Chamber and committees

As an amendment to motion S6M-18936 in the name of Ben Macpherson (SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee Debate: SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review), leave out from “, and agrees” to end. 

That the Parliament believes that the Highland Main Line is a crucial transport link supporting tourism, freight transport and many vibrant communities; understands with concern that, despite this, two thirds of the 118-mile line, which it considers to be a critical route, remains single track and diesel operated, resulting in journey times that are reportedly similar to those from the Victorian era; believes that this results in frequent delays and causes limited capacity for passengers and freight; notes what it sees as the economic opportunities that can be offered by expanding and improving the nation’s rail network, including connecting communities and boosting sustainable freight capacity to support major industries, such as the whisky and forestry sectors in the Highlands; considers that the work of the Highland Main Line Community Rail Partnership has been fantastic in improving the rail network by finding uses for redundant buildings and supporting passenger services; acknowledges the work of Network Rail in exploring additional passing loops, and notes the view that the line should be electrified and dualled to develop more reliable and environmentally sustainable rail transport for communities in the Highlands and neighbouring regions, as well as inter-city commuters and tourists visiting the north of mainland Scotland.

That the Parliament notes what it sees as the invaluable role of the National Lottery Community Fund in supporting communities to thrive; recognises the significant funding awarded to groups in the Coatbridge and Chryston constituency; commends the efforts of Carnbroe Community Action for Residents, which received £3,123 towards a community event, West End Bowling Club, which was given £4,300 for clubhouse repairs, Home Comforts North Lanarkshire, which was awarded £6,000 for hygiene and cleaning packs, Shining Stars ASN Theatre School on being presented with £8,930 for an inclusive music festival, Dundyvan Gardens Retirement Housing Tenants and Residents Association, which was awarded £10,000 for a year-long activities programme, Hope 2 Help on receiving £10,660 towards benefits advice, Mission of Innocents UK, which was presented with £15,000 for activities for displaced Ukrainian children, Empower Care Scotland on being awarded £19,860 for weekly activity sessions for young adults, the AIMS Project on its £19,972 award for a youth club for young people with mental health challenges, Elutheria Company Ltd on being awarded £20,000 for youth centre utilities, Disco Buddies Ltd, which was given £20,000 for sensory sessions, Glenboig Development Trust (SCIO), which was awarded £250,565 for a befriending and support programme, Auchinloch Community Park Project, which was given £10,000 for park restoration, Cardowan Community Meadow, on being presented with £20,000 for community wellbeing activities and Glasgow Barnstormers Model Aero Club, which received £20,000 for increased safety and accessibility, and wishes all the recipients success in their work to strengthen community bonds and improve wellbeing.

That the Parliament congratulates the Oban-based charity ALIenergy, on its 25th anniversary; understands that it was formed in 2000 with the ambition of making communities in Argyll and Bute and the Highlands, more energy resilient; notes that, over this time, the charity has expanded its services, and that, by working with government and organisations across the country, it helps people living in fuel poverty; believe that, with the expansion of the renewables industry, the guidance that ALIenergy offers on community-owned energy and the opportunities available to communities in the West of Scotland and the Highlands is crucial; notes, in particular, the work that it does in schools to encourage young people to explore such avenues; recognises that the charity plans to hold an anniversary event in Oban on 25 September 2025, and wishes all involved with ALIenergy the very best for the future and the continued expansion of its services.

That the Parliament congratulates Laurence Blair Oliphant of Ardblair and Gask, who has announced that he is standing down as Chieftain of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games after 34 years; notes that Laurence Blair Oliphant became Chieftain when the Games found a permanent home at Blair Park; understands that his family lineage stretches back over six centuries; acknowledges that he takes pride in the unique Ardblair Stones, which have become a feature of the Games; recognises his leadership and dedication to the Games, and wishes him all the best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates  the Glasgow-based artist, Sasha Shalmina, on the launch of The Colour of Grief, which is her solo exhibition at the New Glasgow Society as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and is scheduled to open on 10 October 2025 to coincide with World Mental Health Day; notes that the exhibition was inspired by Sasha’s personal journey following the sudden loss of her father, Ivan, who was a renowned architect and artist; recognises the way in which she has transformed grief into creativity, blending darkness and colour to honour her father’s legacy and to reflect the complex emotions of bereavement; acknowledges that the exhibition also serves as a fundraiser for Cruse Scotland, which provides free and vital bereavement support to children, young people and adults, and understands that The Colour of Grief offers both a moving tribute and a source of hope for all who have experienced loss.

