Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates the newly launched grassroots charity, Grass-roots Rugby for Everyone Awards Trust (GREAT), on its commitment to supporting and growing the reach of rugby in Scotland; welcomes the appointment of Scotland Men’s national team head coach, Gregor Townsend, as patron of the charity; notes that GREAT aims to provide grants and bursaries to individuals, rugby clubs, schools and other charities to enhance coaching, equipment and participation opportunities across Scotland, with its first round of funding offering up to £2,500 in grants; acknowledges the charity’s focus on ensuring that rugby is accessible to people of all abilities and locations through financial support for transportation and facilities, and commends the efforts of the GREAT committee, donors and volunteers and their dedication to strengthening grassroots rugby and building stronger, healthier communities.

That the Parliament congratulates North Berwick in Bloom on its Gold Award in the Britain in Bloom programme; commends North Berwick for its commitment to the project since the early 1990s; acknowledges the project’s commitment to improving the local environment through imaginative planning, landscaping, and raising awareness regarding environmental issues, and wishes Blooming North Berwick and its hardworking team of volunteers many future successes.

That the Parliament congratulates all entries in the upcoming Glasgow Times Community Champion Awards 2024, to be held on 5 December 2024; recognises the dedication and achievements of individuals and organisations contributing to the community, and wishes all participants the best of luck as they showcase their hard work and commitment to making a positive impact across Glasgow.

That the Parliament congratulates the talented pupils of St Mary's Primary School, Maryhill, who were involved in the design of Glasgow's giant snake statue located in North Glasgow; recognises the creativity and innovation displayed by these young artists, which, it believes, enhances the cultural landscape of the city; acknowledges what it sees as the importance of engaging young people in public art projects, fostering a sense of community pride and involvement; encourages continued collaboration between schools, artists and local authorities to promote future creative initiatives, and commends all those involved in bringing this exciting project to life, further enriching Glasgow's artistic heritage. 

That the Parliament congratulates Revd Iain Majcher on his four-year anniversary as minister of Bothwell Parish Church; understands that Revd Majcher joined the parish in October 2020 after completing his probationary ministry in Crammond Kirk and graduating from New College Edinburgh in 2019; recognises what it sees as the positive impact that Revd Majcher has had on the local community, not only within his congregation, but outwith, supporting local residents through the COVID-19 pandemic with a food pantry and working alongside local community groups to enhance the lives of the community, and wishes Revd Majcher many more happy years as the parish minister.

That the Parliament congratulates Forres in Bloom on winning Gold at the 2024 Britain in Bloom competition; understands that Forres competed against towns from across the UK to win this award, which was announced on 21 October 2024; notes that Forres in Bloom was established in 1990 and since then a group of dedicated volunteers has ensured that the floral displays in Grant Park and across the town have been of the highest standard, winning praise from local residents and visitors to the area; commends the group for the many medals and trophies won over the years, as well as being a recipient of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service; praises all the volunteers at Forres in Bloom for the incredible work that they do every year, and wishes them continued success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Edinburgh history teacher, Katie Hunter, on winning the Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) Outstanding Contribution to Anti-racist Practice in the Classroom Award; understands that Katie Hunter initiated the Teaching Slavery in Scotland Project in 2020, which embeds anti-racist pedagogy into history teaching and uses anti-racist educational principles to examine Scotland’s role in transatlantic enslavement; notes that Katie Hunter also works in policymaking, serving on committees advising the Scottish Government on revising the curriculum; believes that supporting continuing professional development for teachers improves outcomes for young people in the long-term; further believes that anti-racist education practices and reckoning with Scotland’s colonial past are key to creating a Scotland that is free from racism, and commends Katie Hunter and all educators who work to create an anti-racist curriculum.

That the Parliament commends sportscotland for awarding £70,000 to Peebles Bowling Club towards its clubhouse extension project; recognises the club's significant growth in membership, from 89 members in 2016 to over 200 by 2023; believes that the upgraded clubhouse, with improved changing rooms and toilets, will help meet increased demand and promote inclusivity; congratulates the club on becoming the first in Scotland to achieve the gold-level BowlsMark accreditation, in partnership with Bowls Scotland; commends the club for its strong community engagement, including links with schools, taster sessions to develop a junior section, and open days to welcome local residents, and commits to supporting sports clubs across Scotland to ensure that they can continue to thrive and provide inclusive opportunities for all.

That the Parliament congratulates Lee Liddington on becoming the the Scottish Young Roofer of the Year when he received the Ronnie Forsyth Trophy at the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Awards; notes that the trophy was presented at a recent ceremony in Glasgow; understands that Lee has been recognised for his high level of skill in traditional roof slating, which combines his strong work ethic with technical skills and problem-solving abilities, and recognises that his employer, DM Roofing & Roughcasting, in Kilmarnock, is a long-term supporter of roofing apprenticeships, having provided young people in the area with career opportunities for years, whilst promoting the industry as a career of choice to future generations.

That the Parliament extends its profound gratitude to the North Macedonian, Scottish, and UK governments, as well as Sir Tom Hunter, for their support in securing former First Minister Alex Salmond’s repatriation to Scotland; notes what it sees as the powerful displays of friendship and respect by the North Macedonian people and authorities, and welcomes Alex home to his birthplace to rest with his family following what it considers to be a fitting tribute by the movement he inspired to work harder and dream bigger.