes place on the last Tuesday of January each year, and developing their practical skills; further understands that, each year, first and second year students at Anderson High School, Lerwick, vote for a Junior Jarl, who leads the Junior Jarl Squad, which prepares for the festival over the winter and, on the day, visits schools and has other public appointments before leading the torchlit procession; notes that young people in the Junior Up-Helly-A’ squads prepare for the festival with assistance from parents, volunteers and the Up-Helly-A’ committee, and that this involves preparing suits for the squad members to wear on the day as "guizers", making torches for the procession and building a Viking galley for the burning; further notes that the Junior Jarl leads the Junior Torchlit Procession, in which the junior guizers follow their Viking galley to the burning site and then light it on fire; believes that Junior Up-Helly-A’ has instilled an interest in the traditions and celebrations of Up-Helly-A’ in many young people over the years, which has created a foundation for furthering these skills and interests through participation in the main festival as adults; considers that participation in Junior Up-Helly-A’ gives young people the opportunity to develop various skills and that it shows the value of putting in hard work on a project with others to create a rewarding experience; congratulates Frankie Walterson on being elected as the 2026 Junior Jarl, an honour that will see him not only lead the junior procession on Up-Helly-A’ day but also continue to represent the Viking he has chosen to depict throughout the year, including to cruise ship visitors over the summer; believes that Frankie and his Junior Jarl squad will be great ambassadors for Shetland, and wishes all involved in Junior Up-Helly-A’ a fantastic festival.

That the Parliament notes the retirement of Father Paul Morton of St Bride’s Church in Cambuslang, after over 25 years in the parish and over 40 years in the priesthood; understands that, throughout his tenure, Fr Morton has been widely admired and celebrated for his work at the heart of communities within Cambuslang and beyond, where he has touched the lives of so many by offering practical, emotional and spiritual support to those in times of need; notes that Fr Morton’s work was recognised during the Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations, where he was invited as a Community Champion for the Rutherglen constituency, for the extraordinary contribution that he has made over the years; believes that Fr Morton is a real champion of social justice and equality, truly working across all faiths and none, and wishes him all the very best for a long and happy retirement.

That the Parliament congratulates residents and staff at Antonine House Care Home in Bearsden on their outstanding contribution to Meallmore’s festive fundraising challenge; notes that the Bearsden team took part in a virtual walk to the North Pole, covering miles through walking, jogging and cycling, and added creative activities such as bauble passing and festive crafting; recognises that their efforts helped raise £2,260 and collect 250 toys for Cash for Kids' Mission Christmas, and commends the Bearsden community for its commitment to supporting vulnerable children during the festive season.

That the Parliament congratulates Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer on being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to Low Energy Technologies; acknowledges that Professor Maroto-Valer is an internationally recognised leader in energy innovation, whose work has helped shape the response to climate change and support growth in a low-carbon global economy; highlights that, as Heriot-Watt University’s Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, Professor Maroto-Valer is leading the university's strategy to embed sustainability across teaching, research and operations; further highlights that Professor Maroto-Valer is the Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre and Director of the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, which are based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus; notes that Professor Maroto-Valer also holds leading positions in a number of professional societies and editorial boards, including a role on the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, which supports the UN Secretary-General, and commends Professor Maroto-Valer for her exceptional leadership, global influence and unwavering commitment to tackling climate change.