Chamber and committees

That the Parliament agrees with the recommendation of the Scottish Government and the Finance and Public Administration Committee that Professor Graeme Roy be reappointed as Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission.

That the Parliament marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which is running from 2 to 6 March 2026, and celebrates how apprenticeships work for individuals, employers and Scotland’s economy; recognises that the week highlights the power of apprenticeships to create meaningful careers, support business growth, strengthen the workforce and contribute to Scotland’s economic growth; notes that Scottish Apprenticeship Week allows the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), which is based in Midlothian, to showcase the achievements of its apprentices, the commitment of its employers and the essential role that electrical skills play in Scotland’s future; acknowledges that SECTT's strategy for apprenticeships is to support the  building of the foundations of a modern and sustainable Scotland, and wishes SECTT well for the future after its first 35 years delivering the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation, supported by highly experienced staff and first class facilities.

That the Parliament congratulates St Brigid’s Primary School in Newmains on achieving the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award, granted by UNICEF UK; recognises that this is the highest level of the Rights Respecting Schools programme and reflects the school’s outstanding commitment to embedding children’s rights throughout its ethos, curriculum and daily life; notes that the school has worked over several years to ensure that the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are central to its culture; welcomes the inspectors’ praise for the pupils’ strong understanding of their rights and responsibilities, and for the respect they show to one another and to the wider community; acknowledges the award’s recognition of the many opportunities that pupils have to share their views, take on leadership roles and contribute positively both within the school and beyond, and commends the pupils, staff, families and wider school community for their dedication, hard work and commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful and empowering learning environment.

That the Parliament congratulates Lottie Grant on being selected to represent Scotland at the Dance World Cup, in the Hip-Hop and Commercial competitions; recognises that this is a significant personal achievement for her and a source of pride for her dance company, B Fabulous, and wishes her success in the competition, which will take place in Dublin in July 2026.

That the Parliament acknowledges that Scotland is internationally important for seabird populations, and includes, according to the last assessments, 60% of the world's great skuas, almost half, 48%, of the world's northern gannets, with one of the biggest colonies on Earth being found at the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth; believes that the country has international and domestic obligations to protect and enhance these species; understands with concern that 70% of Scotland's national populations are reported to be in decline according to the latest seabird census, and that urgent action is needed to address the range of threats facing seabirds, including unintentional bycatch of seabirds and other marine life in fishing gear; welcomes the publication of the 2025 Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan but notes with concern the subsequent decision to delay a planned consultation on fishery management measures for inshore marine protected areas; considers that many people in Scotland, including coastal communities, care deeply about the fate of puffins, gannets, terns, fulmars and other seabird species, along with their essential food species such as sandeels and with other well-loved marine species such as orcas, and expresses the hope that an inclusive consultation can be held within 100 days of the commencement of the next parliamentary session and that this results in the delivery of fisheries management measures that are co-designed with the fishing industry with the aim of sustainable fisheries and strengthened protections for seabirds and other marine life.

That the Parliament acknowledges that 11 March 2026 marks Young Carers Action Day; welcomes the annual Carers Trust campaign initiative, which encourages as many organisations, communities and individuals as possible to take part in the day by taking action, supporting and raising awareness of young carers; recognises that the 2026 theme, Fair Futures for Young Carers, is a call to ensure that all young carers have the same chance to learn, grow and thrive as their peers; commends the immense contribution that young carers make to society by caring for their family or friends who are ill, frail, disabled or have mental health or addiction problems; believes that caring for someone should not be a barrier to having an equal opportunity in learning, earning or being able to participate and get on in life; recognises that young carers’ responsibilities at home can mean that they often feel overwhelmed at having to juggle their caring responsibilities with their education and social life; notes Carers Trust’s research, which found that half of young carers, including young adult carers, “always” or “usually” feel worried about their future; acknowledges what it sees as the exciting partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, bringing together over 150 young carers to attend a fully subsidised visit to Edinburgh Zoo and take part in Young Carers Action Day awareness-raising activities, as well as enjoy a fun and meaningful short break from caring on 11 March; welcomes the Parliament reception, Our Voice, Our Future – Young Carers in Scotland, which is set to take place on 12 March; believes that this event will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from young carers and carer organisations on the themes of poverty and education and their impact on young carers’ lives; further believes that young carers want lasting, meaningful change to ensure that young carers now, and in the future, remain at the forefront of policy development and have access to the support they require to have a fair future, and wishes all involved in this year’s #YoungCarersActionDay the very best of luck in their endeavours.

That the Parliament welcomes the award of £670,000 in development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Landscape Connections initiative; notes that this new partnership brings together the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, RSPB Scotland and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust to support large scale nature restoration across the National Park area; further notes that this funding represents the first stage of a potential £9.77 million Heritage Fund award; recognises that this initiative is the second Scottish project to receive support through the Heritage Fund’s £150 million, 10-year, Landscape Connections programme, which was launched in 2025, and acknowledges the programme’s aim to enable long term, landscape scale environmental restoration projects across the country.

That the Parliament congratulates the National Lottery Heritage Fund and its partners on the awarding of £2,352,763 of delivery funding to the Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District as part of the National Lottery funded Heritage Places programme; recognises what it sees as the importance of this significant investment in supporting the long-term regeneration of one of Glasgow’s most historic and culturally significant streets; notes that this funding represents the second phase of National Lottery Heritage Fund support, following an initial development grant of £350,000 awarded in 2024; understands that the project will take a coordinated, innovative, place-based approach to renewing heritage assets, supporting cultural activity, and strengthening community participation along Sauchiehall Street; further understands that the funding will enable the preservation and creative reuse of the historic McLellan Galleries, alongside wider initiatives, including the restoration of the Cameron Memorial Fountain, improvements to historic buildings, artist residencies, community archiving, and a community grants scheme, and recognises what it sees as the vital role that heritage investment plays in supporting local communities, economic regeneration, and cultural life in Glasgow and across Scotland.

That the Parliament congratulates Together Coffee on its successful opening on Cumbernauld Road in Dennistoun; recognises the positive reception the café has received from the local community since opening and its growing popularity among residents of Glasgow’s east end; notes that the business is owned and operated by Fortuna Negasi, a mum of two, who has brought Eritrean hospitality, coffee traditions, and cuisine to the area; understands that the café is inspired by Ms Negasi’s childhood experiences in Eritrea and her passion for hospitality, cooking, and community connection; acknowledges the welcoming, homely atmosphere created by Together Coffee and its role in encouraging social interaction, cultural exchange, and community cohesion, and recognises what it sees as the contribution that small, locally owned businesses make to the vibrancy of neighbourhood high streets, the local economy, and Glasgow’s diverse cultural life.

That the Parliament agrees that the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 Amendment Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.