Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes with sadness the passing of Ian “Higgy” Higgins, long-serving President of Bonnyton Thistle Football Club, at the age of 60; recognises his decades of dedication to football in Kilmarnock and across Ayrshire, and his pivotal role in the development of Bonnyton Thistle from a local boys’ club into a respected senior club competing in the West of Scotland Football League, including its rise through the football pyramid and move to Townholm; understands that he devoted countless hours to supporting players, volunteers and the wider football community, and was widely respected across grassroots, youth and junior football for his commitment to creating opportunities for young people through sport; notes that he passed away doing the work he was so passionate about at his spiritual home of Bonnyton Thistle, and the many tributes paid by clubs, supporters, volunteers and community organisations reflecting the high regard in which he was held throughout Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley and beyond; expresses its condolences to his wife, children, wider family, friends and all at the club, and recognises that he leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt throughout Ayrshire football and the local community for many years to come.

That the Parliament congratulates Scott Montgomery, hub operations lead at The Killie Community, on winning the Employee of the Year category at the Scottish Charity Awards 2026; recognises what it sees as his remarkable journey from joining the charity following the loss of his son to becoming a leading figure in the delivery of programmes that support thousands of people across Ayrshire each year; commends his dedication to improving the lives of others through initiatives that are tackling loneliness, social isolation, disability exclusion, addiction and poor mental health, and notes that he has helped to lead programmes supporting more than 3,000 people annually while raising over £17,000 for the charity through fundraising efforts; recognises the outstanding work of The Killie Community across Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley and the wider Ayrshire area, using the power of football to tackle poverty, improve health and wellbeing, support education and employability and create stronger and more connected communities; acknowledges the charity's work with some of the area's most vulnerable individuals and families, as well as innovative initiatives such as its Beat to Treat partnership, which is helping to reduce waiting times for heart failure diagnosis; notes that The Killie Community was named Ayrshire's Charity of the Year in 2025; thanks all its staff, volunteers and trustees for their continued service to communities across Ayrshire, and wishes Scott every success at the awards.

That the Parliament congratulates Park School on finishing first in the UK in the 2026 Big Walk and Wheel challenge; recognises what it sees as an outstanding achievement by the pupils, staff and wider school community; acknowledges the important role that Park School plays as a specialist educational setting supporting children and young people with additional support needs in East Ayrshire; understands that the national initiative encourages children and young people to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school in order to promote healthier lifestyles, physical activity and sustainable travel; acknowledges the enthusiasm and commitment shown throughout the challenge, with Park School recording the highest participation levels across the United Kingdom; commends everyone involved in supporting and championing the initiative, including school staff, parents and carers; notes the positive impact that active travel initiatives can have on health, wellbeing, confidence and environmental awareness among young people; further notes the pride that this achievement has brought to the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency, and wishes everyone at Park School continued success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Shortlees Amateurs on winning the 2026 Scottish Amateur Cup, following what it believes was a dramatic 3–2 victory over Drumchapel Amateurs at Hampden Park; recognises that this is the second time in the club’s history that Shortlees has lifted the prestigious trophy, following its previous triumph in 2018; acknowledges what it sees as the tremendous achievement of everyone connected with the club, including manager Colin Smith, the coaching staff, committee members, volunteers, local sponsors, players and supporters, whose dedication, financial backing and hard work have helped establish the club as one of the leading names in Scottish amateur football; commends the team for its determination and resilience during what it considers to have been a thrilling and memorable final, including Danny Wilson’s two-goal contribution, a goal from Jack McWilliam and the leadership shown by captain, Keir Knapp; notes the pride that the achievement has brought to the Shortlees community and the wider Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency; recognises the important role that grassroots and amateur football clubs play in strengthening communities, encouraging participation in sport and providing positive opportunities for young people across Ayrshire and beyond, and wishes Shortlees Amateurs every success for the future as Scottish Amateur Cup holders.