Chamber and committees

That the Parliament agrees that the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill be passed.

That the Parliament notes the report, Striking the Balance, which was produced by the Energy Transition Institute at Robert Gordon University; understands that it provides predictions for the future of the offshore energy workforce in the UK, which, it states, employs around 154,000 people, including in the North East Scotland region; understands that the report states that a best case outcome could see a need for 210,000 roles in offshore energy production, but that this would only be achievable through the installation of a further 6GW approximately of offshore wind each year and by managing the decline of oil and gas production over a prolonged timeframe; notes the report’s claim that the worst-case situation anticipates around 400 oil and gas job losses in the UK each fortnight across the next five years; acknowledges with concern the report’s claim that, if Scotland does not pursue renewable activities comprehensively and oil and gas production continues to decline, employment across the offshore energy industry could drop from around 75,000 jobs in 2024 to a figure in the range of 45,000 to 63,000 in the initial years of the next decade; welcomes the growth predicted in the report of the number of offshore renewables jobs in the UK, notes with concern, however, the suggestion in the report that the sector will likely struggle to absorb the amount of former oil and gas workers before 2028; recognises the report’s cautioning that a decrease in offshore energy jobs of nearly 20% could take place without decisive or prompt action, and commends the work of the Energy Transition Institute in producing what it sees as rigorous data regarding a pressing issue in Scotland.

That the Parliament welcomes a recent report that was commissioned by the broadcaster, Sky, which suggested that girls who play sport are 50% more likely to work in senior professional jobs in later life; understands that the report, Game Changing: How Sport Gives Every Girl a Better Chance, found compelling evidence for the link between sport and key life skills, including increased resilience, confidence and adaptability, and that women who play sport were almost one third more likely to handle pressure well; understands that, despite the evidence of increased career prospects, girls are far less likely to take part in sport than boys, and supports calls by the majority of MSPs to make progress on what it sees as positive legislation to address this attainment gap, such as the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill, which it believes will level the playing field between gender and socio/economic background by introducing children to a wide range of physical activities at a young age.

That the Parliament congratulates Solsgirth Home Farm, which is in Dollar, on being awarded the Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative, sponsored by The Scottish Sun, in the VisitScotland Central & East Thistle Awards 2025, which were held in September; acknowledges that VisitScotland believes that its purpose is to grow the value of the visitor economy with a commitment to supporting the sector; considers that these awards play a key role in this work, celebrating those who deliver a world-class visitor experience and highlighting outstanding achievements in innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, and commends what it sees as the excellent work of everyone at Solsgirth Home Farm on it winning this award.

That the Parliament congratulates Mr Jonathan Hannay, consultant surgeon in general, colorectal and surgical oncology at NHS Golden Jubilee, who, for over 10 years, has volunteered his own time to bring life-changing surgical care to the people of Chitokoloki Mission Hospital in rural Zambia; recognises the challenges faced by patients who often travel for hours or days to access care that is not available locally; acknowledges the complex surgical procedures that he provides, from cancer operations to trauma and reconstructive surgery, often, it understands, under conditions rarely seen in the UK; recognises what it sees as the lasting impact of his work on individuals and communities, including the training of local clinicians to ensure sustainable support throughout the year; notes what it sees as the invaluable support provided by NHS Golden Jubilee in enabling Mr Hannay’s annual missions, and congratulates him, alongside Dr and Mrs McAdam and the dedicated hospital team, for their inspiring commitment to improving lives in one of the most remote regions of Zambia. 

That the Parliament commends the reported efforts of the nearly 1,000 activists from 44 countries participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which is estimated to be transporting around 300 tons of essential supplies to Gaza; supports the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s aims to raise international awareness of the closure of the Gaza Strip and to pressure the international community to strengthen its response to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza; is gravely concerned at reports that Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza since March 2025, allowing only very limited supplies entering while, it understands, Israeli forces continue to attack Palestinians waiting for food delivery; believes that the GSF is the most ambitious and largest maritime mission to set sail for Gaza to date; notes with alarm reports of footage, which BBC Verify reportedly considers to be authentic, depicting the GSF being struck by an object outside the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, which the GSF believes to have been a drone, and recognises that previous similar attempts to carry aid to Gaza via international humanitarian vessels since 2010 have reportedly been intercepted by Israeli forces, including the Turkish ship, Mavi Marmara, on which, it understands, 10 activists were killed by Israeli commandos.

That the Parliament congratulates Mid and East Lothian Drugs (MELD) on receiving a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery; notes that MELD will use the 15-month funding to provide a tailored complimentary therapy service for people using its services in order to promote recovery and reduce the harm associated with substance misuse, and recognises that the service aims to provide accessible, confidential and non-judgmental services across Midlothian and East Lothian.

That the Parliament congratulates Musselburgh’s Honest Toun’s Association on receiving £10,000 from the National Lottery; recognises the 15-month funding grant was used to run the week-long 2025 Musselburgh Festival; notes that the Festival is open to all; further notes the pageant programme for young people, which is aimed at building connections in the community and learning about the area's heritage and traditions, and commends and thanks the organisers on their continuing hard work and dedication to maintaining community connections. 

That the Parliament congratulates the organisations in Aberdeenshire West that were recently awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, including £18,241 to the Batten Disease Family Association (CIO) to support families affected by Batten disease, £19,252 to Aberdeenshire Community Recovery to address substance use in rural areas, £250,000 to Gordon Rural Action to expand its community hub in Huntly, £4,965 to Alford & District Men's Shed for dust extraction equipment, £5,500 to Kemnay Social and Bowling Club for repairs and refurbishment, £10,000 to 1st Westhill Scout Group to insulate its hall, £14,000 to Midmar Men's Shed for roof materials, £18,320 to Banchory Community Trust to pilot a community forum project, £20,000 over two years to Young At Heart Deeside SCIO to support elderly residents and £120,000 to Grace Church Family to continue to support low-income families and individuals; recognises the valuable contribution of funding to the community, and expresses gratitude to the National Lottery Community Fund for its ongoing support and positive impact.

That the Parliament congratulates Jimmy Buchan, seafood entrepreneur, former trawlerman and chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association, on being awarded the Freedom of the City of London; recognises this prestigious honour as a fitting tribute to Jimmy’s lifetime of service to the seafood sector, from his days at sea to his leadership in processing, supply and advocacy for Scotland’s fishing industry; notes his success in establishing and running the Amity Fish Company and the Amity Seafood Larder in Peterhead, as well as his prominence as one of the stars of the BBC series, Trawlermen; commends Jimmy for his work in establishing the SeaFest Peterhead festival, a vibrant celebration of the sea that showcases Scotland’s world-class seafood and its importance to the community; acknowledges his efforts in championing the journey from sea to plate and ensuring that processors and suppliers across Scotland have a strong voice, and celebrates this recognition, not only of Jimmy’s personal achievements, but also of the dedication of all those in the seafood industry who work tirelessly to sustain coastal communities and Scotland’s proud fishing heritage.