Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises and warmly commends the outstanding contribution of Poppyscotland volunteers in Aberdeen and across the country; notes that these dedicated volunteers play a vital role in organising and supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal, distributing the distinctive Scottish poppy, coordinating collections in shops, schools, businesses, supermarkets and communities, and raising funds that enable year-round practical support for serving personnel, veterans and their families; acknowledges that Area Organisers and other volunteers give their time freely throughout the year, in all weathers, to ensure the public can show their support for the Armed Forces community; understands that the funds raised in Scotland are spent in Scotland on life-changing welfare, advice, employment and wellbeing services; pays tribute to the volunteers in Aberdeen and every other part of Scotland for their commitment, community spirit and tireless work in the run-up to Remembrance and beyond, and believes that their efforts help keep the spirit of Remembrance alive while providing essential practical assistance to those who have served and their loved ones.

That the Parliament notes that the A90 is a major route linking Dundee, Angus and the Mearns with Aberdeen and is vital to commuters, hauliers and businesses; considers that repairs to the road are necessary to keep it safe; understands that some motorists in Angus and Aberdeenshire are frustrated by repeated roadworks, temporary traffic management and delays on the route; believes that drivers, who already pay significant taxes to use the road network, should not face constant disruption without clear justification; considers that these delays add cost for commuters and hauliers and harm local businesses; calls on the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to review how works are planned, co-ordinated and communicated, to complete them as quickly as possible and to minimise disruption to motorists; notes that average speed cameras have operated on the 51.5-mile stretch between Dundee and Stonehaven since 31 October 2017; considers that enforcement at the A90/A937 junction at Laurencekirk is important for road safety pending delivery of the planned grade-separated junction, however, believes that motorists are entitled to know whether camera enforcement on the remainder of the route remains justified, and calls on Transport Scotland to publish collision data from before and after their installation and to report on whether the cameras remain proportionate.

That the Parliament notes that Movember is an annual global campaign held each November to raise awareness of and funds for key men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention; recognises that men’s health outcomes in Scotland remain a serious concern, with male life expectancy the lowest of any UK nation, more than 35 men dying prematurely every day and men around 50% more likely than women to die before the age of 75; understands that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, with thousands of new cases and around 1,000 deaths each year in Scotland, while suicide continues to claim the lives of hundreds of men annually, with the large majority of suicide deaths being male; believes that campaigns such as Movember play a valuable role in breaking down stigma, encouraging men to seek help earlier, and funding vital research and services; considers that greater public awareness, earlier detection, better access to support and coordinated action are essential to improve outcomes, and calls on the Scottish Government to continue supporting men’s health awareness initiatives, including Movember, to work with stakeholders to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and mental health services and to take steps toward a dedicated, fully-costed Men’s Health Action Plan that addresses the scale of the challenge across Scotland.

That the Parliament notes with concern Loganair's announcement that it will end all services from Dundee Airport on 23 October 2026, including the public service obligation route to London Heathrow, which has operated since 2014, and its links to Kirkwall and Sumburgh; understands that Loganair is currently the only airline serving the airport and that its decision puts around 16 Loganair posts at risk, with wider implications for airport security, firefighting and other staff; recognises the importance of Dundee Airport to the city, the wider Tay Cities region and the north east of Scotland, including for business, tourism, higher education and the city's growing life science and digital industries; notes reports that Highlands and Islands Airports Limited has said that a review of the airport's opening hours is required; welcomes Dundee City Council's efforts to explore a replacement air link to London; calls on the Scottish Government to work urgently with the UK Government, Dundee City Council, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and airlines to secure a replacement carrier and a sustainable London route; further calls on the Scottish Government to confirm that Dundee Airport will remain open and operational while that work is carried out, and to provide certainty and support to affected staff, and asks the Scottish Government to publish its assessment of the reasons that the route became unsustainable, including any effect of competition from Edinburgh Airport.

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.