Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Chris Saunderson from Moray, who has been awarded the 2026 Barron Trophy at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, following a hugely successful 36-year career in journalism; notes that this was latterly as editor of The Northern Scot newspaper and that Chris, who has a keen nose for a good story, is very well-liked and respected by other journalists for his professionalism and integrity, as well as his sense of humour and ability to bring out the human interest in his writing; understands that Chris grew up in Dumfries, where he started his career before moving to Moray with his family and then joined The Northern Scot; notes that Chris has also been open in documenting his struggles with his mental health issues, writing a book that combined his love of football with his own experiences, in a bid to help others overcome their mental health conditions; believes that this richly deserved award recognises his outstanding lifetime contribution to journalism across the region, through, as the judges said, his “strong editorial leadership, deep commitment to local communities and passion for public-interest journalism”; thanks Chris for the outstanding journalism and leadership he has provided in Moray over many decades, and wishes Chris well for the future with his family and following his favourite football team, Queen of the South.

That the Parliament congratulates the Glasgow Short Film Festival on recently being awarded a National Lottery Community Fund grant to support its work in the Falkirk East constituency; celebrates that a £9,997 grant has been awarded to deliver workshops and film screenings to residents in HMP Polmont as part of the Glasgow Short Film Festival; recognises that the funding will enable the continuation of this initiative, which in previous years has also given the residents of HMP Polmont the opportunity to further participate in the Glasgow Short Film Festival by voting for the film that they felt deserved to win the Scottish Audience Award; notes that the National Lottery Community Fund awards provide funding to support grassroot organisations and charities to thrive and to bring to life projects and ideas that matter to the communities that they serve; congratulates the Glasgow Short Film Festival again on its award, and looks forward to this initiative happening again thanks to this year's grant.

That the Parliament congratulates pupils at Hawick High School, in the Scottish Borders, on reaching the regional final of the Powering Futures Challenge Programme, which is due to take place at Murrayfield Stadium on 25 March 2026; recognises the commitment and teamwork demonstrated by the pupils in developing solutions to real-world sustainability challenges over the course of the programme; notes that successful participants gain an SCQF Level 6 qualification, supporting their transition from education into the world of work; commends the support provided by teachers, mentors and programme organisers in delivering opportunities that develop skills in teamwork, problem solving and presentation, and wishes the Hawick High School team every success in the regional final.

That the Parliament commends the work of the Bannockburn House Trust; understands that the community-owned trust runs Bannockburn House in Stirling as an important historic site and destination for visitors, offering guided tours to bring history alive; notes that its busy programme of events is designed and run by volunteers; understands that important discoveries are still being made there, including a preserved 18th century lemon below some floorboards and a lead projectile embedded in a bed headboard linked to Bonnie Prince Charlie; believes that the ongoing work at Bannockburn House plays a huge role in developing the understanding of key moments in Scotland’s history, and expresses gratitude to all involved in this important piece of living heritage.

That the Parliament notes the success of Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling; further notes that the Thistles saw more than six million visitors in 2025; understands that the footfall in the Thistles has grown by 3.9% since last year, in contrast to the average footfall across shopping centres in Scotland dropping by 1.5%; recognises that six major brands have opened in the centre, including H&M, Lovisa, Sostrene Grene, Rituals, Menkind and Miniso; understands that some of these openings have seen long queues; congratulates all involved on these successes and the work put in to increase footfall in Stirling, and commends the fundraising efforts of the centre, which this year totalled £20,000, including funds for Strathcarron Hospice.

That the Parliament recognises the important work of the Canmore Trust, which is based in Callander; understands that it carries out suicide prevention work as well as postvention, which is engaging with individuals and communities that have been affected by suicide; notes its unique peer support model, training people to be "experienced friends" who support those impacted by suicide; understands that the charity was founded by John and Isobel Gibson after the tragic loss of their son, Cameron, in 2019; sees this as an exceptional tribute to Cameron’s memory; commends the charity and all involved with it on their excellent work, and wishes the Canmore Trust the best.

That the Parliament welcomes the Wild Cooks initiative at Aboyne Academy, where 18 S3 pupils will learn practical cooking skills through eight weekly sessions with the support of local chefs and partner organisations; notes that each week, pupils will be guided by a different local chef, will cook with local produce, including donated venison, and recreate each dish at home to promote practical skills and healthy food choices; recognises the role of head teacher Michael Foy and councillor Geva Blackett, who developed the project to encourage creativity, reduce reliance on processed foods and support families during the cost of living crisis; acknowledges the contributions of Hal Salvesen at Findrack Estate, Eatwild, Baxterstorey, Finzean Estate and Farm Shop, Fish Shop Ballater, Rothesay Rooms, Douneside House, NHS Grampian catering and local sporting estates; notes that the programme will conclude with a Masterchef-style competition in March and a cooking experience in the Fish Shop in Ballater with chef Marcus Sherry, and praises everyone involved in this local initiative. 

That the Parliament congratulates The Aims Group on being awarded a Bronze Award under the North Lanarkshire Employer Charter; notes that this accreditation recognises the organisation’s commitment to the Fair Pay and Buy North Lanarkshire pillars of the charter; commends The Aims Group for demonstrating good employment practice and support for the local economy within North Lanarkshire; acknowledges that accreditation levels are reviewed annually and that organisations are supported to work towards meeting all four pillars of the charter; welcomes the constructive feedback from the panel encouraging further engagement with North Lanarkshire schools and employer-led volunteering as routes to achieving silver or gold status, and wishes The Aims Group every success as it continues to build on this achievement and contribute positively to its workforce, local communities and the wider North Lanarkshire economy.

That the Parliament notes with concern the significant reduction in teaching and support staff at the University of Aberdeen since 2023; believes that this reduction is already having a severe impact on the quality of research, development and tuition, and is detrimentally affecting staff, students and the wider academic community; further believes that the Scottish higher and further education sector is in a severe crisis and that the Scottish Government must commit to sustained, long-term investment in the tertiary education sector to avoid the number of positions being reduced and jobs being lost; condemns what it sees as the failure of senior university management across the country to protect the reputation and quality of Scottish universities, and expresses its full solidarity with Aberdeen University UCU and campus unions, who are engaged in defending jobs and working conditions at the University of Aberdeen.

That the Parliament congratulates Wishaw Men's Shed on receiving a £9,506 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund; recognises that the group will use the funding to develop and enhance its weekly activities as part of the local Men's Shed; commends the Wishaw Men’s Shed for its commitment to supporting men in the local community through its initiatives, particularly to improve men’s mental health; recognises the impact that the National Lottery Community Fund has in communities, and welcomes its continued support.