Chamber and committees

That the Parliament condemns the murder of 15 Jewish people, who were killed in a reported antisemitic attack by two gunmen, at Bondi beach in Australia on 14 December 2025; recognises that members of the local Jewish community, including a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor and a British-born rabbi were among the people murdered when attending a Chanukah event to celebrate the Jewish festival of light; notes that at least 38 other people sustained injuries in the attack with five of the individuals believed to be in a critical condition; acknowledges what it sees as the bravery and heroism of civilian Ahmed al Ahmed, for tackling one of the gunmen, disarming him and, it believes, undoubtedly saving lives through his selfless courage; expresses grave concern at the rising levels of antisemitism with Jewish communities being targeted simply because they are Jewish, including the attack on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester on 2 October 2025; believes that Jewish people in Scotland are now living in considerable fear for their own safety and that all people in Scotland have a duty to confront and root out the evil of antisemitism; expresses its condolences to the family and friends of the Jewish people who were murdered at Bondi beach, and sends its best wishes to those injured in the attack for a full and swift recovery.

That the Parliament congratulates Grandmaster David Bailey, founder of Central Taekwondo Academy in Falkirk, on being awarded Ninth Dan; notes that in November 2025, David undertook the demanding High Dan promotion test in Korea’s Kukkiwon, which is the World Taekwondo Headquarters based in Seoul; recognises that David was assessed by some of the globe's most senior Taekwondo grandmasters and received confirmation of his success; understands that Ninth Dan is the highest possible rank that can be achieved within the sport; congratulates Grandmaster David Bailey on achieving his Ninth Dan status, and wishes him well in utilising his expertise at Central Taekwondo Academy.

That the Parliament welcomes the recent opening of a new walking, wheeling and cycling route on Granton Waterfront, linking Pennywell Roundabout and the Promenade on Gypsy Brae; acknowledges that the route is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront; understands that the route includes a segregated cycle track, new and improved footways and crossing points, several resting points, trees and artworks on West Shore Road at Gypsy Brae; notes that it has been carefully designed to allow for the extension of bus routes in the area and to link in with North Edinburgh Active Travel Connections, which is another major walking, wheeling and cycling project; applauds the City of Edinburgh Council for giving local residents easy access to clean and sustainable transport; thanks the North Edinburgh Response and Recovery Group for coordinating the substantial contribution of local organisations to the project, and looks forward to seeing the route become a cherished feature of life in north Edinburgh.

That the Parliament congratulates Cameron Carr, from Wishaw, on winning the Silver medal in the Men’s No-Gi, Black, Master 1 (30+), 91.5kg category at the BJJ British Open Gi 2025; notes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport focusing on grappling and ground fighting; recognises that Cameron had not competed for the past 10 years, making his achievement a testament to his determination and dedication; acknowledges that the event was held at Warwick University in Coventry, attracting athletes from across the globe and earning a reputation for excellence, inclusivity and outstanding organisation, and commends Cameron for his skill, determination and commitment, serving as an inspiration to sportspeople in Wishaw and across Scotland.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that funding of over £800,000 has been awarded to a new project, led by the University of Aberdeen, which aims to explore the challenges that doctors with disabilities face in their careers; notes that the study, which is being led by the university’s Centre for Healthcare Education Research and Innovation (CHERI), will seek to identify the barriers faced by doctors with disabilities and offer practical solutions to create equity; understands that the team will use data analysis, examination of current guidance, interviews and workplace observations to uncover why such disparities exist, and then share their findings with doctors, patients, employers and regulators; believes that ensuring doctors with disabilities do not face discrimination or limitations in their career progression is vital in ensuring that they can maximise their contribution to Scotland’s NHS, and wishes the researchers well in their endeavours.

That the Parliament welcomes the visit of Santa and his sleigh to Motherwell and Wishaw; notes that the Motherwell and Wishaw Rotary Club has been bringing Santa to the local community since 2015, raising valuable funds for numerous charities in the area; commends the sleigh, specially constructed by the Rotary Club’s volunteers; expresses gratitude to Santa and all of the Club’s members for spreading festive cheer throughout the community, and extends its best wishes to everyone for a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.

That the Parliament affirms what it sees as the recent wise decision by Girlguiding UK to ban trans girls and trans young women from joining its groups; notes that this change follows a Supreme Court ruling on the interpretation of sex in equality law, and believes that this policy strengthens the principles of inclusion and equality for girls and young women that Girlguiding has upheld for many years; recognises what it sees as the protection that this decision will provide for young people and their families; notes that Girlguiding has stated that it made this decision “with a heavy heart” but believes that many Girl Guides and their leaders will agree with this decision; considers that biological sex cannot be changed and that it is more important than gender identity, and thanks the organisation for standing firm on what it considers is a sensible approach, while fully reaffirming the opportunities for friendship, adventure and personal development that Girlguiding provides.

That the Parliament recognises what it regards as the incredible work carried out by the ACCORD Hospice as part of the Renfrewshire Bereavement Network; understands that the walk-in service was set up in August 2020; notes that the network aims to provide support to people in the Renfrewshire area who are experiencing loss or dealing with grief by offering access to the most appropriate advice, guidance and counselling available, all from a single point of access; understands that the service has provided 2,276 bereavement sessions between June 2023 to June 2025; believes that Paisley is the only town in Scotland that offers this vital drop-in service, in line with the Bereavement Charter for Scotland; understands that the service relies on the generosity of the people of Renfrewshire to help fund the support sessions, as well as statutory funding, and commends the staff and volunteers for the service that they provide to people requiring bereavement support across Renfrewshire.

That the Parliament congratulates the Light of Bengal restaurant in Aberdeen on being recognised with two top honours at the Scottish Asian Food Awards 2025; notes that the restaurant has been a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s culinary scene for decades, offering authentic Indian cuisine and hospitality; acknowledges the dedication of the owner, Noor Ahmed, and his team in maintaining the restaurant’s reputation for excellence; recognises the importance of such awards in celebrating Scotland’s diverse food culture and the contribution of Asian restaurants to the nation’s economy and community life, and wishes the Light of Bengal continued success in the years ahead.

That the Parliament recognises the commendable efforts of residents at Lavender Drive in Newton Mearns in decorating the street with Christmas lights each year to raise money for good causes; further recognises that, as part of the festive celebrations and fundraising activities, there is also a Christmas choir event and that it will take place on 23 December 2025; understands that, during the 2024 festive season, residents raised more than £10,000 to support Isobel Mair School in the local area, and that the proceeds from this year's activities will be donated to the Eastwood Dementia Centre; acknowledges that the two local residents, Ralph and Annette Issott, have been crucial in organising the festive street decorations and co-ordinating the Christmas choir; congratulates Ralph, Annette and other local people at Lavender Drive on their outstanding festive celebration efforts to raise money for good causes in Eastwood, and offers its best wishes to residents for a successful Christmas choir event.