Chamber and committees

As an amendment to motion S7M-01844 in the name of Helen McDade (Face Coverings in Public Places), leave out from first "notes" to end and insert "recognises that legislation in Scotland provides police with powers to require the removal of face coverings in specified circumstances where there are reasonable grounds to believe that they are being used to conceal identity in connection with criminality or disorder."

That the Parliament congratulates Dr Esther Sammler, who is based at the University of Dundee's Faculty of Life Sciences, for being named as the 2026 recipient of the Tom Isaacs Award in recognition of her work to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s; notes that the award acknowledges researchers whose work has a significant impact on people with Parkinson’s and who actively engage with the patient community; recognises that Dr Sammler leads a translational research group at the University of Dundee and combines laboratory research with her work as a neurologist and clinical trials researcher; further recognises that she also leads trials of potential Parkinson’s therapies at Ninewells Hospital, where patients can take part in studies, and notes that her work includes collaboration with advocacy groups and charities.

That Parliament pays tribute to the life and works of University of Dundee scientist Dr PG Wright, who has died at the age of 93; notes that his research into the behaviour of gases was used by NASA in relation to space re-entry and that the distinguished thermodynamicist published almost 100 scientific papers, pursuing research until he was 90; further notes that Dr PG Wright also investigated the physical and chemical nature of engine emissions and the behaviour of tetraethyl lead decomposition products; recognises that he won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1950 where he remained for his doctorate before undertaking postdoctoral research at Leeds, and further recognises that in 1960 he joined Queen’s College, Dundee, as the institution was then known, going on to earn a reputation as a gifted, generous and dedicated teacher who gave time to all his students.

That the Parliament wishes the Hindu community of Dundee, and all those celebrating, a happy and peaceful Diwali; welcomes the community celebrations that are being held in Dundee during November, including a Mandir ceremony, a Lakshmi Puja, a Diwali quiz, ball and Bollywood Night that will bring people together and encourage understanding of Hindu traditions; applauds the organisers of these events; recognises that Diwali celebrates the triumph of light overcoming darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil, reflecting the Ramayana’s values of integrity, compassion and responsibility towards others; further recognises that Diwali also celebrates the expression of these values through friendship, hospitality, sharing and support for those experiencing hardships, loneliness or disadvantages, and hopes that Diwali inspires people of all faiths and none to build a kinder, more inclusive and peaceful community.

That the Parliament congratulates Inverurie on being named Scotland’s Town of the Year, and Derek Ritchie, improvement district manager, on securing a High Street Hero Award; notes that the judges were particularly impressed with the popular and idyllic Aberdeenshire town’s thriving business community that has successfully attracted major events and bucked the trend of town centre decline; applauds the residents for rallying behind local traders thus boosting footfall for long-established businesses and newcomers alike, and recognises that building strong partnerships and continuing to work to strengthen the town were also key factors in winning the award, which is organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.

That the Parliament congratulates Huntly Development Trust on Number 30, in The Square, Huntly, being shortlisted in the Improving Scotland's Places category of the 2026 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, which identifies and celebrates best practice, innovation and achievement in interventions that improve Scottish communities; notes that Number 30, which opened on a phased basis in late 2024, is a new community-led anchor facility in Huntly town centre, an inspirational destination and a renewed reason to use the town centre after recent years of decline; recognises that Number 30 occupies a substantial category B and C-listed former department store in a prominent gateway to The Square and is home to co-working, enterprise and learning spaces, a community-run café, a cinema, a gallery, a green travel hub, a visitor information centre, a performance and conference space and a new banking hub, and further recognises that community spaces are particularly vital in small towns in rural areas to support the health and wellbeing of local residents and to attract tourism.

That the Parliament expresses deep concern regarding sanctions imposed by the United States Government, through its Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which were announced on 9 October 2026; notes that the Law Society of Scotland has joined a coalition of international legal organisations in condemning these measures; recognises the ICC as an independent judicial institution operating under the 1998 Rome Statute to investigate and prosecute alledged genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity; acknowledges concerns that sanctions against the Court might undermine judicial independence, the rule of law and access to justice; reaffirms the importance of international accountability and the principle that no one is above the law, and believes that international courts must be able to operate free from political interference and pressure.

That the Parliament congratulates Somebody Cares Aberdeen on reaching the finals in two categories at the Celebrate Aberdeen 2026 Awards; recognises that the charity works with over 90 agency partners across the city of Aberdeen, including Aberdeen City Council, Turning Point Scotland and Grampian Women’s Aid, to identify and support people who are rebuilding their homes, often having experienced poverty, domestic abuse or homelessness; notes that in June 2026 it announced a new partnership with Ribislaw Furniture Solutions. which sees pre-loved sofas and armchairs redirected from landfill to families and individuals that need them the most; recognises that this partnership reflects a growing movement among Aberdeen businesses to play an active role in addressing local hardship, and applauds the contributions of all staff, volunteers, trustees, donors, donators and supporters of a charity that can make a real difference to how safe and settled someone feels in their home.

That the Parliament congratulates Broughty Ferry-based mother and daughter team, Suzie Law and Jen Gardiner, on building the thriving jewellery business, All the Colour; notes that their designs focus on catering for marginalised groups, such as disabled people and those with nickel allergies; recognises that not only do they produce accessible jewellery but the products are also sustainable as they use recycled sterling silver, reclaimed wood and vegan material, and notes that All the Colour also donates regularly to animal and LGBTQ+ charities.

That the Parliament congratulates the Run Like a Girl (RLAG) Community in Arbroath for fundraising £1,548, which has enabled it to purchase 608 personal safety alarms to be shared across the running community; notes that the Anchor Pub has also purchased 76 alarms to be distributed free among customers, and that these keyrings have a loud 130dB alarm designed to attract attention if runners find themselves in an unsafe situation; recognises the potential benefits of these alarms as the dark nights draw in, and further recognises that the initiative is not only aimed at helping women in Arbroath feel safer but also at ensuring that runners know they are supported by their community.