Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Highgate Care Home in Uddingston, operated by HC-One Scotland, on being named one of the Top 20 Care Homes in Scotland in the carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards 2026; recognises that the Top 20 Care Home Awards are among the most respected in the sector, reflecting exceptional feedback from residents, service users and their families; notes that Highgate achieved the maximum possible score of 10; believes that this accolade is a testament to HC-One’s commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care that enhances the lives of those who it supports; commends the dedication and professionalism of Highgate’s staff team, the spirit of its residents and the encouragement of relatives whose support contributed to this achievement, and extends its warmest wishes for the home’s continued success as it strives to provide outstanding care to its residents in the years ahead.

That the Parliament commends NHS Lanarkshire on the success of its recent Stress Control Programme, which was held at Newmains Community Hub; notes that the six-session programme attracted strong attendance from residents, with many participants attending multiple sessions and feedback reported as overwhelmingly positive; recognises that Stress Control is an evidence-based programme delivered across Scotland that has supported tens of thousands of people to better manage common mental health difficulties; understands that the programme helps participants develop practical skills and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, low mood and low confidence; believes that around one in four people will experience a mental health difficulty in any given year and that early community-based interventions can play a significant role in improving wellbeing, and commends NHS Lanarkshire for its continued commitment to providing accessible, preventative support for people across Lanarkshire to help them overcome the pressures and challenges of modern life.

That the Parliament congratulates Our Lady and St Francis Primary School in Motherwell on successfully retaining its Sportscotland Gold School Sport Award; recognises that achieving and retaining what it sees as this prestigious award reflects the continued dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of staff, pupils and the wider school community in promoting sport and physical activity; understands that the Sportscotland Gold School Sport Award is the highest level of recognition in the School Sport Award programme and is presented to schools that demonstrate sustained commitment to providing high-quality physical education, opportunities for competitive sport and inclusive activities for all pupils; notes that maintaining Gold status requires ongoing development of sports programmes, strong links with community clubs and a culture that encourages participation, teamwork and healthy lifestyles; commends the efforts of everyone involved at Our Lady and St Francis for fostering a positive environment in which young people are encouraged to stay active and develop confidence through sport, and wishes the school continued success in promoting physical activity and wellbeing among its pupils in the years ahead.

That the Parliament congratulates Kerr Accountancy on being named Glasgow’s Best Accountant for the second year running, having won the award in both 2025 and 2026; notes that the company was established in 2013 and is based on Mill Street, Rutherglen; recognises the value of independently run companies, and wishes the established business in the Rutherglen constituency every success in the future.

That the Criminal Justice Committee recommends that the Police Service of Scotland (Vetting) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/46) be annulled.

That the Parliament notes the reports that Harbour Energy, based in Aberdeen, has announced that over £2 billion of planned investment in its North Sea operations has been put on hold due to the UK Government’s Energy Profits Levy; further notes the reported comments from Harbour Energy’s chief executive that the levy is diverting capital investment overseas, undermining the UK’s domestic energy production and increasing the UK’s reliance on imports at a time of heightened geopolitical instability, and that further job losses at Harbour Energy are possible if constraints to investment persist; believes that these comments demonstrate that the Energy Profits Levy is putting jobs, investment and energy security at risk, and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to recognise the reality of the world today and abolish the levy before it is too late.

That the Parliament congratulates the Association of Scottish Muslims (ASM) on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; notes that this community organisation supports the Muslim community of Edinburgh and across the Lothian region through Blackhall Mosque and the Edinburgh Islamic Academy (EIA) by means of education, civic engagement and the development of responsible citizenship; acknowledges the charity’s success in fostering a strong sense of responsibility among people of all ages through the delivery of educational and community programmes; notes that the EIA supports children and young people aged five to 16 in achieving educational attainment, spiritual development and an understanding of civic duty; recognises the organisation’s role in nurturing leadership among young people, including the memorisation of the Holy Qur’an and leading congregation through Ramadhan Taraweeh (night) prayers, instilling in them a sense of purpose, discipline and duty; commends what it sees as the organisation's proactive engagement with local organisations, interfaith groups and public institutions to promote understanding, cooperation and positive participation across Scotland; applauds ASM volunteers in delivering outreach programmes, such as food drives to assist local communities in easing hardship; believes that faith-based initiatives such as those led by ASM contribute meaningfully to community cohesion and civic life, and wishes them continued success in their work in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

That the Parliament congratulates three businesses in Falkirk East on being announced as winners at the 13th Scottish Wedding Awards on 24 February 2026; notes that Grange Manor Hotel in Grangemouth was named Hotel Wedding Venue of the year; further notes that Taylor Made Kilts in Stenhousemuir won the award for Groomswear Supplier of the Year; recognises that humanist celebrant Craig Flowers was named Celebrant of the Year; acknowledges that the Scottish Wedding Awards aim to celebrate those that have demonstrated excellence in Scotland's wedding industry; congratulates the three Falkirk East businesses on their important recognition, and wishes them every success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Open Door Drama in Shetland on receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; understands that this honour, the highest that can be given to voluntary groups, is the equivalent of an MBE and that Open Door Drama is the first voluntary organisation in Shetland to be recognised with the award; further understands that Open Door Drama has been providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to be involved in theatre in Shetland for the past 30 years; notes that Open Door Drama takes part in the annual Shetland County Drama Festival, as well as producing summer shows and pantomimes, with recent productions including a variety concert, the pantomime Babes in the Wood and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream; further notes that members are encouraged to explore the aspect of theatre that interests them, from performing to working backstage, and that opportunities for children and young people are provided through the junior and youth groups, which also have summer clubs during the school holidays; believes that these opportunities can improve members’ confidence, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as foster a sense of community; considers that the award is a testament to Open Door Drama’s contribution to Shetland’s cultural life and the transformational impact of theatre, and wishes Open Door Drama well in its future theatrical endeavours.

That the Parliament commends the Troon Senior Citizens Ivy Group, which is based in the town's Ivy Cottage, for raising £250 for the Troon RNLI; understands that the funds will support the vital work of the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea; thanks the Senior Citizens Ivy Group, and wishes it every success for the future.