Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Carr Gomm on receiving well-deserved recognition for its responder service at the European Social Services Conference in Malta; notes that the social care charity was invited to contribute to the "Community Care in Action: Innovative Approaches from Across Europe" session, where it shared its knowledge and expertise on the service's effectiveness in supporting people to live safely and well in their own homes, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and building trust with individuals, families and public services; recognises the important work undertaken by Carr Gomm to deliver responsive, person-centred support in a uniquely rural setting, and commends all staff involved in its responder and care at home services in Argyll and Bute for their hard work and dedication, which have led to this recognition.

That the Parliament congratulates the pupils, parents, staff and wider community of Lochcarron Primary School on raising nearly £30,000 towards a new all-weather pitch; recognises the challenges that the school faces in providing safe, year-round outdoor space for pupils with limited alternative facilities; believes that every child, regardless of where they live, should have access to safe, high-quality outdoor space; commends the commitment of the school community in seeking to improve facilities for current and future pupils, and wishes them every success in securing the additional support required to bring the project to fruition.

That the Parliament congratulates all those across South Scotland who have been recognised in The King's Birthday Honours; thanks them for their positive contributions, hard work and commitment, and wishes all recipients every success for the future.

That the Parliament supports the staff of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) who are campaigning against plans for 100 compulsory redundancies; recognises that universities across Scotland are operating in a challenging financial and policy environment; understands that GCU retains substantial financial reserves which, it believes, could be used to support staff retention and institutional transition; notes that GCU staff, representing a range of trade unions, have been protesting against the proposed cuts since March 2026 and are planning strike action between 30 June and 2 July 2026; believes that staff are vital to the future success and sustainability of the higher education sector, and calls on GCU to engage constructively with staff and trade unions and to work collaboratively to explore solutions to avoid further industrial action.

That the Parliament congratulates Rev John Sanderson, a community minister based at Rutherglen United Reform Church, on being presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award by the Rotary Club of Rutherglen; understands that the fellowship is one of the highest honours bestowed by Rotary International and was established in 1957 to recognise individuals who embody its motto, "Service Above Self"; notes that it is awarded to Rotarians and others who make a significant contribution to their communities; commends the strong partnership between Rutherglen URC and the Rotary Club of Rutherglen, and their shared work for the benefit of the people of Rutherglen and the wider community, and wishes John, and the incoming Rotary Club of Rutherglen president, Jan Dobson, all the best for their future endeavours.

That the Parliament celebrates the contribution of village and town halls to community cultural life across Scotland; recognises that such halls are often run by small groups of volunteers, who play an essential role in facilitating local concerts, ceilidhs and storytelling events, including those held at Abriachan Village Hall, Galashiels Volunteer Hall, Letham Village Hall, Portobello Town Hall, Newhaven Community Church hall and the LifeCare Centre in Stockbridge; recognises what it sees as the immense efforts of volunteers in creating and sustaining vibrant and welcoming community spaces; believes that village and town halls are vital to strengthening social cohesion and promoting arts and culture, and further believes that such facilities should be appropriately supported to enable them to continue delivering social, cultural and wellbeing benefits to the communities that they serve.

That the Parliament commends the efforts of all those who organised, supported and participated in the Refugee World Cup, which was held in Glasgow on 21 June 2026; notes that the seven-a-side event, which began in 2012 as the Refugee Football Festival, has grown to become a key fixture in Scotland's community sports calendar and, this year, brought together teams of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and local players from over 50 countries in a celebration of football and community; understands that the event was organised by Glasgow Afghan United, involved more than 250 players at Toryglen Regional Football Centre and included a women's competition for the first time; congratulates Wheatley Group on winning the Equality Cup, the Motherwell ('Well) Foundation on winning the Unity Cup, Cathkin Blazes on winning the Women's Cup and Glasgow Afghan United on being crowned Refugee World Cup winners 2026; believes that such events demonstrate the power of football to promote diversity and inclusion, and hopes that all those involved are equally enjoying the 2026 FIFA World Cup, irrespective of which countries they support.

That the Parliament congratulates Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) in Lewis on securing a landmark renewable energy agreement with Navantia UK; understands that the agreement will see the UK’s largest community-owned wind farm, Beinn Ghrideag, supply the majority of the renewable electricity required by Navantia UK’s shipbuilding and fabrication facilities, including those at Arnish in Lewis, Methil in Fife and Appledore in North Devon; recognises that Beinn Ghrideag generates more than 20 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, with around one third of its output meeting Navantia UK’s energy needs; commends PST for demonstrating how community-owned renewable energy projects can compete successfully in national energy markets while delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits; recognises that all profits generated by the wind farm are reinvested in local communities, supporting employment, education, environmental initiatives, community facilities and measures to tackle fuel poverty; believes that this partnership showcases the vital role of community-owned renewable energy in supporting economic development in island communities, advancing the transition to net zero and delivering lasting local benefits; notes the importance of the Arnish yard as a major source of skilled employment, and welcomes the role played by the UK Government in helping to secure the future of the yard through facilitating its commercial acquisition by Navantia UK, safeguarding around 150 skilled jobs on Lewis.

That the Parliament welcomes the return of Arbroath Fest, which will take place on 31 July and 1 August 2026; celebrates the festival’s expansion to a two-day event following its successful debut in 2025; recognises the ambition of festival founder Andrew McDonald, of Andreou’s Bistro, and Arbroath Music Festival CIC, in growing a major live music event for the town; notes that the main event at Inchcape Park will feature two stages for the first time, with Idlewild headlining a line-up including Fatherson, Calum Bowie, Balaston, Ben Walker, Sardinex, EXO, Brown Bear and emerging artists; believes that Arbroath Fest is helping to put the town firmly on Scotland’s festival map, while supporting original music, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses; celebrates the food, market stalls and family-friendly entertainment that will form part of the weekend, and wishes Andrew, the organisers, performers, traders and everyone attending a fantastic Arbroath Fest 2026.

That the Parliament notes with sadness the passing of Ian “Higgy” Higgins, long-serving President of Bonnyton Thistle Football Club, at the age of 60; recognises his decades of dedication to football in Kilmarnock and across Ayrshire, and his pivotal role in the development of Bonnyton Thistle from a local boys’ club into a respected senior club competing in the West of Scotland Football League, including its rise through the football pyramid and move to Townholm; understands that he devoted countless hours to supporting players, volunteers and the wider football community, and was widely respected across grassroots, youth and junior football for his commitment to creating opportunities for young people through sport; notes that he passed away doing the work he was so passionate about at his spiritual home of Bonnyton Thistle, and the many tributes paid by clubs, supporters, volunteers and community organisations reflecting the high regard in which he was held throughout Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley and beyond; expresses its condolences to his wife, children, wider family, friends and all at the club, and recognises that he leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt throughout Ayrshire football and the local community for many years to come.