Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Ridings Sawmills, in Cardross, on reaching the significant milestone of 50 years in business; understands that the family-run company was founded in 1976 by Fred Riding and his sons, Alfred and Frank, and has since grown into one of Scotland’s established independent sawmills; recognises the contribution that the business has made to the local economy and employment across Cardross, Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Helensburgh, where it employs around 50 people; commends the company’s resilience and adaptability in diversifying its operations following the decline of the mining industry; acknowledges its continued commitment to processing homegrown timber and supporting Scotland’s forestry and timber sector; celebrates its ongoing success under the leadership of third-generation family members, Lindsay McKechnie and Amanda Bradley, and wishes everyone associated with Ridings Sawmills continued success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates all those involved in the shortlisting of the Balloch Castle Ash in the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year 2026 competition; recognises the tree's significance and resilience as a landmark in Balloch Castle Country Park and its importance to the community; notes that the Balloch Castle Ash is one of a select number of trees from across the UK shortlisted for what it sees as this prestigious award; understands that public voting is open until 29 September 2026; believes that success in the competition would bring positive national and international recognition to Balloch, Loch Lomond and West Dunbartonshire, boosting awareness of the area’s natural heritage and encouraging further interest in Balloch Park and its conservation; commends campaigners and residents on their efforts to promote the tree, and encourages people across Scotland to support the Balloch Castle Ash by participating in the public vote.

That the Parliament congratulates Renton-based Complete Paving Requirements (Scotland) Ltd (CPR) on securing a major Scotland-wide Network Rail Surfacing Framework contract worth up to £39 million; notes that CPR has been appointed as the sole supplier for platform, station and rail infrastructure surfacing works across Scotland following a competitive procurement process; recognises that the five-year contract, with options for extension, is expected to provide long-term employment security and support workforce growth at the company; understands that more than 85% of CPR's workforce live locally, demonstrating the company's significant contribution to the economy of West Dunbartonshire; commends all employees on what it sees as this significant achievement, and wishes the company every success as it delivers this important programme of work across Scotland's railway network.

That the Parliament congratulates the Dumbarton District Disabled Children's Forum (DDDCF) on reaching its remarkable 30th anniversary; recognises what it sees as the invaluable contribution that the organisation has made to children and families across West Dunbartonshire by providing accessible, affordable and inclusive opportunities, including holiday breaks, outdoor activities and community trips; acknowledges that, for three decades, it has offered vital support to families of disabled children, ensuring that young people can enjoy experiences and opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach; recognises the outstanding dedication of Pamela McMartin, who has led the organisation for the past 25 years, during which time she has worked tirelessly to strengthen and expand its activities for the benefit of local families; commends the charity's volunteers, trustees, staff and supporters for their commitment to improving the lives of children and young people over the last 30 years, and wishes the organisation every success for the future as it continues its important work in the community.

As an amendment to Motion S7M-01200 in the name of Angela Constance (Addressing the Harms of Health Misinformation), insert at end “; is concerned by declining childhood vaccination rates and continuing barriers to access to vaccination programmes, and believes that additional flexibility is required for trusted primary care teams to improve vaccination uptake.”

That the Parliament congratulates Our Lady & St Mark's Church, Alexandria, on the celebration of its centenary on 15 March 2026; understands that the parish marked 100 years since the opening of the church with a Mass of Thanksgiving led by The Most Reverend William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, alongside the parish priest, Father Charles McElwee, and members of the congregation; recognises the significant contribution that the church has made to the community over the past century as a place of worship, reflection, celebration and support for generations of families; acknowledges the dedication of parishioners, volunteers, clergy and community groups whose commitment has sustained the church throughout its history; notes the important role that it continues to play in strengthening community cohesion, supporting families and providing comfort during times of hardship, and wishes everyone associated with Our Lady & St Mark's Church every success as it begins its second century of service to the people of Alexandria and the wider West Dunbartonshire community.

That the Parliament welcomes the inaugural Helensburgh Choral Festival, which will take place on 19 and 20 September 2026 and is believed to be Scotland's first dedicated choral festival; notes that the event will celebrate the rich musical heritage of Helensburgh and the surrounding communities through a programme of performances, workshops and community participation; acknowledges the contribution of distinguished musicians and conductors, including Susannah Wapshott, Derek Clark, John Butt OBE and local composer, Sean Nelis; commends the organisers for establishing the festival as a charitable organisation with a commitment to reinvest into future community events; recognises the potential for the festival to enhance Helensburgh's cultural profile and attract visitors to the area, and wishes everyone involved every success for the festival and its future development as an annual celebration of choral music in Scotland.

As an amendment to motion S7M-01163 in the name of John Swinney (Preventing Violence Against Women for an Equally Safe Scotland), insert at end "; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce a pilot of GPS monitoring for suspected domestic abusers released on bail, and calls on the Scottish Government to outline urgently a timetable for its implementation and wider roll-out."

That the Parliament recognises that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; understands that around 320 children and young people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer each year, and that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for that age group; further understands that children and young people with cancer have unique needs and experiences compared with older adults, including in relation to diagnosis, treatment, mental health, research, and the financial impact of cancer for them and their families; notes that the current strategy, Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care: The Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People in Scotland 2021-2026 reaches the end of its lifecycle in 2026; notes what it sees as the significant financial impact that cancer has on children and young people and their families, including the cost of travelling to treatment, with research from Young Lives vs Cancer showing costs averaging £700 every month, of which £250 is spent on travelling to treatment, and that one in 10 report missing or delaying treatment because of travel costs; commends the work of Young Lives vs Cancer and other third sector organisations supporting young cancer patients across Scotland, and notes the belief that Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity for the Parliament to reflect on the unique, practical, emotional and financial impact of cancer on children and young people in Scotland and their families.

That the Parliament congratulates the clinicians from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who are taking part in the European Doctors’ Orchestra fundraising concert in support of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS); notes that doctors and medical professionals from across Europe will perform at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 27 September 2026, showcasing their musical talents while raising funds for children who have life-shortening conditions and their families; recognises the contribution of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff in helping to organise and participate in the event; acknowledges the invaluable work carried out by CHAS in providing expert care, respite and support to children and families across Scotland, and wishes everyone involved every success with the concert and fundraising efforts.