Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises what it considers to be the crucial issues raised by the independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes; notes the belief that the statistics it highlighted are valid within Scotland, including in the Glasgow parliamentary region, as *analysis of UCAS annual reports, Scottish Government school leaver destination data and Scottish Funding Council Widening Access reports,* reportedly indicates that for more than a decade, in both the UK and Scotland, white working class boys are the group least likely to go to university; recognises what it sees as the importance of ensuring that all children and young people have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to urgently undertake an assessment of the extent to which white working-class boys and young men experience educational or socio-economic disadvantage and to explore targeted measures to address this where such disadvantage is identified.

That the Parliament congratulates all those involved in the shortlisting of the Balloch Castle Ash in the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year 2026 competition; recognises the tree's significance and resilience as a landmark in Balloch Castle Country Park and its importance to the community; notes that the Balloch Castle Ash is one of a select number of trees from across the UK shortlisted for what it sees as this prestigious award; understands that public voting is open until 29 September 2026; believes that success in the competition would bring positive national and international recognition to Balloch, Loch Lomond and West Dunbartonshire, boosting awareness of the area’s natural heritage and encouraging further interest in Balloch Park and its conservation; commends campaigners and residents on their efforts to promote the tree, and encourages people across Scotland to support the Balloch Castle Ash by participating in the public vote.

That the Parliament congratulates Renton-based Complete Paving Requirements (Scotland) Ltd (CPR) on securing a major Scotland-wide Network Rail Surfacing Framework contract worth up to £39 million; notes that CPR has been appointed as the sole supplier for platform, station and rail infrastructure surfacing works across Scotland following a competitive procurement process; recognises that the five-year contract, with options for extension, is expected to provide long-term employment security and support workforce growth at the company; understands that more than 85% of CPR's workforce live locally, demonstrating the company's significant contribution to the economy of West Dunbartonshire; commends all employees on what it sees as this significant achievement, and wishes the company every success as it delivers this important programme of work across Scotland's railway network.

That the Parliament recognises that the 2026 Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education (SATPE) conference is taking place on 3 October at Crieff High School, in Perth and Kinross; observes that the annual SATPE conference is an opportunity for teachers, policymakers and stakeholders from across Scotland to assemble and find new ways of delivering high quality physical education to Scotland's young people; notes that this year’s conference is SATPE’s 14th since the association was founded in 2013; commends the work of the association and its current president, Dominic Tollan, in promoting the value of physical education across Scotland; understands that Mr Tollan’s term as SATPE President, which began in 2024, is due to end in 2026; thanks Mr Tollan for his service to SATPE, and wishes the incoming president, Ms Shauni Cassidy, all the best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Edinburgh Trams drivers, Emma White and Jason Moffat, on being selected to represent Edinburgh and Scotland at the European Tram Driver Championship in Warsaw, Poland; understands that the pair secured their places following a rigorous internal selection process and will compete alongside driver trainer, Iain Madden, on 19 September 2026; recognises the skill, concentration, spatial awareness and driving ability required to compete in the championship, which brings together 26 teams from across Europe and Australia; further recognises Edinburgh Trams’ participation in the competition since 2024 and its role in showcasing the talent and professionalism of Edinburgh’s tram drivers, and wishes Emma, Jason and Iain every success as they fly the flag for Edinburgh and Scotland in Warsaw.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, has been appointed as the inaugural Chancellor of City of Glasgow College; understands that this historic appointment marks the first time that Scotland’s largest college has had a Chancellor; recognises what it sees as The Princess Royal’s enduring and distinguished association with Scotland, the Merchant Navy, the Royal Navy and the wider Scottish maritime and engineering sectors; believes that her appointment closely aligns with the college’s role as a flagship educational institution for these vital industries; notes her longstanding relationship with the college, which includes visiting its Maritime Campus in October 2019 to mark 50 years of maritime education and training, attending the opening reception for the International Maritime Hub during COP26 in November 2021 and most recently touring specialist maritime facilities in November 2023 to meet with students, apprentices, school pupils and leading employers from the maritime, shipbuilding and defence industries; acknowledges the comments of Dr Paul Little CBE DL, Principal and CEO of City of Glasgow College, who described the appointment as a "once-in-a-lifetime honour" and praised The Princess Royal as a "tireless champion of global seafaring, maritime, skills, and innovation", and wishes Her Royal Highness, the staff, and the students of City of Glasgow College every success as they embark on this historic new partnership.

That the Parliament congratulates Emmalisa Peggie, better known as Peggie, of Kirkcaldy YMCA, on being named Youth Worker of the Year at the Youth 1st Annual Awards 2026; recognises what it understands to be Emmalisa’s outstanding dedication to supporting and empowering young people across Kirkcaldy through the many groups and projects that she helps to deliver; acknowledges the positive relationships that she builds with young people, helping to develop their confidence, skills and aspirations; commends her commitment, energy and enthusiasm for ensuring that young people are supported to reach their full potential; recognises the important contribution made by Kirkcaldy YMCA and youth workers across the community in providing opportunities and trusted support for young people; wishes Emmalisa continued success in her work, and offers its congratulations on what it considers to be a thoroughly deserved recognition.

That the Parliament congratulates Asda, Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! on the 30th anniversary of the Tickled Pink partnership, which has raised more than £100 million since 1996 to support people affected by breast cancer; recognises the significant contribution that this fundraising has made towards improving breast cancer treatments, delivering vital awareness and education programmes and providing life-changing support to those affected by the disease; notes that Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place throughout October, with Asda stores across Scotland and the UK participating in fundraising activities; further notes that the main Tickled Pink fundraising weekend will take place on 3 and 4 October 2026; acknowledges the dedication of Asda colleagues, particularly the Asda Community Champions in the Newmains and Motherwell stores, colleagues Kelly Alexander and Bernadette Hart, as well as customers and communities across Scotland and the UK who continue to support the campaign, and welcomes the continued partnership between Asda, Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! in raising awareness of breast cancer and supporting people affected by the disease.

That the Parliament congratulates the Dumbarton District Disabled Children's Forum (DDDCF) on reaching its remarkable 30th anniversary; recognises what it sees as the invaluable contribution that the organisation has made to children and families across West Dunbartonshire by providing accessible, affordable and inclusive opportunities, including holiday breaks, outdoor activities and community trips; acknowledges that, for three decades, it has offered vital support to families of disabled children, ensuring that young people can enjoy experiences and opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach; recognises the outstanding dedication of Pamela McMartin, who has led the organisation for the past 25 years, during which time she has worked tirelessly to strengthen and expand its activities for the benefit of local families; commends the charity's volunteers, trustees, staff and supporters for their commitment to improving the lives of children and young people over the last 30 years, and wishes the organisation every success for the future as it continues its important work in the community.

That the Parliament congratulates Angus farming cousins, John and James Fairlie, on their business management platform, Yokit, being shortlisted for Agri-innovation of the Year at the 2026 British Farming Awards; understands that Yokit was developed to help farmers and agricultural businesses reduce paperwork by bringing together timesheets, holiday records, job management, invoicing and business information in one platform; notes that it enables users to record jobs, monitor costs, equipment use, fuel efficiency and labour costs, and generate invoices and reports; recognises the importance of digital innovation in helping agricultural businesses improve efficiency and meet practical challenges; considers the shortlisting to be welcome recognition of innovation originating in Angus; congratulates John, James and everyone involved with Yokit, and wishes them every success at the awards ceremony on 15 October 2026.