Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the essential role of renewable energy in meeting Scotland’s net zero targets; acknowledges what it considers is the significant growth of onshore wind farms, transmission infrastructure and energy storage developments across rural Scotland, including in Dumfries and Galloway; notes the reported concerns raised by local communities regarding the cumulative impact of large-scale developments on landscapes, biodiversity and rural economies; understands that many of these developments are advanced through planning mechanisms that limit local authority capacity and community input, including applications under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989; notes the belief that a balanced approach is needed that supports Scotland’s climate ambitions while ensuring that rural communities are active partners in shaping the future of their regions; further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to publish a clear and inclusive national energy strategy that provides guidance on cumulative impact, community benefit and transmission infrastructure, and notes the calls for reform of the planning system to strengthen transparency, local engagement and democratic accountability in energy infrastructure decisions, which ensures that all parts of Scotland benefit fairly and sustainably from the transition to net zero.

That the Parliament congratulates Aldi on the grand opening of its new store on McGavigans Road in Kirkintilloch; notes that the store opened its doors with Team GB cycling hero, Katie Archibald, cutting the ribbon alongside pupils from Lairdsland Primary School; understands that the store will be managed by John Armstrong and a team of 25 colleagues from the local community, and will provide affordable, high-quality produce for residents; acknowledges Aldi’s commitment to sustainability and support for local suppliers; welcomes what it sees as the positive economic impact this investment brings to East Dunbartonshire, and wishes the Aldi team every success in serving the community of Kirkintilloch and Lenzie.

That the Parliament recognises the outstanding achievement of all those involved in the Adult and Family Learning Awards 2025; notes that the awards are facilitated by South Ayrshire Council's Thriving Communities team and recognise the progress of individuals and groups involved in community-based learning programmes across the authority; understands that the awards highlight the efforts of individuals, groups and volunteers, with winners including the Ayr North Time Team, Troon's The Micah Project and the Friends of Dundonald Castle; commends all those involved, and wishes them every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates the organisers and participants of the 2025 Troon Santa Dash, facilitated by the Monkton Milers Jog Club; understands that this is the sixth annual Santa Dash held at Troon Promenade and that it was raising funds for local charity, No One Dies Alone Ayrshire; notes the excellent turnout for the 5 kilometre run and the wide array of participants and their festive costumes; commends the efforts of all who took part, and looks forward to seeing the Santa Dash return next year.

That the Parliament congratulates Hailes Swimming Club on winning the 2025 Forth Valley Junior League; notes that the final of the Forth Valley Junior League is held each December and is a club competition for younger swimmers to experience competitive swimming as part of their club team; further notes that the competition participants comprises 10 clubs from across Forth Valley and is held over six heats spread throughout the year with points accrued from each heat determining their placing in the final; understands that Hailes Swimming Club was formed in 1985 and is a club for children aged eight to 18 years based in Currie and Balerno; recognises that each year the Club also holds a Club Championship based on age groupings with the winners all receiving medals, including the Club Champion Swimmer Shields, with each participant being awarded a Club Champs t-shirt at the social event held for the children and their families, and wishes continued success to everyone at Hailes Swimming Club.

That the Parliament congratulates Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose on being named Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland at the 2025 Caring UK Awards; notes that the awards recognise excellence across the care sector and the positive impact care teams make on residents and their communities; acknowledges that Eilean Dubh, operated by Parklands Care Homes, was recognised for its creative approach to resident wellbeing and its strong community links, including award-winning gardening projects, fashion and talent shows, fundraising and involvement in the Highland Hospice HeArt trail; notes that the home, which opened in 2021 and will celebrate its fifth anniversary next spring, provides nursing and residential care for up to 40 older people and holds a grade 5, very good, rating from the Care Inspectorate, and wishes the whole team at Eilean Dubh continued success.

That the Parliament congratulates Sandie Peggie on winning the harassment element of her employment tribunal against NHS Fife; notes that the tribunal ruled that the NHS board had harassed Ms Peggie by failing to revoke transgender medic Dr Beth Upton’s permission to use the female changing facilities until different rota arrangements were in place at the emergency department at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy; further notes that the ruling also found that NHS Fife had taken an "unreasonable length of time" to investigate the patient safety claims made against Ms Peggie; believes that the conduct of NHS Fife towards its employee throughout this process has been unacceptable, and that the senior leadership has lost public confidence, and further believes that the Scottish Government now needs to provide new leadership at NHS Fife as a matter of urgency.

That the Parliament congratulates Matteo McLeod attending Falkland House School in Fife on winning the WKA Cadet Kickboxing 5 Nations Title at The Change Centre in Dundee; understands that this title is in addition to Matteo’s recent achievements, including winning Gold, Silver and Bronze at the UNIFIED World Championships, Carrara-Italy, in October 2025, three-times World Champion for Light Contact Kickboxing 13 years M 44.9-50.0kg, Light Continuous 12-13 years M 45.1-50.0kg, and Low Kick Light 12-13 years M -52.0kg, bringing home three Gold, two Silver and a Bronze; believes that, despite facing challenges, Matteo has displayed resilience, hard work, commitment and determination and understands that he is very grateful to his instructor, Paul Kean, at Skyaxe Boxing Club, Dundee, and also his team mates, family, school, local community and sponsors for all their valuable support and encouragement, and extends its very best wishes to Matteo for continued success in the future. 

That the Parliament notes with great sadness the passing of Robin Laing, renowned songwriter and Whisky Bard; recognises his long-standing friendship with and contribution to the Scottish Malt Whisky Society, noting that he was an integral part of the Society since its early days, performing his whisky songs and poetry at The Vaults in the early 1990s and joining the Society’s Tasting Panel almost 30 years ago; acknowledges that, through his wit, wisdom and creativity, he was responsible for many memorable bottle names and imaginative tasting notes cherished by whisky lovers across Scotland and beyond; further notes his role as a founder of The Lanarkshire Songwriters, a group he established to bring together writers of all genres and experience levels, and whose many recordings and performances reflect his enduring vision; recognises his recent involvement in Songs from the Grave, a collaboration between the Lanarkshire Songwriters and the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, giving voice to the stories of those buried in the former asylum grounds; expresses its deepest condolences to his family, as well as to his friends, colleagues, fellow musicians and admirers, and celebrates Robin’s extraordinary legacy as a songwriter, performer, poet, whisky ambassador and inspirational creative force whose contribution to Scotland’s cultural life will be profoundly missed.

That the Parliament celebrates the 41st staging of Highland Cross on 21 June 2025, which raised £358,443 for five Highland charities; understands that Highland Cross has raised £6.6 million since the first staging of the event in 1983, and that the charity aims to raise money for medical and social causes in the north of Scotland by holding an annual 50-mile duathlon from Kintail to Beauly; recognises this year’s five main beneficiaries, which are Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connexions, Gateway (Highland Homeless Trust), Rag, Tag and Textile, Skye and Lochalsh Mental Health Association and New Start Highland; applauds that every penny raised in sponsorship goes directly to the charities; notes that the top fundraising team this year, Hope, Pain and Glory, raised £8,235, and that the average raised by each team is over £1,200; thanks the "army" of volunteers and sponsors who make the running of the event possible; commends the fantastic achievement of all involved in organising, participating in, and supporting the race and its charities, and wishes for many more successful and enjoyable Highland Cross events in the future.