Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes the recent request from Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) operator members calling on the UK Government to replace the existing Energy Profits Levy with a permanent windfall tax; understands that the mechanism in question, the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism (OGPM) is the UK Government’s own mechanism, which was designed in consultation with the energy industry as a means of levying a windfall tax only in times of a genuine windfall, while providing a fair and predictable fiscal framework at all other times; agrees with the industry that this would allow projects that are not feasible under the current tax regime to become competitive, thus saving jobs and investment in Scotland's world-class energy industry, and calls on the UK Government to finally start listening to the industry and follow this path before it is too late, and therefore ensure that taxpayers are protected, investment is encouraged and energy security is enhanced.

That the Parliament congratulates McGill’s Group, based in Greenock, on reaching the major milestone of clocking up 20 million zero-emission miles across its Scottish network; notes that this achievement follows a £95 million investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure by the company; recognises that more than 200 electric buses have now been rolled out across its services, resulting in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire having some of the highest proportions of electric buses anywhere in the UK; acknowledges the comments of McGill’s chief executive, Tony Williamson, who highlighted that this milestone demonstrates the scale of the company’s commitment to delivering cleaner, greener public transport and the significant progress being made in decarbonising Scotland’s bus fleet; notes that McGill’s estimates that its zero-emission operations have prevented 22,540 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 2.6 million trees across an area the size of 5,568 football pitches, and commends the continued efforts of McGill’s Group to improve air quality, reduce emissions and provide passengers with quieter, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly journeys.

That the Parliament congratulates Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis, Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre, The STAR Centre – Rape Crisis Ayrshire and Western Isles Rape Crisis Centre on the establishment of the Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance (SRCA); recognises the alliance’s commitment to strengthening advocacy on violence against women and girls and to highlighting it as a public health issue; notes the centres’ open letter to women and girls across Scotland in which they pledge to work towards a society where no woman or girl feels the threat of male violence; acknowledges concerns raised about disparities in funding for rape crisis services across Scotland; recognises that the founding members of the SRCA collectively represent over 40% of Scotland’s female population across 12 local authority areas and provided support to 4,393 survivors in the last year, delivering approximately 40% of national support for survivors of rape and sexual violence; commends the staff and volunteers working across rape crisis services for their vital work supporting survivors, and wishes the Scottish Rape Crisis Alliance success in its efforts to ensure that the voices and experiences of survivors help shape national priorities and responses to sexual violence.

That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for—

(a) Tuesday 17 March 2026—

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followed by Ministerial Statement: A Year of Progress in Bringing Down Long Waits - Driving Continued Improvement and Building a Stronger NHS

(b) Thursday 19 March 2026—

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followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill

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followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill

after

followed by Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Motion: Amendments to the Scottish Parliament Salaries Scheme

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followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 3rd Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 4th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 8th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

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9.05 pm Decision Time

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10.00 pm Decision Time

(c) Tuesday 24 March 2026—

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followed by Scottish Government Business

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followed by Ministerial Statement: Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Crime and Policing Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Tobacco and Vapes Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Armed Forces Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Railways Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 6th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 7th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 10th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

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5.00 pm Decision Time

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6.00 pm Decision Time

(d) Wednesday 25 March 2026—

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4.45 pm Decision Time

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That the Parliament notes reports of the rising cost of heating oil and other alternative fuels used by households not connected to the mains gas grid; considers that rural and coastal communities, including many households in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, are disproportionately affected by these costs; understands that off-grid households are not protected by the Energy Price Cap and remain exposed to fluctuations in global oil prices; further understands that the UK Government previously introduced the Alternative Fuel Payment to support households reliant on heating oil and other fuels during the energy crisis; believes that the current volatility in global energy markets risks placing renewed pressure on off-grid households already facing high levels of fuel poverty, and calls on the UK Government to introduce a renewed targeted support scheme for households reliant on heating oil and other alternative fuels.

That the Parliament congratulates East Lothian on achieving the second-highest positive destination rate in Scotland for school leavers; notes that 97.9% of young people in East Lothian were recorded as entering a positive destination, including work, further or higher education, training, personal skills development or voluntary work, following completion of publicly-funded secondary school education; understands that this places East Lothian above the national average of 95.7% and reflects a continued trend of improvement in outcomes for young people across the area; notes that the gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived communities has narrowed to 0.04 percentage points, demonstrating significant progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap; acknowledges the work of teachers, support staff, education partners, employers and community organisations in supporting young people to reach their potential, and commends the young people of East Lothian for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the region’s success.

That the Parliament remembers Catherine Newman, North Lanarkshire Council’s representative from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum and Scottish Fair Trade; considers that Catherine was passionate about raising awareness of fair trade and dedicated her career to global justice and growing the Fair Trade movement in Scotland; commends Catherine for giving a platform to young campaigners by providing support with funding and resources for the Fair Trade Films made at New College Lanarkshire, and sends its condolences to Catherine's family and the fair trade community.

That the Parliament marks Purple Day, which will take place on 26 March 2026; recognises the 80,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy; affirms that access to any life-changing treatment for the condition is a right, not a privilege; commends the work of Epilepsy Scotland, and other charities, in supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy; honours the tireless campaigning of Lanarkshire families, including Lisa Quarrell on behalf of her son, Cole Thomson, whose journey with drug-resistant epilepsy has inspired many across Scotland, and Lindsey Greer Johnston, in memory of her daughter, Jessica, whose bravery in the face of loss continues to drive the fight for accountability and better care, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that the NHS is fully resourced to deliver world-class specialist services, ensuring that no family is left to struggle alone and that every person with epilepsy can live a full, safe and dignified life.

That the Parliament calls on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's successor body to consider banning the practice of the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) providing suggested questions for members in committee papers.

That the Parliament thanks the organisers of the Buckie Big Braw Brew, held at the Buckie British Legion, for delivering a welcoming and thoughtful community event that encouraged local people to share their hopes and priorities for Buckie; recognises the innovative and inclusive approach taken, providing an opportunity for residents to give feedback and share ideas about their community; commends Anne Bolton Braidwood for her work in organising the event; acknowledges the support of Age Scotland in sponsoring the event; notes the positive contribution made by partner organisations, including representatives from Age Scotland and the Cyber and Fraud Hub (Scotland), and recognises the Buckie Big Braw Brew as an excellent example of community engagement, bringing people together over conversation, connection and shared ideas for the future of their town.