Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Charles McHardy Butchers, of Stonehaven, on its success at the Scottish Craft Butchers Awards, winning a Gold Award in the Ready Meal category and Silver Awards in the Ready Meal and Steak Burger categories; appreciates the skill, innovation and dedication to quality demonstrated by the team; recognises that the business is a well-known and valued part of community life in Stonehaven; acknowledges the contribution of independent butchers to Scotland's food sector and local economy, and wishes everyone at Charles McHardy Butchers continued success.

That the Parliament congratulates Fieldfare CSA, based at Balmakewan Farm near Laurencekirk, on being named Small-scale Producer of the Year at the 2026 RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards; notes that the award celebrates small-scale producers making a significant impact through innovation, sustainability and community engagement; recognises Fieldfare CSA's commitment to community-supported agriculture and sustainable food production; acknowledges what it sees as the positive contribution that it makes to the local community and rural economy, and wishes everyone involved continued success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Archie Anderson on being named the Scottish FA McDonald’s Best Young Volunteer Award winner for 2026; recognises his dedication to community football through more than 500 hours of volunteering with Montrose Community Trust, Montrose FC and Montrose FC Women; commends his contribution to supporting young people, including those with additional support needs, through his role as a Lead Community Coach; notes what it sees as the positive impact of community football in creating opportunities for young people across Angus, and wishes Archie every success for the future.

That the Parliament welcomes the opening of the Tay Skills Academy at Rossie Young People’s Trust near Montrose, which is Scotland’s first on-site skills academy; recognises the partnership between Rossie and Dundee and Angus College in delivering vocational training and qualifications for young people in care; commends the academy’s commitment to improving skills, confidence and future employment opportunities, while supporting the ambitions of The Promise; notes the positive impact that the facility is expected to have on young people in Angus and beyond, and wishes all those involved every success in helping young people achieve their full potential.

That the Parliament congratulates Casa Luisa, Stonehaven, on winning The Warm Welcome - Hospitality Award at the inaugural Aberdeenshire Heart of the High Street Awards; commends its owner, Sergio Ruiz, for bringing authentic Spanish cuisine, tapas and hospitality to the north-east; notes that, through both Casa Luisa and Picos Deli, Sergio has enriched Stonehaven's town centre by introducing Spanish food, wines and produce to local residents and visitors; recognises that the business has attracted diners from across Scotland and around the world while retaining strong support from the local community; acknowledges its contribution to Stonehaven's town centre, visitor economy and cultural offering, and wishes Sergio and his team continued success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates the Stonehaven District Motor Club and all those involved in the successful running of the 2026 Voly Grampian Forest Rally; notes that the event attracted around 4,600 spectators and involved more than 990 competitors, officials, volunteers and support personnel; recognises its significant contribution to the local economy, with an estimated direct economic impact of almost £446,000 in Aberdeenshire; welcomes the rally's growing national and international profile, and wishes the organisers every success ahead of its proposed inclusion in the British Rally Championship in 2027.

That the Parliament congratulates Elevate Health Chiropractic and Wellbeing, in Stonehaven, on winning the Health & Wellbeing – Supporting Health and Happiness category at the inaugural Aberdeenshire Heart of the High Street Awards; recognises the outstanding contribution made by Tom and Katie Butterfield and their team in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Stonehaven and the surrounding area; applauds their patient-centred approach to care, and wishes the business every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates But n’ Ben Books, in Stonehaven, on winning the New Business of the Year Award at the inaugural Aberdeenshire Heart of the High Street Awards; commends the bookshop for promoting reading, supporting authors and creating a welcoming community space in the town; recognises the role of independent businesses in sustaining vibrant high streets, and wishes everyone at But n’ Ben Books every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Chris Platt on his nomination for the 2026 Forty Under 40 Awards; notes that Mr Platt has been named a finalist in the Community Development category in recognition of his work as chief executive officer of Montrose Community Trust; recognises his hard work, dedication and leadership; commends the way in which principles of health, employment, education, climate action, heritage and regeneration have been brought together to create a community football club with Chris Platt leading the movement; thanks Chris and his team, and wishes him every success in the awards.

That the Parliament congratulates Forfar Community Football Trust on receiving the Best Community Football for All Award at the Scottish FA East Region McDonald's Awards for its School of Football project; recognises the positive impact of the partnership between the Trust and Strathmore Primary School in improving pupils' wellbeing, behaviour and engagement; commends the trust's work in supporting young people through football and mentorship; acknowledges its wider efforts to provide opportunities for children across Angus to develop confidence, skills and a sense of belonging, and wishes everyone involved continued success in the future.