Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Kirkcaldy YMCA as it marks 140 years of continuous service to the community; understands that the group was established in 1886; notes that 2026 also marks the 70th anniversary of the YMCA building in Hendry Crescent; commends the group for remaining a cornerstone of the town and for continuously evolving to meet the needs of the area's young people, adults and families, and notes that the YMCA delivers a robust schedule of services across its Hendry Crescent and Gallowtown Hub sites in Kirkcaldy, including youth work services, school mentoring, intandem mentoring and a diverse range of social groups and services, which include talking cafes, community lunch clubs and a creative craft group.

That the Parliament commemorates the life of David Lilley OBE, following his death at the end of 2025; understands that David Lilley was the principal of Ardentinny Outdoor Education Centre from its origins in 1973 until 1996, and was a strong leader of outdoor education and its values; notes that his work was recognised in the 1995 New Year Honours List, when he was appointed an OBE for his services to education, and sends its condolences to his family and friends.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that Aberdeen Jazz Festival is returning for its 23rd year in the Granite City; notes that the festival, which begins on 12 March 2026, will span 13 days, with over 30 events across 18 venues and a multitude of jazz genres; understands that the line-up includes performances in a number of non-traditional locations, including the historic Bon Accord Baths, the Victorian Toilets in Union Terrace Gardens and Queen’s Cross Church, as well as established favourites such as the Lemon Tree and Cowdray Hall; further understands that the Jazz the Day City ticket will also be returning, giving fans access to four venues for a full afternoon of music in the heart of Aberdeen; believes that despite the loss of The Blue Lamp, which was a key venue in the festival’s history, the festival is sure to be a huge success; congratulates Jazz Scotland on organising a vibrant and eclectic mix of talented performers and bands, and hopes everyone involved has a fantastic time, whether performer, organiser or spectator.

That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of, and the participants in, the annual Torrance Tractor Run, who have raised the impressive sum of £10,975 for a Scottish children’s liver charity; understands that the recent event, which is in its second year, was staged in memory of young farmer Heather Gray who sadly passed away suddenly in 2024; notes that more than 80 tractors and trucks participated in the day, gathering at Strathkelvin Retail Park, and then parading through Kirkintilloch, Milton of Campsie, Lennoxtown and Torrance in aid of Wee Scottish Livers; recognises that Heather was a prominent member of the farming community in East Dunbartonshire and an active member of the Stirling, Strathendrick and Strathkelvin Young Farmers Club, and understands that the generous donation will be used to support the work of Wee Scottish Livers, which helps to raise awareness of liver disease in children and provides practical support to patients and their families.

That the Parliament congratulates East Lothian Roots and Fruits (ELRF), based in Elphinstone, on the outstanding success of its 2025 Christmas appeal, which delivered gifts to 231 children and 122 older residents, ensuring that families and individuals across the county were supported during the festive season; notes that the appeal was made possible solely through the generosity of the local community, with donations of toys, gifts, vouchers and festive experiences enabling families to create special Christmas memories; understands that families were additionally supported through vouchers for Christmas dinners, cinema trips, and visits to Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, with 22 families receiving fresh ingredients for Christmas dinner, and children receiving selection boxes after a planned Santa visit was cancelled due to illness; welcomes the remarkable fundraising effort at East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club in Tranent, which raised £7,900 for the appeal, and commends the staff and volunteers of ELRF for their tireless work, dedication, and community-centred approach, which left the organisation “absolutely inundated” with donations throughout the festive period.

That the Parliament acknowledges the passing of former councillor, Peter Murphy; understands that Peter was an elected member of Angus Council from 1999 until 2012, rising to the position of Depute Provost during this time; notes that Peter was previously headteacher at various schools in the northeast including Whitfield High and Logie Secondary; recognises that Murphy Place in Greenlaw Park in Carnoustie is named in his honour; understands that, while Peter lived with Alzheimer’s disease in later life, his granddaughter, Jenan, raised thousands of pounds for Arbroath Connection, a charity that supports people living with the condition; thanks Peter’s family for his years of dedication to the Scottish Labour Party, his community work and outstanding public service, and sends condolences to Peter’s family and his many friends.

That the Parliament congratulates Isle of Lewis–born Stephen Libby on his appearance on the BBC television programme, The Traitors; recognises his, thus far, successful performance on the programme, in which he has been selected to be a “Traitor”, a role requiring strategic thinking and composure; welcomes that his participation has brought positive national attention to the Isle of Lewis and the wider Outer Hebrides; notes the pride of his parents, Nicola and Donald, in his achievements on the programme; acknowledges what it sees as the growing cultural impact of Scottish contestants on high-profile television productions, and wishes Stephen every success in his future endeavours, both on and off screen.

That the Parliament congratulates John Sinclair and Barry Florence on their retirement from HM Sheridan Butchers in Ballater after more than four decades at the Deeside business; notes that John Sinclair has worked at the business for 42 years, and that Barry Florence began as a message boy and has worked at the butchers for 44 years; recognises what it sees as the significant contribution both men have made to the local community, including maintaining the longstanding relationship between HM Sheridan and the Royal Family during their stays at Balmoral; acknowledges John Sinclair’s role in welcoming Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Ballater in 2016 as part of the village’s recovery efforts following Storm Frank; commends both men for their commitment to quality and service, particularly during busy periods such as the New Year steak pie rush; welcomes the news that Grant Anderson, who began as an apprentice 14 years ago, will take over the running of the business, and wishes John and Barry all the best in retirement.

That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries Morrison’s community champion, Myra Smith BEM, on her exceptional fundraising efforts on behalf of Marie Curie over 2025; notes that Myra, with the dedicated support of her colleagues and local fundraisers, raised an impressive £10,579 for the charity; recognises that this contribution will support Marie Curie’s vital work providing care and support for people living with terminal illness, and their families; commends Myra’s longstanding commitment to charitable work and her positive impact in the community, and wishes her and the team at Dumfries Morrisons team continued success in their future efforts.

That the Criminal Justice Committee recommends that the Antisocial Behaviour (Fixed Penalty Notice) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved.