Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises the fundraising efforts of nine supporters of SMILE Children’s Charity, based in Stonehouse, who took part in a 1,000-foot zip slide challenge over Strathclyde Loch; commends the brave residents from Larkhall and Stonehouse who joined team members from SMILE on the challenge and, together, raised an incredible £6,500 to support the charity's amazing work; notes that the funds raised will help to support the charity's annual Christmas party for the children and families it supports, and recognises the valuable support that it provides all year round to disabled young people and those with serious illnesses, and their families.

That the Parliament congratulates Ups and Downs Theatre Group, in Hamilton, on its outstanding performance aboard the Arcadia Cruise Ship; recognises that Ups and Downs is an inspirational group for young people with Downs syndrome that provides a safe space for rehearsal and performance in a theatre setting; notes that the group received a standing ovation from passengers for performing Material girl, Ring of fire, Burning love and an emotional rendition of A million dreams; acknowledges that Ups and Downs was invited aboard the Arcadia for a day of celebration following its Pride of Britain Award win in October 2025; congratulates Ups and Downs on its award, and wishes the group well with future performances.

That the Parliament recognises the efforts of optometry student and Specsavers employee, Tatiana Duzy, who will be volunteering with the Phelophepa Healthcare Train in South Africa; notes that the Phelophepa Healthcare Train is a fully equipped travelling clinic that provides healthcare to adults and children in disadvantaged communities with little or no access to health care due to financial and geographical barriers; acknowledges that Tatiana will be part of a clinic team providing much needed eye care services, including glasses, eye tests and advice; commends Tatiana on combining clinical learning with volunteering and on providing eye care that can improve the life of communities, and wishes Tatiana the best for her trip and future in optometry.

That the Parliament recognises the efforts of Hareleeshill Hub in Larkhall, which is leading the Poppy Installation Project ahead of Remembrance Day; notes that the project aims to honour Remembrance Day by creating a public artwork located at Larkhall New Parish Church made from 2,500 handmade poppies with hundreds already made by its very own craft group; acknowledges that the craft project involves community organisations, schools, churches, voluntary organisations and veterans’ groups from the town, and commends all involved in their commitment to bringing the community together to create a touching tribute for Remembrance Day

That the Parliament congratulates organisations throughout Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse on being awarded National Lottery funding; believes that Enabling You, Hamilton Information Project for Youth, Regen FX Youth Trust, Stonehouse Old Folks Welfare Committee, Hillhouse Link Tenant and Residents Association, The Machan Trust and Supporting our Community will all benefit greatly from the funding, which will contribute to support for families, summer activities and dealing with isolation and loneliness, and commends the National Lottery Community Fund for its continued support of what it sees as fabulous organisations that are the heart of communities.

That the Parliament congratulates Terry Paterson on being named a Local Hero in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency; recognises that Terry has spent over a decade ensuring that the voices of the people of Larkhall are heard, valued and acted upon by decision-makers, giving the Larkhall community a say in what matters to them; believes that since co-founding Larkhall Community Growers in 2010, Terry has been a driving force for positive change along with fellow community activist Nancy Barr, and commends Terry for her dedication to the community and her pivotal role in the Larkhall Plan Partnership, which unites local charities, voluntary groups, South Lanarkshire Council, the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and the private sector.

That the Parliament commends Hillhouse Residents and Tenants Association in Hamilton for its dedication to supporting the local community; notes its  2026 summer programme, which provides a wide range of sporting activities for local children in partnership with the Hill Start bike project, an initiative established to enable community members to borrow bicycles and access free repairs; understands that, in addition to these activities, all participating children will receive a packed lunch and T-shirt at no cost; recognises the importance of such programmes in fostering community spirit; further recognises the positive impact that these efforts will have on local children and their families during the summer break, and commends all those involved for their commitment to making a difference in their community.

That the Parliament welcomes the EY Attractiveness Survey, which states that Scotland’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)'s attractiveness is at a record level; notes that despite a global slowdown, Scotland remains the UK’s top FDI destination outside London, securing 108 projects; believes that this sustained success is underpinned by Scotland's world-class talent, robust infrastructure and pioneering strengths in key sectors, such as digital technology, renewable energy and life sciences; further acknowledges the vital role that these investments play in creating high-quality jobs and driving regional economic growth, and calls for continued collaboration between the Scottish Government and industry to maintain this strong global competitive edge.

That the Parliament commends the outstanding report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Education in Scotland for St John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton; applauds the exceptional dedication and hard work demonstrated by both the teaching staff and the students; welcomes the inspectors' findings, which highlighted that pupils are excellent ambassadors for their community, remaining respectful, eager to learn and consistently embodying the core school values of commitment, ambition, resilience and equality; recognises that these achievements are a direct result of the extraordinary efforts of the pupils, teachers, parents, carers and wider school community, and congratulates headteacher Mrs Lorna Lawson and the senior leadership team for their exemplary leadership and continued commitment to educational excellence as well as the pupils for their clear dedication to education.

That the Parliament congratulates Hays Travel Hamilton for raising an amazing £1,096.50 in aid of Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust; commends the staff, family members and customers for their efforts in taking part in a four-mile sponsored walk around Strathclyde Park in Motherwell; recognises the efforts of manager, Amanda Harvie, who arranged the walk and fundraising, and notes that the Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust provides what it sees as a vital free transport service to cancer patients, from all over Lanarkshire, to hospital appointments, clinics and day-care facilities.