Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes the economic contribution of Barclays in Scotland, including its significant employment presence in Glasgow and elsewhere; recognises the role played by major financial services employers in supporting high-skilled jobs, apprenticeships, graduate opportunities and professional development; notes the contribution made by the banking and financial services sector to economic activity, investment and tax revenues across Scotland and the wider UK; further notes Barclays’ provision of retail, business and corporate banking services to households, charities, community organisations and businesses of all sizes; recognises the importance of maintaining Scotland as an attractive location for investment in financial and professional services; acknowledges the contribution of employees working within the financial services sector to Scotland’s economy, and understands that Barclays identifies Glasgow as one of its key UK employment locations and that it continues to recruit across technology, operations, risk, compliance and customer service functions.

That the Parliament congratulates Scotland’s football supporters, clubs, volunteers, leagues and governing bodies on Scotland once again being recognised as having the highest football attendance per capita in Europe; notes that, according to the latest UEFA attendance data, the Scottish Premiership attracts more match-going supporters per head of population than any other European league, continuing a trend that has seen Scotland lead Europe in this measure for a number of consecutive years; recognises what it sees as the immense loyalty, passion and dedication shown by football fans in communities across Scotland, from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders, and from the cities to the smallest towns and villages; acknowledges the efforts of clubs, the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Professional Football League, community trusts, volunteers and staff in creating a welcoming and vibrant match-day experience; believes that Scottish football plays an important role in strengthening communities, supporting local economies and fostering civic pride; recognises the contribution of football clubs at all levels of the game to community engagement, health and wellbeing, and commends everyone involved in Scottish football for helping to make Scotland one of the most passionate and best-supported football nations in Europe.

That the Parliament notes the forthcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI by Rockstar Games; recalls that the series originated in Dundee, where DMA Design developed the original Grand Theft Auto, which was released in 1997; notes that the company’s first office was at 134b Nethergate; remembers that DMA Design’s success with Lemmings helped establish Dundee as a centre of the UK games industry, and that the studio later became Rockstar North; recognises Scotland’s continuing contribution to video game development, including at Abertay University and Rockstar Dundee; congratulates the original DMA Design team and all who have since worked on the series, and wishes Rockstar Games every success with Grand Theft Auto VI.

That the Parliament notes concerns regarding the continued closure of Caird Park Golf Course in Dundee, formerly the city's last municipal golf facility and a community sporting asset with a history dating back almost a century; recognises the importance of affordable access to sport and recreation for people of all ages and backgrounds; acknowledges the efforts of local residents, golfers, community groups and other stakeholders seeking a sustainable future for the site; notes reports that proposals to restore sporting use at Caird Park have encountered significant challenges; believes that public assets should not be allowed to fall into dereliction where viable community-led alternatives exist, and calls on all relevant bodies to engage constructively with local stakeholders to help secure a future for the site that maximises opportunities for sport, recreation and community use.

That the Parliament notes the conclusion of the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in March 2026; recognises that, while a replacement capital fund has been introduced for listed places of worship in England, no equivalent dedicated scheme has yet been established in Scotland; understands that any corresponding funding that is received through Barnett consequentials will not be ring-fenced to help listed places of worship in Scotland meet the financial impact of the 20% VAT rate on structural repairs; believes that this will place an increased burden on voluntary congregations and charities, including Dundee Law Parish Church and its historic Steeple building; welcomes the important community work delivered by church-based initiatives, such as local substance recovery programmes that provide essential support to vulnerable individuals; understands with concern that the absence of transitional financial relief risks reducing the capacity of these grassroots services, thereby increasing pressure on what it considers to be already overstretched local authority and NHS services, and urges the Scottish Government to set out how it will use available funding to establish an alternative support mechanism or transitional relief scheme to protect listed places of worship and the vital community services that they house.

That the Parliament notes with concern the Press & Journal report highlighting that empty shops in Peterhead are damaging the town’s future and becoming permanent eyesores; recognises the impact on local businesses, residents and community vitality in North East Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to bring forward targeted support, incentives and regeneration measures to help revitalise high streets in Peterhead and similar north east towns.

That the Parliament notes with grave concern the reported social media comments made by a member of staff at the University of Aberdeen, in response to the tragic death of Ann Widdecombe, including the statements “I hope it was an extremely painful death” and “I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony”; notes the public outrage and the change.org/petition calling for a review of these remarks, which has gathered thousands of signatures; believes that such comments wishing extreme pain and suffering on individuals have no place in a civilised society and are completely unacceptable from staff at a publicly funded university; acknowledges the University of Aberdeen’s statement that it is reviewing the matter as a priority but urges swift and decisive action, including full transparency on the outcome; believes that publicly funded institutions must uphold the highest standards of decency, respect and professional conduct at all times, and calls on the Scottish Government and all of Scotland's universities to review and strengthen policies on staff conduct, hate speech and incitement to ensure public confidence in higher education.

That the Parliament congratulates Karen Trail, of Edzell Woods, on her outstanding contribution as a community champion; notes her many years of dedicated service to the Edzell Woods community; recognises her leadership, commitment and determination to help bring the Edzell Woods Community Hub to fruition; acknowledges that she has worked tirelessly, despite significant challenges and obstacles, to realise this important community asset; further acknowledges the considerable effort invested by Karen, and the team of volunteers and supporters who worked alongside her, to make the project a reality; commends the good grace, inclusiveness and collaborative spirit that she has demonstrated throughout the process, welcoming the support and involvement of councillors and representatives from all political parties in pursuit of a shared goal for the benefit of the community; believes that the community hub will provide lasting benefits for residents by strengthening community connections and supporting local activities and wellbeing, and thanks Karen for the positive, enduring and inspirational impact that she has made on Edzell Woods and the wider area.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scotland men's national football team on scoring four goals in each of its two most recent international matches, against Curaçao & Bolivia, which is the first time that this has been achieved in consecutive games since 1929; recognises that this is excellent form and a strong way to warm up ahead of the team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; commends the players, manager Steve Clarke and all the backroom staff for their efforts; wishes Steve Clarke and the Tartan Army every success at the tournament, and expresses its hope, in a spirit of sporting goodwill and optimism, that Scotland emerges victorious on 19 July 2026. 

That the Parliament expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Henry Nowak, the 18-year-old student who was tragically murdered in Southampton on 3 December 2025; extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him; acknowledges the profound and enduring grief caused by his senseless killing; resolves to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Henry, and calls on the UK Government and the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure a fully independent, transparent and thorough investigation is carried out into the police handling of the incident, particularly the decision to reportedly handcuff Henry while he was severely injured and pleading for help.