Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Sparks Connections on winning the Excellence in Community & Family Initiative Award at the VASLan Third Sector Awards 2026; notes that the event brings together volunteers, community groups and organisations from across South Lanarkshire; further notes that the evening celebrates the outstanding efforts of individuals and organisations who support local people and communities; recognises that Sparks Connections has recently opened a local community café, providing young people with valuable work experience opportunities and helping them to develop skills, confidence and to prepare for future employment, and wishes to congratulate all the finalists and winners for their achievements and dedication to making a positive difference in their communities.

That the Parliament congratulates Lucy Byrne, from Hamilton, on winning gold at the Boxing Scotland Development Championships; notes that, at the age of 11, she is the youngest and only female amateur boxer from Johnny Sullivans Boxing Performance Centre (Sully’s), which is based in Kirkintilloch; commends the coaching staff for their dedication to boxing and for encouraging young people to progress in the sport as well as their efforts to attract more female boxers; recognises Lucy's determination and enthusiasm for boxing and for encouraging other young girls to participate through her inspiring attitude and commitment in a male-dominated sport; wishes Lucy well with her future and achieving her goals, and notes that Boxing Scotland, which organised the championships, is the national governing body of amateur boxing, overseeing more than 120 affiliated members in addition to selecting and preparing Scottish boxers to compete internationally.

That the Parliament expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, aged 86, on 28 October 2026; pays tribute to his extraordinary contribution to theatre, television and film across a distinguished career spanning more than six decades; recognises his acclaimed work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise; particularly celebrates his iconic portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard, through which he inspired generations to imagine a future founded on co-operation, equality, exploration and peace; acknowledges that, through Picard, Sir Patrick brought to life a vison of leadership defined not by power or authority, but by wisdom, compassion, diplomacy, moral courage and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right even in the face of adversity; recognises the profound influence of a character who challenged prejudice, defended the dignity of others and demonstrated that humanity’s greatest strength lies in its capacity for understanding and progress; commends Sir Patrick’s lifelong advocacy for human rights, survivors of domestic abuse and veterans’ mental health; believes that his portrayal of Captain Picard will endure as a reminder of the better future that humanity can aspire to build if we “make it so”, and extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Sunny, his family, friends and the millions of people across the world whose lives he touched, both as an extraordinary actor and a man of compassion and principle.

That the Parliament congratulates the University of the West of Scotland and New College Lanarkshire on the opening of a new learning hub for their joint Undergraduate School at UWS Lanarkshire campus on 23 October 2026; commends all those whose vision, commitment and hard work helped bring this innovative partnership to fruition; considers the Undergraduate School to be an outstanding example of collaborative working across secondary, further and higher education, supporting students on their journey into employment; believes that this model demonstrates the benefits of partnership in delivering positive outcomes for learners and communities, and notes the belief that similar approaches could help strengthen Scotland's education system and contribute to wider public service reform.

That the Parliament recognises the outstanding community transport service delivered By Larkhall District Volunteer Group (LDVG); commends LDVG on its commitment to providing the local community with a much needed lifeline through its community transport service, which provides a shopping bus, wellbeing trips, a community car and lunch club runs three days a week; acknowledges that without this service many older people in the Larkhall community would face isolation, loneliness and be unable to attend vital medical appointments; notes that LDVG is a member of the Community Transport Association, which is a national charity and membership organisation representing community transport operators across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland; further notes that the Community Transport Association represents 216 members that deliver services across Scotland, covering a variety of transport modes, from volunteer car schemes to dial-a-bus services, and commends the volunteers at LDVG on the care and commitment shown to the service and its users.

That the Parliament congratulates Dr Mike Coats, clinical director of NHS Lanarkshire’s Out of Hours Service, which is based at Douglas Street in Hamilton, on being named the inaugural recipient of NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards’ People’s Choice Award; understands that this award was determined by public vote, reflecting the esteem in which Dr Coats is held by both patients and colleagues; recognises his kindness, compassion and commitment to ensuring that colleagues feel supported, valued and understood; commends his outstanding leadership and contribution to the delivery of high-quality out-of-hours healthcare services across Lanarkshire, and thanks Dr Coats for his dedication to patient care and to supporting the wider NHS workforce.

That the Parliament congratulates all winners and finalists of the NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards 2026; recognises and commends the outstanding dedication, professionalism and compassion demonstrated by NHS Lanarkshire staff, volunteers and healthcare teams across its three acute hospital sites, community hospitals and community-based services; believes that the inspiring stories of this year's finalists highlight the profound difference that staff and volunteers make to the lives of patients, families and colleagues every day; acknowledges the vital contribution that NHS Lanarkshire's workforce makes to the health and wellbeing of communities across Lanarkshire, and thanks all staff and volunteers for their continued commitment to delivering high-quality care and support in often challenging circumstances.

That the Parliament congratulates Brian Thomson, from Hamilton, on his outstanding fundraising and volunteering efforts in support of Diabetes UK and Diabetes Scotland as he retires from his fundraising adventures; understands that Brian has been raising funds and volunteering since 2014 in honour of his daughter, Hayley, who lives with type 1 diabetes; recognises that, through his Hike4Hayley fundraising challenges and wider community activity, he has raised more than £40,000 to support people affected by diabetes, including undertaking demanding challenges in locations such as the Arctic Circle, Everest Base Camp and the Sierra Nevada; commends his commitment to raising awareness of diabetes and supporting charitable work in his local community, including through events, collections and securing the support of local shops and businesses in Hamilton; recognises the dedication, determination and generosity shown by Brian, his family and supporters, and thanks him for his continued commitment to improving the lives of people living with diabetes across Scotland.

That the Parliament recognises Scottish Children's Health Week 2026, which runs from 7 to 13 September; celebrates the 50th anniversary of Children's Health Scotland and its longstanding contribution to promoting and protecting the health rights of children and young people; acknowledges the charity's work in supporting children, young people and families across Scotland through information, participation, self-management support and advocacy; welcomes the contribution of the charity's Health Rights Defenders in ensuring that children and young people's views, voices and experiences help shape policy and services; congratulates all the finalists and winners of the Scottish Children's Health Awards 2026, which celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations making an outstanding difference to the health, wellbeing and experiences of children and young people across Scotland; recognises the vital contribution of those working across health, social care, education and the third sector to improve outcomes for children and families; notes the importance of partnership working between charities, healthcare organisations, schools, communities and decision-makers in improving outcomes for children and young people; recognises the theme of Scottish Children's Health Week 2026, which highlights connection, kindness and partnership in supporting health and wellbeing; commends all those working to ensure that every child in Scotland can realise their right to the best possible health, and notes that Children's Health Scotland will bring together children, young people, families, professionals and decision-makers at its My Health, My Rights Conference on 2 October 2026 to discuss the future of children's health rights in Scotland.

That the Parliament commends Spark Connections in Larkhall on creating work opportunities for young people with additional support needs through its new pop-up café; believes that the young people will gain valuable work experience, build confidence and learn new skills to prepare for employment or volunteering roles in the future; notes that those involved have worked hard receiving training on the barista machine, the till and getting the café ready for business; commends Spark Connections on its dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn and grow; believes that it provides a vital support network through projects and community groups that are vital to the young people involved and their families, and wishes the café and all the new employees every success in the future.