Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Sandra Steele of Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre, Old Kilpatrick, on being awarded the Gaelic Hearts Early Years Award at the very first Early Years Scotland Awards 2026; understands that the awards have been created to celebrate innovation and dedication amongst those working with and for Scotland’s youngest children; notes that the Gaelic Hearts Award celebrates Gaelic medium early years practice that supports language renewal and strengthens children’s immersion in it, while also acknowledging engagement with families and local communities to help the language flourish; believes that the awards recognise those who have made a real difference, and congratulates Sandra for this outstanding achievement, which evidences her hard work, passion and success.

That the Parliament recognises Allander Dental Care in Milngavie for its ambitious charity fundraiser; understands that the team is embarking on the canal challenge, which involves a 22km run starting in Dalmuir, a 60km cycle starting at the Kelpies and a 15km walk starting at Bowling with a finishing line at Balloch; further understands that Allander Dental Care is raising funds for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Glasgow Children’s Hospital and a fundraiser to help support a family devastated by a brain tumour; celebrates local businesses taking on charity challenges, and wishes the team at Allander Dental Care all the best on their challenge on 9 September 2026.

That the Parliament celebrates Stepping Stones, based in Clydebank, on marking its 35th anniversary in September 2026; understands that the charity was formed in 1991 after a group of locals came together to try and improve mental health in the area; notes that in 2006, it expanded its services and began providing services across West Dunbartonshire using rented accommodation, NHS and community premises; recognises that it offers a range of services to improve mental health, including peer support, group work, 1:1 support, person-centred counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based guided self-help, neurodiversity support, training and psychoeducation, and volunteer opportunities; believes that Stepping Stones provides a vital service in West Dunbartonshire and is a lifeline to many; thanks the team for their tireless efforts to improve the mental wellbeing of the community and congratulates them on reaching this milestone, and wishes them all the very best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Clydebank Men’s Shed on its 10 year anniversary; understands that the Men’s Shed relies on the dedication of its members to ensure the continued running of the charity; praises generous donations from the wider community, including tools, equipment, transport and baked goods, that allow the Men’s shed to continue to offer a social outlet for men; understands the important role that Men's Shed organisations play in tackling social isolation and the positive impact that they have on men's mental health across Scotland; recognises the Scottish Men’s Shed Association for providing guidance to Clydebank Men’s Shed, and wishes the club well for its next 10th year.

That the Parliament congratulates Ann Tasker from Clydebank upon her retirement after 44 years of service and volunteering with the Girl Guides; notes that Ann began volunteering for the Guides in 1982 and went on to become leader of the 6th Clydebank Rainbows in 1993; understands that across four decades of service, Ann has dedicated many hours to helping deliver opportunities for girls to build new skills and confidence and make new friends; thanks Ann for her service to Girl Guiding, and wishes her the very best for her retirement.

That the Parliament recognises that the Clydesider Magazine will reach what it considers to be a significant milestone in September 2026 of 10 years in operation; understands that the Clydebank-based media organisation has expanded over the years, incorporating a Youtube channel along with quarterly print magazines; congratulates all staff and volunteers who contribute to this community-based media outlet on reaching this pivotal moment, and wishes them well over the next decade in continuing to deliver positive local stories, promoting community events and acting as an antidote to what it sees as a growing trend towards online hatred.

That the Parliament recognises Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed for being selected as the West Coast (North) region finalist for the Scottish Men’s Shed Association Shed of the Year; understands that it is one of three finalists with the overall winner to be crowned on Friday 28 August; believes that the judges faced a difficult task in narrowing down the finalists and that Milngavie and Bearsden Men’s Shed shone through, showcasing its passion and dedication to its community; welcomes this achievement and thanks the Men’s Shed for the work it does to tackle social isolation and improve the health of men in the community, and wishes the team the best of luck for 28 August.

That the Parliament congratulates Frankie Farmer from Clydebank on being selected to perform in Scrooge the Musical alongside Marti Pellow at the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow; notes that Frankie is 11-years-old and managed to get one of 16 spots out of the 300 talented performers who auditioned; recognises that Frankie trains four to five times a week at Dance Off Academy and had to undergo two complete rounds of castings before the final cut was made; notes that the musical will be coming to Glasgow from 12 December 2026 to 10 January 2027; congratulates Frankie on this fantastic achievement, and wishes her all the very best for the show.

That the Parliament acknowledges with sadness the death of the former Clydebank forward, Mike Larnach; notes that during his time at the club, he scored 105 goals in 334 appearances across two spells; further notes that Mike was part of a prolific front three, which also consisted of Davie Cooper and Joe McCallan, and helped the club achieve back-to-back promotions to the Scottish Premier Division in 1977; understands that Mike was one of the first players inducted into the Bankies' Hall of Fame and remained an ever present figure at Holm Park where he unfurled the league flag at the start of the 2025-26 season, and passes on its condolences to everyone at the club and to Mike’s family and friends.

That the Parliament welcomes the installation of a new public-access defibrillator cabinet on the exterior wall of the Talbot Arms in Milngavie; understands that KM Electricals carried out the installation free of charge; recognises the contribution of both organisations in improving access to potentially life-saving equipment within the local community; celebrates the role that businesses play in expanding Scotland's network of publicly accessible defibrillators; notes the importance of rapid access to defibrillators in improving outcomes following cardiac arrest, and encourages communities across Scotland to support the installation, maintenance and promotion of public-access defibrillators.