Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates West College Scotland on the publication of its highly positive Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review (TQER) by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA); understands that the review recognised the strengths of the college and highlighted the commitment of staff, students and partners to delivering high-quality learning, teaching and support; notes that the review highlighted the college's ongoing focus on quality, continuous improvement and achieving positive outcomes for learners; acknowledges that West College Scotland plays an important role in providing educational opportunities and developing skills across the west of Scotland; commends the dedication and professionalism of all staff and stakeholders whose contributions were reflected in the review's findings, and wishes West College Scotland every success as it continues to support learners and contribute to what it sees as the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.

That the Parliament congratulates NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank on performing the highest number of adult heart transplants in the UK during the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026; notes that the Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service (SNAHFS), based at the hospital, carried out 40 life-saving heart transplants during this period; recognises the skill, dedication and compassion of the multidisciplinary team involved in delivering transplant services, including surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, transplant coordinators and support staff; acknowledges the life-changing impact that organ transplantation has on patients and their families; pays tribute to the generosity of organ donors and their loved ones, whose selfless decisions make transplantation possible; notes that almost 600 patients have benefited from Scotland’s national heart transplant service since the first heart transplant was carried out in Scotland in 1992; recognises NHS Golden Jubilee’s role as Scotland’s national heart transplant centre; and encourages continued action to raise public awareness of the importance of organ donation and discussions with family members about donation decisions.

That the Parliament congratulates Caledonia Housing Association on marking its 15th anniversary; recognises its significant contribution to providing affordable, high-quality housing and community support across Scotland, including in West Dunbartonshire; notes that Caledonia provides homes and services to more than 5,700 households and a factoring service to over 2,300 homeowners; acknowledges the Association’s commitment to supporting communities through welfare advice, energy efficiency programmes, community partnerships and targeted assistance for vulnerable households; notes its recent success at the Scottish Home Awards, where it was named Housing Association of the Year and Housing Regeneration Development of the Year for its Bellsmyre Regeneration programme; recognises what it sees as the importance of the ongoing Bellsmyre and Dalquhurn regeneration projects in Dumbarton constituency; commends the work of the association’s staff, tenants, partners and volunteers in helping to create stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities, and wishes Caledonia Housing Association every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Loch Lomond Brewery, which is based in Dumbarton, on what it sees as its outstanding success at the 2026 SIBA Scotland Indie Beer Awards; understands that the brewery won 25 medals, including 12 gold medals, representing its largest awards haul to date; notes that its West Coast IPA, Bravehop, which is brewed with Columbus, Chinook and Amarillo hops and is famed for its marmalade and pine aromas leading to caramel and apricot flavours followed by a bittersweet finish, was named Overall Cask Champion, while American-style pale ale, Southern Summit, picked up gold in its cask and keg categories, and its alcohol-free version also secured a gold medal; recognises the contribution that Loch Lomond Brewery has made to Scotland’s thriving food and drink sector through its commitment to quality, innovation and craftsmanship; acknowledges the dedication of owners Fiona and Euan MacEachern, and the entire brewery team in building what is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most successful independent breweries, and wishes Loch Lomond Brewery every success as it goes on to represent Scotland at the UK Indie Beer Awards' national finals.

That the Parliament recognises the vital role of Coastguard Rescue Officers in protecting lives and supporting coastal communities across Scotland; understands that they respond to emergencies in difficult and often dangerous conditions, providing essential local resilience as part of the UK’s search and rescue capability; notes with concern the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) proposals to end paid remuneration for the officers for call-outs and training; further notes that over 50 MSPs from across the Parliament have signed a joint letter raising concerns about these proposals; believes that any change to the terms and conditions of Coastguard Rescue Officers must be subject to full consultation with those affected and proper assessment of the impact on recruitment, retention, operational readiness and community safety; considers that the officers should be properly valued and fairly treated for the work that they do, and calls on the MCA to halt these proposals, engage meaningfully with the officers and their trade union representatives, to ensure that Scotland’s Coastguard Rescue Service remains properly supported, resilient and able to protect coastal communities.

That the Parliament congratulates Riverside School, West Dunbartonshire, on its outstanding achievement in securing three national awards; recognises this remarkable accomplishment as a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of the pupils, staff and wider school community; notes that the achievement reflects Riverside School’s commitment to excellence, inclusion and providing the highest quality learning environment for its young people; understands that the school, which only opened in August last year, was awarded a Bronze School Sport Award, an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, and a UNCRC Rights Respecting Schools Bronze Award, reflecting its commitment to health and wellbeing, sustainability and children’s rights; commends all those involved for their efforts in helping the school gain this prestigious recognition, and wishes Riverside School every success in the future as it continues to support and inspire its pupils to reach their full potential.

That the Parliament congratulates Ellen McBride on her retirement as church representative on West Dunbartonshire Council’s Educational Services Committee after 26 years of distinguished service; recognises her lifelong dedication to education and to improving the outcomes for children and young people across West Dunbartonshire; notes her long career as a teacher, beginning at St Stephen’s Primary School in Dalmuir, before moving on to take on the role of head teacher at St Peter’s Primary School in Bellsmyre, where she earned a reputation as an outstanding educator and mentor; further notes her contribution to Strathclyde Regional Council’s Education Department as a member of the Quality Assurance Team, where she championed excellence in teaching, learning and leadership; acknowledges her influential role in supporting Catholic school self-evaluation and improvement, combining high educational standards with a strong commitment to Catholic values and ethos; commends what it sees as her extensive knowledge, professionalism, wisdom and unwavering commitment to children, families and educational excellence; thanks her for the positive impact that she has had on generations of young people and education professionals, and wishes her a long, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement.

That the Parliament welcomes the forthcoming Grand Prix Walk 2026, which is due to take place on 29 July 2026 at Levengrove Park, Dumbarton; notes that the event is held in support of Race Against Dementia, the charity founded by Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart, which is marking its 10th anniversary; understands that participants will undertake a dementia-friendly walk of 1,973 metres, commemorating the year of Sir Jackie Stewart’s final Formula One World Championship victory; recognises the importance of raising awareness of dementia and supporting those living with the condition, as well as their families and carers; welcomes initiatives that promote inclusion, social connection and community wellbeing; acknowledges the contribution that Sir Jackie Stewart and Race Against Dementia have made to raising awareness and advancing research into dementia; commends the efforts of the organisers, volunteers, carers, families and community organisations involved in delivering the event, and wishes everyone involved in the Grand Prix Walk 2026 every success.

That the Parliament recognises the critical role that anaesthetists play in Scotland's NHS; notes the latest report by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, which finds that Scotland faces a shortfall of around 170 anaesthetists and that this shortage leads to surgery being postponed and women in labour waiting longer for pain relief; recognises that NHS hospitals across Scotland have the capacity for around 42 additional training posts each year; notes that addressing anaesthetist workforce gaps could enable up to 114,000 additional operations and procedures per year across Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to consider the report's recommendations to recruit and retain more anaesthetists.

That the Parliament thanks departing BMA Scotland Chair, Dr Iain Kennedy, for his work over the past four years; understands that as a former NHS whistleblower, Dr Kennedy has consistently pushed for a more supportive culture for doctors and patients; recognises that he became Chair of BMA Scotland at a time when the NHS was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently became a key contributor to the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry; notes that he used his position to call for a long-term medical workforce plan and a more sustainable NHS Scotland, and wishes Dr Kennedy the best for the future.