Chamber and committees

That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill.

That the Parliament congratulates Lowland Cooperage Ltd in Grangemouth on its award at Scottish EDGE Round 26 in December 2025; notes that Lowland Cooperage Ltd won the Circular Economy EDGE Award, which is supported by Zero Waste Scotland, and that as part of its recognition it received £100,000; further notes that Lowland Cooperage Ltd is Scotland’s only independent cooperage and specialises in the repair and maintenance of casks for the whisky industry; recognises that Scottish EDGE is the UK's largest funding competition for high-growth businesses, having supported 712 businesses so far, and having awarded a collective prize pot of £1.5 million at Scottish EDGE Round 26; congratulates Lowland Cooperage Ltd once again on its award, and wishes the business every success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Barras Art and Design (BAaD) in Glasgow on being crowned the Most Unique Wedding Venue in Scotland at the 10th annual Confetti Wedding Awards; notes that the award recognises venues that go beyond traditional settings, celebrating originality, atmosphere and exceptional experiences for couples; recognises the creativity, dedication and innovation of BAaD staff, including wedding manager Jess, in delivering personalised, relaxed and memorable weddings; understands that the venue’s versatile spaces, which include a main hall for up to 250 seated guests, a reception area for 500, a mezzanine bar, private rooms and a sheltered backyard, allow couples to create celebrations that truly reflect their personalities; acknowledges the national recognition achieved through the votes of real couples, reflecting the positive impact of BAaD’s non-traditional approach to weddings, and commends the venue for contributing to Glasgow’s cultural and creative life by transforming a historic site in Barras Market into a bold, personality-filled wedding destination.

That the Parliament congratulates Tony Marshall, from Dunkeld, on being shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS); understands that Tony has been completing an SVQ in environmental conservation through Rural Skills Scotland whilst also working as a rural skills apprentice with Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust; notes that the ALBAs, whose award ceremony will be held in the Crieff Hydro Hotel on 5 March 2026, play a vital role in promoting careers in the rural sector, celebrate the achievements of learners and highlight the importance of employers investing in skills; understands that industry categories include animal care, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, veterinary nursing and trees and timber, and wishes all nominees from across the region the very best of luck at the ceremony in March.

That the Parliament notes with concern the reported rise in racist and far-right incidents connected to refugees and asylum seekers being accommodated in Aberdeen and across the North East Scotland region; further notes with concern what it sees as the disruption and danger to local communities caused by anti-refugee and anti-migrant protests organised by what it believes are far-right groups; believes that the increase in such disruption and aggression represents a significant threat to community cohesion and wellbeing; pays tribute to the numerous organisations, charities, faith groups and individual volunteers who work to ensure that all people are welcomed, sheltered and safe, and expresses its solidarity with refugees and people seeking asylum in the North East Scotland region and across the UK.

That the Parliament congratulates the South Morningside Primary School girls’ football team on winning the Edinburgh Schools Cup; notes that the team was initially presented with a small plastic trophy in contrast to the larger trophy awarded to the boys’ winners on the same day; commends the players for campaigning and raising concerns with the Edinburgh Primary Schools Sports Association; welcomes the subsequent presentation of a new trophy of equal stature to recognise the girls’ achievement, and notes that this outcome highlights the importance of fairness, respect and equal recognition for girls’ successes in school sport.

That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.

That the Criminal Justice Committee recommends that the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (Characteristic of Sex) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.

That the Parliament commends Charlie Perfect for over 20 years of exemplary voluntary service at Stirling Carers Centre; understands that Charlie has given his time to support young carers in Stirling through weekly group sessions and trips; notes that colleagues have described him as loved by all of the young people for his kindness and sense of fun; commends Charlie for his commitment over the years and for the difference he has made in the lives of many young people; believes that young carers have a great deal of responsibility and that breaks are vital for their wellbeing; notes the importance of the work done by Charlie and his colleagues to provide safe, supportive and fun activities for young carers; notes that Charlie’s colleagues have described his commitment and professionalism as an example to them all; congratulates him for his amazing achievement, and thanks him for his tireless work.

That the Parliament thanks Lomond Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) for its service; notes that Lomond MRT is run by volunteers who make themselves available to assist members of the public who find themselves in difficulty in the mountains; understands that the team was established in 1967; notes that the area that the team covers is popular with hillwalkers and sees high visitor numbers; commends the team for its commitment and tireless work; notes that the team carries out regular training on top of the time spent on call-outs; further notes that the rescues carried out would not be possible without generous donations from the public, and recognises the excellent work that Lomond MRT does to help educate the public and ensure those enjoying Scotland’s hills are equipped to do so safely.