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the significant number of livelihoods dependent on horse racing and supports the Racing Cancelled Day, which took place on 10 September 2025; understands that, on this date, no race meetings took place in Britain, as the sport took what it considers is an extraordinary step of refusing to race in protest at the UK Government’s proposed tax rise on horserace betting and believes that this will be the first time that the sport has voluntarily refused to race in its modern history; further understands that this was in protest at the UK Government's reported proposal to harmonise gambling duties, which, it believes, would have a disastrous impact on the sport, costing the industry at least £66 million a year and threatening thousands of jobs up and down the country, from stable staff and farriers to small-town hotels and local pubs; urges everyone to show their support for the racing industry in Scotland, which includes five licenced racecourses and over 25 racehorse training yards; notes reports that Scottish horseracing generates over £300 million per year, supports over 3,400 jobs, and is the catalyst for community events and tourism activities supported by 300,000 racegoers who bring £24.6 million to racecourse’s local economies every year; believes that the proposed harmonisation will significantly inhibit this, and urges the UK Government to back British Racing, reconsider its plans and axe the racing tax.

That the Parliament understands that veteran powerlifter Frank Sinclair recently lifted the world championship for deadlifting, while also breaking his own world record in his bid for the title in the 90 kg deadlift class for the over-60 age group; commends Frank on a stellar career in weightlifting, having already achieved 10 European titles, 12 British titles and 34 Scottish titles; congratulates Frank on the inspiration behind his return to powerlifting, specifically that it followed the passing of his wife Shirley; understands that the strongman’s community was stalwart in helping him through this difficult time and that this has led to him achieving world record successes; acknowledges that Frank believes that this year is likely to be his last competing and that he wants to, in his own words, go out on a real high, by attempting a 363 kg axle bar deadlift in November 2025, and further acknowledges that alongside competing, he has also enjoyed coaching younger lifters and aims to continue this.

That the Parliament recognises the inspiring work of the Benedetti Sessions in providing opportunities for young people to create and enjoy music; considers that the sessions, which are three-day workshops for school-aged string instrument players and primary school classes of all levels and backgrounds, take place several times per year in venues across the UK and help participants to learn more about music from experienced instructors; notes that a session, which took place in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 12-14 September 2025, saw over 300 children come together to learn and play music; observes that the sessions are organised by the Benedetti Foundation, which is a charity established in 2019 by the Scottish violinist, Nicola Benedetti CBE, and are aimed at providing equal access to music participation and appreciation for all; understands that, through its various in-person and virtual programmes, the Foundation has already worked with over 100,000 participants and hundreds of schools, and commends Ms Benedetti, the Foundation's CEO, Paul Fitzpatrick, and his team members, on their work.

That the Parliament recognises that Dounby Community School was the first of seven schools in Scotland selected to receive a visit from the new Scottish Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) helicopter in September 2025; understands that the air ambulance visited Dounby Community School to thank pupils for their hard work in raising an astonishing £6854.52 as part of the Skyward Challenge to help support the operation of the SCAA helicopter; notes that the pupils were sponsored to run laps of the football pitch; believes that the Dounby pupils have done Orkney proud and shown incredible commitment to a very worthy cause; considers the work of the air ambulance to be absolutely vital in protecting communities across Scotland, particularly in rural and island areas, and saves lives by making sure people receive the care that they need as quickly as possible; understands that the trip provided an opportunity for paramedics and pilots to receive training before the ambulance becomes fully operational; thanks all the pupils and staff at Dounby Community School for their exceptional efforts and hard work, and pays tribute to the SCAA and air ambulance crews for their life-saving work in Orkney and across Scotland.