Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Dumbarton and District Pipe Band on securing £19,996 from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland; recognises its work providing young people with opportunities to learn music; notes its contribution to community events, including Remembrance Day and Christmas celebrations, and commends the volunteers involved in sustaining the band since its formation in 1968.

That the Parliament remembers with profound sadness the Aberfan disaster of 21 October 1966, when a colliery spoil tip collapsed onto the village of Aberfan in South Wales, engulfing Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes; notes that 144 people tragically lost their lives, including 116 children; extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of all those who lost their lives; recognises the profound and lasting impact that the tragedy had on the Aberfan community and those who continue to carry its memory; pays tribute to the courage, dignity and resilience shown by the people of Aberfan in the face of unimaginable loss; acknowledges the shared history and close ties between mining communities in Wales and Scotland, and affirms that the lives lost at Aberfan will never be forgotten.

That the Parliament congratulates Renfrew FC’s Walking Football group on celebrating its fifth birthday at New Western Park on 7 October 2026; recognises the significant growth of the group, from a small gathering to more than 60 registered members, with between 30 and 40 players regularly attending weekly sessions; commends it for providing opportunities for people in the community to stay active, to improve their health and wellbeing and to enjoy the social benefits of taking part in sport; notes the important role the group plays in responding to social isolation and building friendships, and wishes Renfrew FC Walking Football continued success as it enters its sixth year.

That the Parliament congratulates Bridge of Weir Primary School on receiving two excellent grades from Education Scotland following a recent inspection; recognises the dedication of teachers, support staff, school leadership, pupils and families in contributing to the school’s success, and acknowledges the importance of high-quality education and strong school communities in helping children develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that PACE Theatre Company has secured a £300,000 loan towards purchasing a permanent home in Paisley; recognises the organisation’s contribution to theatre, performing arts and opportunities for young people; commends the dedication of its staff, volunteers and supporters, and acknowledges the importance of providing stable facilities where young people can develop their creativity, confidence and performance skills.

That the Parliament congratulates officers and staff of Police Scotland on their professionalism, dedication and public service in providing policing support to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) during periods of significant operational demand; recognises the value of effective cooperation between police forces across the UK in maintaining public safety, protecting communities and responding to major public order challenges; acknowledges what it considers to be the skill, resilience and courage demonstrated by Police Scotland personnel working in Northern Ireland; recognises the strong personal, family and historical connections between communities in Scotland and Northern Ireland; welcomes the continued partnership between Police Scotland and the PSNI as an important example of effective policing cooperation across the UK, and commends those officers and staff who have undertaken duties in Northern Ireland for their service, dedication to the public and support for colleagues in the PSNI.

That the Parliament recognises the arrival of the INS Drakon, Israel’s newest and largest submarine, at the Israeli naval base in Haifa following its 3,792-nautical-mile voyage from Germany; notes that the 74-metre submarine, weighing approximately 2,600 tonnes, was constructed by the German shipbuilder, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, following around 12 years of development; further notes that its air-independent propulsion system  allows it to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing; welcomes the longstanding defence, engineering and technological cooperation between European countries and Israel; recognises the contribution of Germany and other European partners to Israel’s defence capabilities and security; commends the European engineers, manufacturers, skilled workers and defence industries involved in the development and construction of advanced naval capabilities; thanks Scotland’s European neighbours for providing Israel with important defence capabilities and for supporting Israel’s security, and recognises the importance of continued support for Israel and its ability to maintain the strong defensive capabilities necessary to protect its people and national security.

That the Parliament welcomes National Lottery funding awarded to Helensburgh Sailing Club towards the purchase of its clubhouse site; recognises the club’s contribution to sailing and community life in Helensburgh and the wider area; notes the importance of securing sustainable facilities for local sporting organisations, and congratulates everyone involved in helping secure the club’s future.

That the Parliament recognises the contribution of Helensburgh Men’s Shed to the local community; notes the recent work undertaken by members to prepare raised beds in Hermitage Park in collaboration with New Way; recognises the importance of community spaces that help people connect, share skills and support one another, and congratulates the members and volunteers involved in the continued development of the Men’s Shed.

That the Parliament congratulates Renfrew-based travel business Highlands2Hammocks on winning the Innovation Award at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards; recognises the business’s success in promoting Scotland and travel to a growing online audience; notes that its Destination Earth Guides have sold more than 107,000 products, and celebrates the contribution of innovative local businesses to the West of Scotland’s tourism sector and wider economy.