Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Ben Best and everyone at Dalscone Farm on their outstanding success in winning in the Content Creator of the Year category at the British Farming Awards 2026; recognises the innovative and engaging content that Ben shares across social media, highlighting life at Dalscone Farm and promoting Scottish agriculture to a wide audience; acknowledges the dedication and creativity that this achievement represents, and wishes Ben and the entire Dalscone Farm team every success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Annan’s Lonsdale Cinema on being voted one of the best cinemas in the UK at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA); recognises this as a remarkable achievement given that more than 70 cinemas entered the Cinema of the Year category and almost 50,000 votes were cast by cinema-goers across the UK to determine this year’s longlist; commends the hard work, dedication and commitment of everyone involved in keeping this valued community cinema thriving, and wishes the Lonsdale Cinema every success ahead of the announcement of the five finalists on 3 November 2026.

That the Parliament congratulates Nicola Hair on completing the Dumfries Half Marathon in an impressive time of 2 hours and 12 minutes; recognises that, in addition to achieving this personal challenge, Nicola raised an outstanding £410 for Cash for Kids, which will help to support disadvantaged children and young people across Dumfries and Galloway this winter; commends her dedication and generosity in supporting her local community, and wishes her every success in her future fundraising endeavours.

As an amendment to S7M-01448 in the name of Stephen Gethins (Scotland’s Prosperity and Future in Europe), leave out from "lies" to end and insert "is delivered by maximising the devolved powers that the country has control over, and not those that it does not; further believes that debates on reserved matters are a waste of parliamentary time and an insult to the public, particularly given more urgent matters such as drugs deaths, and understands that, based on the figures provided by the Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, there have been a further 43 drug deaths in the 14 days since the Minister's statement on drugs deaths alone."

That the Parliament congratulates Galloway Offroad for providing a safe, controlled and legal facility for off-road motorcycling in Dumfries and Galloway; recognises the important role that the initiative plays in giving young people a positive environment in which to learn, develop and thrive; acknowledges the structured coaching delivered by Scottish Auto Cycle Union-approved coaches, which helps young people to build confidence, resilience and valuable life skills; welcomes its promotion of legal off-road riding and the pathways that it creates for young people interested in progressing into competitive motorsport; believes that hands-on activities such as these can make a positive contribution to helping keep local communities safer; recognises the work that Galloway Offroad undertakes alongside Police Scotland, local education, social work and community partners to support young people across the region; notes that the facility is open to the public; thanks Kenny Harper, a retired engineer running the charity in his own time, Louise Maxwell, who helps facilitate the charity, and Dave Paton, director of Kingdom Off Road in Fife, for their support, and commends everyone involved with Galloway Offroad for their continued work in supporting young people and the wider community across Dumfries and Galloway.

That the Parliament recognises the outstanding work of The STAR Centre – Rape Crisis Ayrshire and Arran in providing specialist, trauma-informed support to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, abuse or exploitation; commends the centre for providing a safe, welcoming and confidential service for women and girls aged 13 and over, regardless of when the abuse or violence occurred; notes that the STAR Centre supports survivors across North, South and East Ayrshire, including Arran and Cumbrae; commends its dedicated advocacy workers for supporting survivors throughout the criminal justice process, including when speaking to police, attending meetings with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and preparing for court, providing information and practical support at every stage; recognises the importance of ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity, compassion and understanding; acknowledges the profound and lasting impact that sexual violence can have on survivors and the vital role played by specialist organisations such as the STAR Centre in helping women and girls rebuild confidence and move forward following trauma; thanks the centre's advocacy workers, prevention officers, support workers and volunteers for their dedication and compassion, and wishes the organisation continued success in its vital work supporting survivors across Ayrshire, Arran and Cumbrae.

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Galloway Therapy Ponies, a community wellbeing service based in Galloway that will provide therapeutic pony visits across Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire; notes that the service has been founded by Emily Wilson, a trained practitioner with experience in equine-assisted wellbeing, community development and mental health support, to provide opportunities for gentle interaction, sensory engagement and emotional connection; recognises the value of therapeutic animal interaction for people of all ages, including those with additional support needs, dementia, anxiety and limited mobility; recognises that the service will work with care homes, nurseries, schools, additional support needs (ASN) settings, community groups and wellbeing projects, with sessions tailored to meet the needs of those in each setting; commends Emily for developing an innovative, community-based approach to supporting wellbeing and social connection across Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire, and wishes everyone at Galloway Therapy Ponies every success as it takes bookings for autumn and winter 2026.

That the Parliament recognises the invaluable work of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, in supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families across Scotland; acknowledges the vital role played by SSAFA's dedicated volunteers and staff who provide practical, financial, and emotional support to members of the Armed Forces community during times of need; commends the charity's work in helping individuals and families facing challenges including ill health, disability, bereavement, housing difficulties, financial hardship, transition into civilian life, and social isolation; recognises the importance of SSAFA's confidential Forcesline helpline, support groups, mentoring and welfare services in ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community is left to face adversity alone; further recognises the significant contribution made by volunteers across Scotland whose compassion, dedication, and commitment help improve the lives of veterans, serving personnel, and their families every day; thanks SSAFA for its longstanding service since 1885, and wishes the charity, its staff, and volunteers every success in continuing their invaluable work across Scotland.

That the Parliament congratulates Jackson Donaldson, of Walkerburn Primary School, and Brendan Barrie, of Tweedbank Primary School, on being recognised in the national Month of the Military Child Competition 2026; recognises Jackson for his artwork, Winds of Hope, and Brendan for his poem, Home is Where the Heart is; commends both pupils for their thoughtful and creative reflections on the resilience, pride and sense of belonging experienced by children from Armed Forces families, and acknowledges what it sees as the important role that the Month of the Military Child plays in raising awareness of the unique experiences and challenges faced by Service children.

That the Parliament congratulates the winners of the 2026 Ayr Golf Festival, which took place from 3 to 7 June 2026 at Belleisle and Seafield Golf Courses; recognises Jamie Hay, Jason Dolman, Richard Johnstone, Colin Goudie, Stuart Thompson, Kevin Sharratt, David Allan, Mandy Allan, Sheena Moore, Janette Cunningham, Elaine Steele, Morag Clifford, Susan Gilchrist, Ryan McLatchie, John Young, Jim Bone, Dougie Lawrie, Thomas Watson, Lyle Beagrie and Alyssa Gillies for winning their respective trophies, cups and opens, and wishes all the competitors well for rest of the golfing season.