Chamber and committees

That the Parliament welcomes the use of machine learning to support sustainable economic and academic activity as part of Scotland’s future economy, and supports projects such as the 39MW University of Edinburgh supercomputer; understands that planning applications for a substantial number of hyperscale data centres across Scotland have already been submitted and that, if developed, these could collectively require at least 6000MW of power, which is equivalent to more than double the whole of Scotland’s peak energy usage; notes that this potential level of demand was not accounted for in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, which was published in March 2026; understands that, in other countries, similar projects have been a factor in rising domestic energy costs; further understands that many such projects require diesel or gas-powered backup generation, with potential implications for carbon emissions and local air quality; recognises that the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 discusses “green data centres” without providing a definition, either in terms of climate impact or air quality; notes that there is no mandatory requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment for such developments; urges Scottish Ministers to engage urgently with communities affected by proposed projects, and calls on the Scottish Government to provide clarity and certainty to local authorities as they consider these unprecedented proposals, including by applying the precautionary approach used in the case of fracking and introducing a national planning moratorium on hyperscale data centres pending a full assessment of their impacts on energy demand, decarbonisation targets, local air quality, and domestic electricity bills.

That the Parliament notes with concern proposals for hyperscale AI data centres across the Central Scotland and Lothian West region, including at Ravenscraig, Larbert, Newhouse and West Calder, and near communities affected by the proposed AI Growth Zone at Chapelhall; understands that such developments may rely on diesel generators to support 24/7 operation; further understands that there are concerns over potential nitrogen oxide emissions; recognises that there are community concerns about the cumulative impact on air quality, emissions, green space and energy costs; regrets that National Planning Framework 4 does not define “green data centres”, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to issue urgent guidance on the term, including in relation to the use of gas and diesel power and the air quality standards that should apply. 

That the Parliament congratulates Osaka Kwai Judo Club, based in Alexandria, on reaching its 70th anniversary in 2026; recognises the club’s outstanding contribution to the development of judo across the Vale of Leven and West Dunbartonshire since its establishment in 1956, making it one of the oldest judo clubs in Scotland; commends the dedication and commitment of the generations of coaches, volunteers, committee members, parents and supporters who have sustained the club over its seven decades; acknowledges the positive impact that the club has had in promoting physical activity, discipline, respect, confidence and inclusion among people of all ages and abilities; notes the achievements of its members at local, regional, national and international level; recognises the important role that community sports clubs play in improving health and wellbeing and strengthening local communities, and wishes everyone associated with the club every success for its anniversary celebrations and for many more years to come.

That the Parliament congratulates Grant Gillies on his dedicated service as Head Teacher at South Morningside Primary School as he moves on to Dunbar Primary; recognises Grant's continuous effort that has led to upgraded buildings and improved facilities at the school; appreciates that he has been a continuous breath of fresh air and integral part of the local community; commends him on leading the school to be shortlisted for TES Primary School of the Year award in 2024 as well as the introduction of new astroturf pitches and floodlights; appreciates all the work he has done for the community, and wishes Grant well in his new post at Dunbar Primary, on behalf of all the parents, pupils and staff, who will miss him greatly.  

That the Parliament recognises the outstanding and dedicated service of Chief Inspector Darren Bruce, who has served communities across the north east of Scotland for almost 30 years, both as a uniformed officer and in Criminal Investigation Department (CID) roles; notes that, prior to the announcement of his retirement, Darren served as Local Area Commander for Aberdeen City North; further notes that in this role he led the planning and delivery of policing during the largely successful Tall Ships Races, when Aberdeen hosted the event in 2025, and oversaw a number of high-profile operational incidents; understands that, following his retirement from full-time policing, he will continue to serve his community as a volunteer special constable; commends Darren on his long-standing service to the north east of Scotland, and wishes him well in all his future endeavours.

That the Parliament congratulates Bizzi Izzi’s at the View, located at the Lockview Family Golf Centre in Coatbridge, on winning the Best Coffee award for the third time at the prestigious Hilton awards; understands that this remarkable hat-trick of awards highlights the café's commitment to quality, exceptional customer service and high standards within the local hospitality sector; recognises the hard work, passion and dedication of the owners and staff in making the café a beloved hub for the Coatbridge community and visitors alike; commends their contribution to the local economy and vibrant food and drink scene in North Lanarkshire, and wishes the entire team at Bizzi Izzi’s continued success for the future.

That the Parliament celebrates Allander Rotary Club on the success of its annual duck race; understands that a highlight of Milngavie’s Classic Car show is the rubber duck race down the Allander River; notes that £1,500 has been raised in 2026 for charity and the first 14 ducks over the line won a prize donated by friends of the Rotary Club; praises the Milngavie First Scouts for braving the cold river to ensure that every duck was responsibly retrieved, and congratulates all involved in organising this beloved community event, which raises funds for good causes.

That the Parliament congratulates Dr Jack Taylor on being appointed an MBE, Maitland Mackie on being appointed an OBE and John Burrows, Craig Trail, Kathleen Moir and Lilian Fields on being awarded a BEM in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026; highlights their significant contributions to Aberdeenshire across a wide range of specialities; understands that Jack, from Aboyne, has been recognised for services to music, and Maitland, from Inverurie, for services to farming, business innovation and sustainability; acknowledges that John, from Ballater, and Craig, from Fraserburgh, have been recognised for services to their communities, Kathleen, from Inverurie, for charitable service, and Lilian, from Strathdon, for services to rural education; recognises the impact that each has made in their respective field, and thanks them for their service to the community.

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Highland CIC manifesto, Power, Place and Prosperity, which was published in March 2026; commends the Highland Renewables network of over 45 Highland businesses, local leaders and community groups for getting together and estabishing a unified regional strategy to ensure that massive green energy investments deliver tangible community wealth; believes that this unity demonstrates that a coordinated approach can be achieved and can deliver for communities more effectively than what it sees as the current, fragmented approach; considers that it is a scandal for local families to face acute fuel poverty and rural depopulation while living in an energy-rich region hosting globally significant renewable developments; endorses the manifesto’s insistence that economic policy must prioritise people by directly funding genuinely affordable local housing, key worker retention and community-led climate action, and calls on the Scottish Government, local authorities and developers to join together and fully support the Highland CIC framework, taking this opportunity to ensure that the wealth generated by the Highlands' natural resources stays in the Highlands and build a fairer, more self-sufficient and socially just wellbeing economy.

That the Parliament welcomes the formal proposals to strengthen the twinning partnership between the cities of Glasgow and Boston; commends the leadership of Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, and Boston’s Mayor, Michelle Wu, in championing this civic alliance; celebrates what it sees as the exemplary conduct, vibrant culture and warmth of the Scotland football fans, affectionately known as the Tartan Army, during their travels throughout the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; notes with pride the overwhelmingly positive response and hospitality extended to Scottish supporters by the people of Boston; believes that what it considers to be the legendary camaraderie, charity fundraising and musical skill of the Tartan Army have served as a powerful showcase of Scotland on the international stage, and wishes both cities every success in fostering a lasting legacy of friendship, mutual prosperity and shared heritage following the tournament.