That the Parliament recognises the 42nd Orkney Folk Festival, which ran from 22 to 25 May 2025; understands that the event sold a record-breaking 8,600 tickets over the course of the weekend; recognises that artists from Canada, USA, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sápmi, and across the UK joined local Orcadian musicians as part of a 60 act line-up that performed over the four days; notes in particular, the concert to mark the 30th anniversary of the much-loved youth project, Hadhirgaan, which involves pupils from Kirkwall Grammar School led by tutor, Douglas Montgomery, which to date has produced over 200 young musicians, some of whom are now amongst Orkney’s finest and most talented performers; acknowledges that the concert saw 100 of Douglas’s pupils, past and present, mark the momentous milestone and the exceptional legacy of Douglas Montgomery, who was voted Music Tutor of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2024; notes the incredible array of talent on show over the course of the weekend, showcasing the quality and diversity of both Orcadian and international folk music; recognises that the Orkney Folk Festival is now internationally renowned, and believes that it helps to preserve, celebrate and enhance Orkney’s rich musical heritage and culture; commends the organisers, performers, volunteers and local community for helping make the event such a resounding success, and looks forward to the festival continuing to go from strength to strength in future.