Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes with concern the reported impact of the decision taken by Lloyds Banking Group in 2025 to withdraw cheque deposit services through Post Office branches and Banking Hubs; understands that Lloyds, operator of the Bank of Scotland, is the only major bank that does not allow customers to deposit cheques at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs, a decision that it believes is having an adverse effect on the most vulnerable customers in areas such as Sanquhar in Dumfriesshire; considers that banking hubs have made a positive difference to communities across Dumfriesshire and the rest of Scotland, which have lost access to face-to-face banking following branch closures; notes the calls for Lloyds Banking Group to support the 44% of account users who still use cheques, particularly within the 65 and over age group, by reversing this decision so that the most vulnerable customers are not negatively impacted, and further notes the calls on the Financial Conduct Authority, LINK, Cash Access UK and the Post Office to review the criteria for Banking Hubs and access to cash in rural areas and those with older or disadvantaged customer groups.

That the Parliament congratulates Davie Wilson, of Newmains, on being named Newmains Citizen of the Year 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the local community; commends his more than 43 years of selfless volunteering and fundraising; recognises his long-standing service to the Newmains and District Gala Day Committee, from which he stepped down in 2025, after decades of dedication; notes that he has raised over £200,000 for a wide range of charitable causes, including Wishaw General Hospital Ward 7, MND Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, suicide prevention initiatives and Newmains Gala Day; believes that his dedication has made a significant difference to countless individuals, local organisations and community events; considers that his efforts have played a pivotal role in fostering community spirit and supporting those in need across the area, and wishes Davie all the very best for the future in recognition of his remarkable service to the people of Newmains and beyond.

That the Parliament recognises the tercentenary of the birth of James Hutton, who was born on 3 June 1726; notes that Hutton is widely regarded as the father of modern geology, whose pioneering observations and scientific thinking transformed understanding of the Earth's history and natural processes; acknowledges the lasting significance of his work, including the development of the theory of deep time and the foundations of modern earth sciences; notes what it sees as the continuing relevance of Hutton's insights to contemporary challenges relating to climate change, sustainable agriculture, land use, environmental stewardship and natural resource management; recognises Scotland's proud contribution to scientific discovery and innovation, and celebrates James Hutton's enduring legacy as one of the most influential figures in Scotland's intellectual and scientific history.

That the Parliament congratulates all those recognised at the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards 2026; notes that the awards, now in their third year, celebrate the outstanding contribution of individuals, groups and organisations across East Lothian; recognises that more than a dozen awards were presented to honour achievements including community volunteering, mentoring, business, sport and charitable work; acknowledges the inspiring stories highlighted on the evening, including efforts to support good causes, help those in need and strengthen local communities; commends the organisers, sponsors and judges for shining a spotlight on the dedication and generosity of people across the county, and recognises the vital role that such community champions play in making East Lothian a vibrant, supportive and inclusive place to live.

That the Parliament condemns the recent appearance of what it considers to be white supremacist graffiti in Dunbar, East Lothian, which was discovered outside the Town House; believes that such messaging constitutes racist and far-right propaganda, which is intended to sow division, undermine community cohesion and intimidate minorities; affirms that there is no place in Scotland for any hate-driven rhetoric, intimidation or attempts to exploit tragedy for political ends; commends local residents for their swift rejection of this behaviour and welcomes the prompt action taken by East Lothian Council to remove the graffiti; recognises the wishes expressed by the family of Henry Nowak, that his tragic death should not be used to fuel division, hatred or political grievance and agrees that these wishes must be respected in both public discourse and political debate; notes with deep concern recent reported comments made by Nigel Farage MP, which, it believes, risk inflaming tensions, legitimising far-right talking points and contributing to a climate in which such graffiti and hate incidents may arise; unequivocally condemns any such remarks and any attempt to invoke the death of Henry Nowak to advance divisive or inflammatory political agendas; believes that such rhetoric is irresponsible, harmful and incompatible with the values of respect, equality and solidarity that underpin Scottish society; reaffirms that Scotland stands united against racism, fascism and all forms of hate; calls on all political leaders to exercise responsibility in their language, to reject narratives that scapegoat communities and to work constructively to bring people together rather than drive them apart, and extends condolences and prayers to Henry Nowak's loved ones at this tremendously difficult time. 

