Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes the publication of the June 2026 report by Environmental Standards Scotland, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010; recognises the duty on Scottish Ministers to set out a revised programme of measures to achieve Good Environmental Status across Scotland's seabeds, including the quantification of the contribution that each measure will make towards achieving that objective, and welcomes the engagement between Scottish Ministers and Environmental Standards Scotland to agree that programme of measures.

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Highland CIC manifesto, Power, Place and Prosperity, which was published in March 2026; commends the Highland Renewables network of over 45 Highland businesses, local leaders and community groups for getting together and estabishing a unified regional strategy to ensure that massive green energy investments deliver tangible community wealth; believes that this unity demonstrates that a coordinated approach can be achieved and can deliver for communities more effectively than what it sees as the current, fragmented approach; considers that it is a scandal for local families to face acute fuel poverty and rural depopulation while living in an energy-rich region hosting globally significant renewable developments; endorses the manifesto’s insistence that economic policy must prioritise people by directly funding genuinely affordable local housing, key worker retention and community-led climate action, and calls on the Scottish Government, local authorities and developers to join together and fully support the Highland CIC framework, taking this opportunity to ensure that the wealth generated by the Highlands' natural resources stays in the Highlands and build a fairer, more self-sufficient and socially just wellbeing economy.

That the Parliament notes reported concerns regarding the current capacity of Raigmore Hospital in Inverness; acknowledges the role of the National Treatment Centre Highland in addressing elective surgery waiting lists; recognises the dedication of NHS staff in delivering healthcare services across Scotland, including in Inverness and Nairn; notes the view that the delivery of high-quality care must be supported by adequate clinical space and staffing levels; further notes calls for a review of hospital capacity in the region, and remains mindful of what it sees as the ongoing importance of ensuring that healthcare infrastructure meets the evolving needs of the Highland population.

That the Parliament recognises the success of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club in securing a promotion to the Scottish Championship; applauds what it sees as the tenacity shown by the players, coaching staff and board following a challenging period for the club; considers that this success reaffirms the vital relationship between the club and the City of Inverness; believes that the club is an integral cultural and economic asset to the Highlands; expresses its gratitude to the dedicated supporters who showed up to cheer on the team each week, and hopes to see another such motion celebrating the next promotion in the not too distant future.

That the Parliament congratulates Harry Gow, which is a famous Highlands bakery, on setting an unofficial world record by creating a giant Empire biscuit measuring 198 centimetres (78 inches); notes that this record-breaking feat took place during a head-to-head baking challenge at Fife College in Dunfermline, marking the official launch of the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026; recognises the skill and teamwork of the four competing bakeries, Harry Gow, McGhee’s, John Gillespie & Sons and Stephens Bakery, which were tasked with constructing the largest version of the classic Scottish treat in two hours; commends the generosity of the participants, noting that students at Fife College got to enjoy the massive biscuits; celebrates the continued success of the Scottish baking industry in promoting local craftsmanship and culinary heritage, and wishes the managing director, David Gow, and the entire Harry Gow team, the very best of luck at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards in May.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scotland Men’s National Football Team and the formidable Tartan Army on their historic qualification for the upcoming World Cup tournament; recognises the phenomenal campaign led by manager, Steve Clarke, and his entire backroom staff, who have demonstrated typical Scottish flair throughout the qualifying matches, proving good things come to those who wait; further recognises the dedication of every player, showing true grit and passion in securing their place on the world stage; acknowledges the anxiety-inducing drama of the scoreline throughout the match; notes that the ball travelled so far for that fourth goal, it might have needed a passport of its own; calls on the people of Scotland to prepare their own passports, voices and kits for the forthcoming tournament, and wishes the entire squad the very best of luck.

That the Parliament acknowledges the reported concerns being raised by communities impacted by the proposed Moray FLOW-Park; notes that Offshore Solutions Group plans to develop two anchorage sites in the Moray Firth for floating offshore wind assets; understands that the project is at an early stage but concerns around the impact on fishing, the environment and marine life have reportedly been expressed and, it believes, deserve to be addressed, and notes the view that Offshore Solutions Group must be upfront with communities about the consideration other sites were given for these proposals and must commit to detailed and meaningful discussions with key stakeholders and all local communities in the Moray Firth area impacted by these proposals.

That the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee recommends that the Draft statutory guidance on imprints for non-party campaigners at Scottish Parliamentary elections and council elections in Scotland (SG/2025/215) should not be approved.

That the Parliament notes and celebrates the 40th anniversary of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal; understands that BBC Radio nan Gàidheal is currently the only comprehensive Gaelic language radio service in the world, serving the entire Gaelic language community throughout Scotland and internationally; notes that this service offers a range of programmes, including news, current affairs, sport, factual, arts, education, faith, music and entertainment; understands that the service is broadcast across the country, including Stornoway, Inverness, Skye, Glasgow and Edinburgh, with staff also based in Uist and Argyll; recognises that BBC Radio nan Gàidheal is available on BBC Sounds, DAB and FM, allowing access across different devices and ensuring that a range of individuals of all ages, irrespective of geography, can access the service; commends BBC Radio nan Gàidheal for its recognition as the Celtic Media Festival’s radio station of the year; celebrates BBC Radio nan Gàidheal's hard work supporting the Gaelic language; congratulates its radio hosts and team for their hard work, and wishes them the best in all future projects and endeavours.

That the Parliament notes and celebrates Inverness-born Órla Ní Eadhra’s success in reaching the final of the 2025 Great British Sewing Bee; commends her hard work in the competition and her continued success in challenges that were used to test precision, creativity and her sewing skills; notes that Órla has thoroughly enjoyed her time at the Sewing Bee, with her confidence, skills and creativity growing every week; wishes Órla the best in all future endeavours, and congratulates her on her achievement.