Chamber and committees

That the Parliament welcomes the international solidarity convoy to Ukraine, including the delegation departing from Scotland in November 2026; understands that the convoy will travel through a number of European cities before arriving in Ukraine on 25 November, where participants plan to take part in solidarity events in Lviv on 26 November and Kyiv on 27 and 28 November; notes that the initiative aims to demonstrate continued international solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they face another winter of war following Russia’s illegal invasion; further notes that the mission is expected to provide practical assistance, including generating equipment, medical supplies and transport, with support intended particularly for communities in frontline areas affected by attacks and disruption to heating and electricity; recognises what it sees as the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people in defending their sovereignty, democracy and right to determine their own future; believes that continued humanitarian and international solidarity remains vitally important; welcomes the involvement of people and organisations from Scotland in the convoy, and wishes all those participating in the mission a safe journey and every success in their efforts to support the people of Ukraine.

That the Parliament congratulates Nazareth House in Bonnyrigg on being named Prestige Awards Scotland Residential Care Home of the Year; notes that the awards recognise care homes that demonstrate excellence in the sector; further notes that the home had a change of management in 2023; recognises the hard work and commitment applied to deliver excellent care for its residents; commends the dedication of the staff, and thanks them for the exceptional care that they deliver in the community.

That the Parliament congratulates Play Midlothian on its award of £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that the group supports 25 children, who have high support needs, including with stress, anxiety and low self-esteem, annually in an outdoor play project that lasts over two years; welcomes the group’s support of the children with adventurous play and helping them to explore nature, and thanks all the staff for their continued hard work and dedication.

That the Parliament congratulates Lothian Children’s Deaf Club on its award of £15,757 from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that the group will use the funding to provide a BSL training and learning project to support deaf children and their families; welcomes that the two-year project will support families to learn BSL informally and support the family to communicate together, and thanks all the staff for their continued hard work and dedication.

That the Parliament congratulates Edinburgh Tamil Sangam on its award of £8,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that the organisation will use the funding over three months to deliver a one day Deepavali festival in Edinburgh; welcomes the delivery of a diverse programme of cultural and community events, and notes that this project will benefit the Tamil community and wider local population in Edinburgh.

That the Parliament congratulates Bill Russell Woodburn Youth Project on its award of £19,740 from the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that the children and young people live in highly deprived areas of Woodburn and Dalkeith; welcomes that the group will continue to support young people in their youth project, including care experienced young people, and thanks all the staff for their continued hard work and dedication.

That the Parliament congratulates Midlothian Resource and Advice Centre (MARC) on its 40th anniversary; believes that this is a hugely valued community-based social enterprise; notes that it collects unwanted furniture and white goods and provides them to families in the community on low income at a reduced or no cost; acknowledges that, in addition to extending the life of products and saving people money, MARC provides employment and volunteer opportunities to the community; pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in ensuring the organisation is sustainable and adapts to meet the needs of its community, and wishes them all the best for the next 40 years and beyond.

That the Parliament congratulates Saltire Patisserie on receiving the Best Innovation in Business Award at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber Business Awards; notes that the awards celebrate achievement, innovation and community impact; further notes that Saltire Patisserie handcrafts cakes, desserts and bakery products and supplies cafes, restaurants, hotels, visitor attractions, corporate caterers and event venues across Scotland; commends everyone at Saltire Patisserie for their hard work, and wishes them the best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates McSence on receiving the High Growth Business of the Year Award at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber Business Awards; notes that the awards celebrate achievement, innovation and community impact; further notes that McSence offers a wide range of services which benefit the community, including the provision of social care and social care training; commends everyone at McSence for their hard work and dedication, and wishes them the best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Inclusive Play on receiving the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber Business Awards; notes that the awards celebrate achievement, innovation and community impact; further notes that Inclusive Play specialises in designing, developing and manufacturing products that allow children with physical disabilities, autism and sensory processing needs to be included in play which benefits everyone; commends Inclusive Play for its important work, and wishes it the best for the future.