That the Parliament marks 25 July 2026 as National Schizophrenia Awareness Day; understands that over 600,000 people in the UK live with schizophrenia; believes that it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised mental health conditions in Scotland; recognises that this year’s theme focuses on tackling misconceptions of schizophrenia in society and the media at large; considers that harmful stereotypes can shape public attitudes, deepen isolation, delay access to support and treatment and prevent people from being seen as whole individuals beyond their diagnosis; welcomes the work of Change Mental Health, which provides mental health and wellbeing support for over 11,000 people each year across Scotland, including people living with schizophrenia; notes that the charity is celebrating 54 years of supporting people; welcomes the work of its Hearing Voices groups across Fife, including in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes, which provide safe and supportive spaces for people to share experiences and receive peer support; supports the call to see the whole person, including their ambitions, relationships, humour, talents and everyday challenges, rather than defining anyone by a diagnosis, and wishes Change Mental Health, Mental Health UK and everyone taking part in National Schizophrenia Awareness Day well in their efforts to build greater understanding, inclusion and support for people living with the condition.

That the Parliament congratulates Douglas Montgomery, from Burray in Orkney, on his recent induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame under the Services to Community section; understands that the Services to Community inductees were chosen because of their outstanding efforts in promoting Scotland's traditional music heritage; notes that Douglas is a fiddle teacher and performer, and a member of a host of Orkney-based traditional music acts, notably Saltfishforty and The Chair; believes he has made a lasting and positive impact over the course of his 30 year career teaching in Orkney's schools, inspiring generations of young island musicians not least through the celebrated youth project, Hadhirgaan, which has featured a rolling army of young musicians over three decades; notes that Douglas is also musical director of The Gathering, a musical showcase which originated at the Orkney Folk Festival as a means to celebrate the islands' local music scene but which has since travelled internationally and helped to bring Orkney's traditional music to audiences around the globe; pays tribute to Douglas for all that he has done to preserve and promote folk and traditional music in Orkney, through performance, mentorship and enthusiasm that is both boundless and infectious; wishes him well in his future music projects, and congratulates Douglas and the other inductees to the Hall of Fame or their richly deserved recognition.

That the Parliament recognises and commends the dedicated service of the Rev Dr Neil Dougall, who has retired after 23 years as minister of St Andrew Blackadder Church in North Berwick; recognises that Dr Dougall has served the congregation and wider community since 2003, providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care and support to generations of parishioners; acknowledges that his ministry has been described as a joyful and fulfilling experience, during which he played an active role in local life, including participation in remembrance services and community events; understands that members of the congregation, alongside friends and family, gathered to celebrate his contribution and to mark his retirement; further understands that Dr Dougall now intends to begin a new chapter, working as a life, leadership and spiritual coach; expresses thanks to him for his long-standing commitment to the people of North Berwick and to the Church of Scotland, and wishes Dr Dougall all the very best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Mark Becher, headteacher of The Compass School in Haddington, on completing an inspiring 110-mile coast-to-coast walk across Scotland to raise funds for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity; notes that the journey began in Ayr, his hometown, and concluded at the school where he has served as headteacher since 1997; recognises that the challenge covered approximately 110 miles, with distances of between 20 and 28 miles walked each day; understands that the effort has raised more than £6,300 to support children and families facing serious illness; commends the determination shown in completing this physically demanding challenge, including overcoming difficult conditions such as heat and injury; notes the warm reception he received from pupils, staff and families upon his return, and applauds his commitment to supporting charitable causes and demonstrating leadership, resilience and community spirit to young people across East Lothian.

That the Parliament congratulates the community of Maryhill on the 170th anniversary of the area becoming a burgh in 1856; recognises that Maryhill developed rapidly following the construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal and became an independent burgh before its incorporation into Glasgow in 1891; notes that the area is named after Mary Hill, who, with her husband, owned Gairbraid estates, which feud lands in 1791 under condition that the area was named after Mary; acknowledges the rich industrial, cultural and social heritage of Maryhill, including its historic links to textiles, engineering and the canal trade, and its continued strong local identity; welcomes the range of community-led events, exhibitions and activities taking place across Maryhill to celebrate local history and bring people together, including heritage activities, exhibitions and cultural programmes delivered through groups such as the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust; notes that the halls were built in 1878, restored and reopened in 2012; recognises the important work of local organisations in promoting inclusion, community cohesion and cultural activity across Maryhill; commends all volunteers, community leaders and organisations involved in preserving and promoting Maryhill’s history and identity, and wishes the community of Maryhill every success in celebrating this significant milestone and continuing to build a vibrant and inclusive future.