Chamber and committees

That the Parliament celebrates the holding of the 373rd Burntisland Highland Games, which are understood to be the second oldest Highland Games in the world; acknowledges that the Burntisland Highland Games were first organised in 1652 and have since featured traditional sporting and cultural events, including Highland dancing, running, cycling and caber tossing championships; recognises the important role that the games play in attracting tourists to Burntisland and supporting the economy of Fife, and commends the organisers and volunteers for their efforts in preserving this important part of Burntisland’s culture and heritage, for visitors and residents alike.

That the Parliament welcomes the award of £1.2 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the rebuilding of the historic vessel, Manx Beauty, in Cellardyke; understands that the vessel was originally built in 1937 for the herring fishing industry in the Isle of Man; further understands that the funding will also support the establishment of a temporary boatyard near Waid Academy, and believes this will help to address skills shortages in the maritime construction sector through apprenticeships and work placements for local people and the wider community; further believes that, through this award, the National Lottery Heritage Fund will support a significant part of Cellardyke’s local heritage and history, and wishes everyone at the Cellardyke Trust every success with the project.

That the Parliament recognises that the Clydesider Magazine will reach what it considers to be a significant milestone in September 2026 of 10 years in operation; understands that the Clydebank-based media organisation has expanded over the years, incorporating a Youtube channel along with quarterly print magazines; congratulates all staff and volunteers who contribute to this community-based media outlet on reaching this pivotal moment, and wishes them well over the next decade in continuing to deliver positive local stories, promoting community events and acting as an antidote to what it sees as a growing trend towards online hatred.

That the Parliament recognises the invaluable work of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, in supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families across Scotland; acknowledges the vital role played by SSAFA's dedicated volunteers and staff who provide practical, financial, and emotional support to members of the Armed Forces community during times of need; commends the charity's work in helping individuals and families facing challenges including ill health, disability, bereavement, housing difficulties, financial hardship, transition into civilian life, and social isolation; recognises the importance of SSAFA's confidential Forcesline helpline, support groups, mentoring and welfare services in ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community is left to face adversity alone; further recognises the significant contribution made by volunteers across Scotland whose compassion, dedication, and commitment help improve the lives of veterans, serving personnel, and their families every day; thanks SSAFA for its longstanding service since 1885, and wishes the charity, its staff, and volunteers every success in continuing their invaluable work across Scotland.

That the Parliament celebrates the 80-year anniversary of the twinning of Burntisland and Flekkefjord in Norway; recognises the longstanding ties between these two North Sea coastal towns, with a delegation from Flekkefjord having recently visited the Burntisland Highland Games to maintain this close relationship, and the local twinning committee continuing to organise trips between Scotland and Norway for teenagers; understands that the origin for twinning the two towns occurred in part due to the bonds forged between Scotland and Norway during World War Two; commends the organisers and residents of both towns for maintaining these unique ties of friendship between nations, and commemorates Fife’s part in welcoming exiled Norwegian soldiers in the country during the Second World War in what it sees as a collective struggle against tyranny in Europe.

That the Parliament recognises the collective concern that many communities across Scotland have reportedly expressed over the lodging of planning applications for large-scale AI data centres; believes that the primary concerns amongst residents in affected areas include associated levels of water consumption, wider environmental impacts, that an insufficient number of jobs may be created, and the pressures that they may place on an already stretched energy grid; further believes that the construction of large-scale data centres must be subject to full and thorough assessments of their viability, including environmental impact assessments and taking account of their impact on local communities and any potential economic growth they may deliver.

That the Parliament notes with concern the reports of widespread wildfires and extreme heatwaves affecting many parts of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy and other countries, which have led to evacuations, loss of life, environmental damage and significant pressure on public services; further notes recent reports of wildfire incidents in Scotland and across the UK, which, it believes, have demonstrated the direct threat to communities, landscapes and rural economies; recognises what it considers to be growing scientific evidence that rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves, drought conditions and wildfire risk across Europe; acknowledges reports that Europe remains the fastest-warming continent and is experiencing increasingly severe climate-related impacts, including record heatwaves and extensive wildfire activity; expresses sympathy with all those communities affected by these events; believes that these developments serve as a warning of the escalating risks posed by climate change to Scotland; notes what it believes is the particular vulnerability of agricultural areas such as East Lothian, where prolonged periods of hot, dry weather could threaten crop yields, increase pressure on water resources, raise wildfire risk and impact rural livelihoods; acknowledges the dedication and professionalism of firefighters, land managers, farmers, emergency responders and community volunteers in responding to wildfire incidents, and highlights what it sees as the importance of continued climate adaptation, resilience planning and support as part of efforts to protect Scotland’s environment, food production and rural communities from the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate change.

That the Parliament congratulates the Lochnell Estate, which is in Argyll and Bute, on its success in being named the best sporting estate in Scotland at the 2026 Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards; understands that the award takes into account excellence in sporting tourism, responsible land management, conservation and customer experience; notes the commitment that the Lochnell Estate has made to investing in the quality of the experience it offers to visitors and to conservation and education, and wishes the team that owns and runs the estate every success in the future.

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the Glaswegian, Scottish and global cultural and architectural importance of the Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art, which is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau movement and a jewel of Scotland’s built heritage; acknowledges with deep concern recent reports that the financial burden of a faithful restoration has become insurmountable for the institution alone; believes that a faithful, full rebuild is essential to preserve the integrity of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s original vision; further believes that the loss of this iconic structure impacts not only the creative sector but also Scotland's national identity, and calls therefore on the Scottish Government to commit necessary funding to this end and to do all in its power to secure partnership funding from the UK Government, and other external sources, to ensure the faithful reinstatement of the building.

That the Parliament recognises Project Slingshot and its efforts to encourage informed public discussion about the realities of modern animal agriculture and the treatment of non-human animals, including farmed fish, in food production systems; believes that tens of millions of sentient non-human animals in Scotland alone are raised and slaughtered each year for food, often in intensive conditions that raise profound ethical and welfare concerns; further believes that meaningful scrutiny of the systems that produce food is essential to a healthy democracy and to informed consumer choice; considers that conversations about food production should include consideration of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, public health, workers’ rights and rural livelihoods; believes that Scotland should aspire to a food system founded on compassion, transparency and justice for all beings; welcomes initiatives that invite the public to reflect critically on humanity’s relationship with non-human animals and the consequences of industrial farming practices, and calls on policymakers, producers, campaigners and the wider public to engage in open, evidence-based dialogue about how Scotland can transition towards food systems that reduce suffering, protect the environment and support a more sustainable and ethical future.