Chamber and committees

That the Parliament welcomes the recent interim results from the Octopus clinical trial for primary and secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which has indicated that alpha-lipoic acid has early promise as a potential treatment; notes that Octopus is designed to test potential treatments up to three times faster than traditional trials by using the multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) approach; understands that the trial is testing repurposed treatments and, at this stage, has tested metformin and alpha-lipoic acid; welcomes that alpha-lipoic acid will now continue to the next stage of the trial, which will see hundreds more people recruited; believes that Octopus demonstrates that an innovative approach to clinical trials is possible with MS and that this encouraging news is a step in the right direction to finding treatments to slow or stop progression of MS; anticipates that new treatments to be tested will be announced in early 2027 and that the final results of the alpha-lipoic stage of the trial will be available in 2029; considers this to be a positive development for people living with progressive MS, including in Paisley, who currently have limited treatment options, and wishes staff and participants well as the trial continues.

That the Parliament marks the upcoming Richard Fleming Memorial Cup, which is organised by Paisley Saints FC in loving memory of their former player Richie Fleming, who tragically passed away; understands that the charity football game will raise funds for Brothers In Arms Scotland, which works to destigmatise men’s mental health; acknowledges that this is the second year the charity match will be held, with the inaugural game being in 2025; hopes that Paisley Saints is able to use the momentum of the event to hold further events in memory of Richie, and wishes the newly promoted club all the best for the coming season.

That the Parliament congratulates Craig Ferguson, from Paisley, for completing The Tartan Trek, which was a 3,200 mile walk across the United States, from Los Angeles to Boston, in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH); recognises that Craig has arrived in Boston in time to see the Scotland team play their first match in the World Cup; acknowledges that he has walked the equivalent of 120 marathons in 104 days, while wearing a kilt, and understands that First Minister, John Swinney, has pledged £400,000 from the Scottish Government to help Craig meet his goal of raising £1 million.

That the Parliament congratulates St Mirren Football Club on winning the Premier Sports Cup Final 3-1 against Celtic Football Club; acknowledges the hard work and determination of the players in winning the title along with all the staff and volunteers associated with the club that have made this victory possible, and believes that this title is symptomatic of the club's success over the last few years finishing in the top six of the Premiership, something, it understands, that was doubted by some but is expressed perfectly by the fans' mantra, "Faith over Fear".

That the Parliament recognises the importance of football, culturally, economically and socially; believes that clubs such as St Mirren FC play a role in tackling issues of health and social inclusion in the community, and understands what it sees as the important economic role they play across Scotland, including in Paisley.

That the Parliament congratulates the town of Paisley on being crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year by Scotland Loves Local; acknowledges what it sees as the hard work and investment from Paisley First Business Improvement District, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government into the town in recent years; notes the success of Paisley's local cultural events such as the Halloween and food and drink festivals, and understands that Paisley, like many urban centres in Scotland, was hit badly by online shopping, out-of-town retail parks, the cost of living crisis and the loss of the textile industry, and now serves as a example for urban renewal in Scotland through both major investment and cultural renewal.

That the Parliament congratulates the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) on being named Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion in The Times and The Sunday Times 2026 Good University Guide; recognises the hard work of those within the university and the commitment to learning and inclusion of the students; understands that 48.8% of the university's students are the first in their family to go to university and that 32% of students are from areas of multiple deprivation; acknowledges that the university was also ranked first in the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Scottish social mobility index, and appreciates the work that the university continues to undertake to recognise social justice.

That the Parliament congratulates PACE Theatre Company on achieving the silver LGBT Charter; recognises the hard work and dedication of young people and staff in achieving this prestigious award from LGBT Youth Scotland, and welcomes PACE Theatre Company’s training and review of its policies, practice and resources, which aim to ensure that it goes beyond meeting legislative needs and is as inclusive as it can be for young people, staff, families and the wider community.

That the Parliament applauds the work of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and what it sees as the groundbreaking work that it is doing with the Foundation Academy, which is a 12-month programme helping pupils across S5 and S6 to develop academic skills, experience university-level study, and visit a university campus in order to boost their confidence in pursuing higher education and strengthen university applications; understands that the programme is the first of its kind in Scotland and has been recognised by various institutions as an alternative pathway to meeting the required qualifications to enter university; acknowledges how successful the academy has reportedly been for the thousands of pupils who have benefited from the additional support offered since the launch of the programme in 2022, and praises the time and effort of all those involved in the creation and running of the programme for the impact that this is having on pupils, including those in the Paisley constituency, who otherwise may not have been able to attend university.

That the Parliament recognises the achievement of guitar player, Timmy Allan, of Paisley, who has won the title of BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of 2024; congratulates everyone involved in what was a competitive final with a very high standard being set by all the musicians involved; notes that, in the final, Timmy performed his own fast-tempo composition Hush and a smart arrangement of the standard Tea for Two, which were broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland; welcomes that the competition showcased the best of Scotland’s talented young musicians; congratulates Timmy Allan on his fantastic achievement, and wishes him well in his fourth year of studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.