Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates the Scotland national football team on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; recognises that this marks Scotland’s first appearance at the tournament in 28 years and represents a significant moment for Scottish sport; commends the team on its thrilling 4–2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park, which secured qualification; acknowledges the quality and determination shown throughout the match, including Scott McTominay’s early goal from an overhead kick, Lawrence Shankland’s restoration of Scotland’s lead in the second half, and the dramatic stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, which sealed the result; further acknowledges the contribution of head coach, Steve Clarke, and all the staff supporting the national side; pays tribute to the Tartan Army for its passionate and positive backing of the team at home and abroad; notes the wider social, cultural and sporting benefits that participation in major international events can bring to communities across Scotland; wishes the national team every success as preparations begin for the 2026 World Cup finals; notes the pride that this achievement has brought to communities across Clackmannanshire and Stirling, and recognises the work of local clubs and volunteers in supporting grassroots football.

That the Parliament congratulates Autistic Social Hub, which is based in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen Donside, on receiving a £16,800 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that this award will help the group provide a range of social activities over two years for autistic adults at their premises in Aberdeen; commends the work carried out by Autistic Social Hub, and wishes it all the best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates McMonagles Fish and Chip Boat in Clydebank on winning the Best Fish Tea category at the third annual Scottish Fish and Chips Awards; understands that these awards celebrate the hard-working individuals and teams who work in Scotland’s chippies; notes that, alongside its award, McMonagles was highly recommended under the Best Family Business, Dazza Does It Fry? and Best Menu categories; believes that the award win is well deserved for this beloved Clydebank landmark, and wishes the staff all the best as they continue to provide what it sees as a world class chippy.

That the Parliament commends the efforts of Stroke Association Scotland for its campaign, "Let’s make stroke a priority in Scotland"; recognises that, currently, around 130,000 people live with consequences of a stroke, and it is estimated that this will rise by a third to 175,000 people by 2035; acknowledges that around 10,000 people a year in Scotland have a stroke, devastating families and creating long-term care and financial issues for many of those impacted; understands that the campaign calls for the Scottish Government to deliver what the Association sees as five cost-effective changes to improve stroke outcomes, including establishing a 24/7 thrombectomy service; thanks Stroke Association for its hard work, including its help for survivors and those families affected, and wishes it continued success with its campaign.

That the Parliament welcomes the official opening of the new Peebles High School; notes what it sees as the profound significance of this milestone, following the devastating fire six years ago that left the previous school building severely damaged; recognises that the new campus stands as a testament to the resilience, perseverance and hard work of all those involved in its planning, construction and support; notes the Scottish Government's funding contribution to the new High School was approximately 50% of the capital costs, £30 million, provided through the Learning Estate Investment Programme; acknowledges that further work remains, with full project completion and the demolition of the old school expected by July 2026; celebrates this important and inspiring step forward, and wishes the school community every success as it begins a new chapter.

That the Parliament congratulates  Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service (MYPAS) on achieving the Gold LGBT Charter; recognises the hard work and dedication of young people, community members and staff in achieving what it sees as this prestigious award from LGBT Youth Scotland, and welcomes the training, and the review of policies, practice and resources, which aim to ensure that MYPAS goes beyond meeting legislative needs and is as inclusive as it can be for staff, young people and the wider community.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scotland national football team on what it sees as its sensational qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was confirmed following a thrilling 4–2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park, in Glasgow; notes the unforgettable scenes inside Hampden, where the Tartan Army created, it believes, a spine-tingling, resounding atmosphere, from the opening minutes to the final whistle, driving the team forward during one of the most dramatic nights in Hampden's long and storied history; recognises the outstanding individual moments that defined the match, including Scott McTominay’s astonishing early goal from an overhead kick, Lawrence Shankland’s crucial finish and the breathtaking late strikes from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, which were goals of extraordinary quality that sent Hampden into rapturous celebration; acknowledges the remarkable resilience shown by the team, which fought through injuries, pressure and setbacks; praises the leadership of the head coach, Steve Clarke, and the contribution of every player and staff member involved in this historic campaign; understands the profound emotional significance of this achievement, ending nearly three decades of waiting and allowing supporters across the nation to celebrate Scotland’s return to world football’s biggest stage, and expresses its deepest congratulations and immense pride in the national squad, coaching staff and the magnificent Tartan Army, whose passion, belief and unforgettable backing have helped to write a new and glorious chapter in Scotland’s sporting story.

That the Parliament congratulates Banff Academy and Aberdeenshire Council on winning the Scottish Government Delivering Excellence Award at the 2025 COSLA Excellence Awards for the project, Community Crafted: Project Based Learning at Banff Academy; believes that these awards are among Scotland’s most prestigious celebrations of innovation and high-quality public service; understands that the school's approach has been nationally celebrated for its creativity, strong community partnerships, student leadership and its commitment to improving learning outcomes and life opportunities for young people; believes that this achievement places Banff Academy among Scotland’s leading examples of educational transformation, demonstrating how schools can empower pupils to shape their learning while contributing to their wider community, and thanks the pupils, staff, families, community partners and Aberdeenshire Council officers whose hard work and belief in a collaborative future have made this success possible.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scotland Men’s National Football Team and the formidable Tartan Army on their historic qualification for the upcoming World Cup tournament; recognises the phenomenal campaign led by manager, Steve Clarke, and his entire backroom staff, who have demonstrated typical Scottish flair throughout the qualifying matches, proving good things come to those who wait; further recognises the dedication of every player, showing true grit and passion in securing their place on the world stage; acknowledges the anxiety-inducing drama of the scoreline throughout the match; notes that the ball travelled so far for that fourth goal, it might have needed a passport of its own; calls on the people of Scotland to prepare their own passports, voices and kits for the forthcoming tournament, and wishes the entire squad the very best of luck.

That the Parliament congratulates Kingsway Community Connections, in Knightswood, Glasgow on reaching its 25th anniversary; notes that, since opening in 1999, the centre has played a vital role in supporting individuals, families and community groups across the area; recognises the hard work and dedication of staff, volunteers and trustees over the past quarter century; acknowledges the centre’s contribution to reducing social isolation, providing learning opportunities and delivering a safe and welcoming space for residents of all ages, and wishes Kingsway Community Connections continued success in the years ahead as it remains at the heart of the community that it proudly serves.