Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises the 20th anniversary of the Energy Ombudsman; understands that, following concerns about energy billing and switching processes, the Energy Supply Ombudsman Scheme was launched in July 2006; notes that the scheme was voluntary, applied only to the six largest energy suppliers, dealt solely with billing and switching complaints, and handled just over 2,000 complaints in its first year; further notes that, in 2008, participation became mandatory for all licensed energy suppliers, extending access to independent dispute resolution across all aspects of energy supply services; welcomes the subsequent expansion of the Energy Ombudsman's remit to include consumers using heat networks and small businesses with up to 50 employees; recognises what it sees as the vital role that the Energy Ombudsman plays in supporting consumer confidence in the energy market by providing a free-to-use, independent and impartial dispute resolution service while identifying systemic issues to help drive improvements across the sector; welcomes recent announcements designed to shorten complaint journey times, strengthen decision-making, improve access to the service and enhance consumer compensation, and congratulates the Energy Ombudsman on supporting more than one million energy consumers over the past two decades.

That the Parliament welcomes the decision to relocate and permanently replant the Scottish Nature Garden, which formed a centrepiece of the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, at Parklea Branching Out in Port Glasgow; believes that the garden, comprising approximately 2,400 plants, trees and shrubs arranged in a distinctive saltire-inspired design, showcased Scotland’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage to a global audience during the Games; recognises the outstanding work of Parklea Branching Out in using horticulture to provide training, recreational opportunities and social support for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health challenges and other support needs across Inverclyde and beyond; believes that the garden’s permanent home in Port Glasgow will create a lasting legacy from Glasgow 2026 while enhancing local biodiversity, wellbeing and community engagement; commends all those involved in the design, creation and relocation of the garden, including designer Amalie White, plantsman Jamie Butterworth and the wider Glasgow 2026 team, and wishes Parklea Branching Out every success as it develops this unique and inspiring community asset for future generations.

That the Parliament congratulates Branchton Community Centre in Greenock on securing a £217,195 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for the next three years; recognises what it sees as the valuable contribution that the centre makes to the local community through its wide range of activities, classes, support services, community shop, breakfast club and family programmes; understands that the funding will help sustain and expand these services, support staff and development officers, and provide resources for additional activities and community engagement; acknowledges the centre’s work in supporting residents of all ages, including those with additional support needs and people living in local care homes; commends the dedication of the staff, volunteers and participants who make the centre a vibrant community hub, and wishes everyone involved every success as they continue to strengthen community wellbeing and reduce social isolation across Branchton and the wider Inverclyde area.

That the Parliament congratulates St Andrew’s Primary School in Greenock on becoming the first school in Scotland where every pupil has achieved a CREST Award; recognises this remarkable achievement as a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of pupils, teachers and support staff; notes that the awards were achieved through a whole-school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programme, with pupils undertaking a range of practical projects and developing important skills, including problem solving, record keeping, independent learning and teamwork; commends teacher, Jill Neeson, for leading the initiative and ensuring that every pupil had the opportunity to participate; acknowledges the leadership of head teacher, Alan Connick, and the wider school community in promoting innovation and excellence in education; recognises the importance of STEM learning in preparing young people for future opportunities, particularly in Inverclyde with its strong links to engineering, manufacturing, science and maritime industries, and wishes all at St Andrew’s Primary School continued success in their future learning and achievements.

That the Parliament congratulates the Reverend David Burt and all those associated with Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church on its 250th anniversary; notes that a service of thanksgiving marking the anniversary was held on 17 May 2026; recognises that there is also a programme of events taking place throughout 2026; understands that the church was established as Gourock Parish in 1776, subsequently became Old Gourock Parish in 1929, then Old Gourock and Ashton Parish in 1989 and is now Old Gourock & Ashton linked with St Ninian’s, in Greenock, and wishes everyone associated with the church every success for this special anniversary year and for the future.

That the Parliament commends Connie Hunter, who is a pupil at St Columba’s High School in Gourock, for organising a fundraising concert in aid of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity; understands that the concert, which was held at the school on 29 May 2026, was arranged to support the hospital, which has provided significant care to Connie throughout her life; notes that the concert showcased a wide range of performers, including individual singers, the Gateway Choir, the Riverside Youth Band, the Thistle Theatre Academy and Dance1Studio, all of whom contributed to an outstanding evening of entertainment; commends everyone involved in planning, performing and supporting the event, as well as the school for hosting it, and wishes Connie every success in her continuing education and future career.

That the Parliament marks World No Tobacco Day, which takes place annually on 31 May; commends the health charities, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland and ASH Scotland, for backing the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) campaign theme for 2026, Unmask the Appeal: Countering Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction; understands that the campaign spotlights what it considers to be the tobacco and nicotine industry’s tactics of marketing addictive products to young people; welcomes reductions in smoking rates since the Scottish Parliament reconvened in 1999, yet notes that rates continue to be highest in the most deprived communities; recognises calls for ensuring that all tobacco and nicotine products be placed out of sight and out of mind, including banning smoking in public places, where children and young people are exposed, for instance at school gates and playgrounds; further believes that such action would protect the next generation, and believes that reducing smoking rates benefits everyone by preventing ill-health, saving lives and lowering the costs for the NHS.

That the Parliament congratulates Whinhill Primary School in Greenock on being recognised as one of the best schools in Scotland, following an outstanding inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education; notes that the school achieved the highest possible “excellent” grading across all four key areas: leadership of change, learning, teaching and assessment, ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and raising attainment and achievement; recognises that this is an accomplishment rarely achieved nationally; commends the inspirational leadership of head teacher, Liz Ruddy, alongside the dedication and professionalism of the teaching staff and wider school community; recognises the achievements of pupils who were praised as highly motivated, articulate and engaged in their learning; acknowledges the school’s commitment to inclusion, celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures, and providing a wide range of opportunities in sport, culture and citizenship; notes the strong partnership between the school, families and the wider community in supporting young people to thrive, and wishes Whinhill Primary School continued success in delivering excellence in education for the children and families of Inverclyde.

That the Parliament congratulates Port Glasgow Juniors Football Club on securing a second successive promotion, confirming its place in the West of Scotland Football League Second Division for the 2026-27 season; recognises the significant achievement by the players, manager Tam Jamieson, and coaching staff in delivering sustained success on the pitch; commends the determination and resilience shown by the club; acknowledges the unwavering support of the club’s fans, particularly groups such as the Port Shed Boys, whose vocal backing has played a vital role in the team’s achievements; recognises the importance of local sponsors and volunteers in sustaining grassroots football in Inverclyde, and wishes everyone at Port Glasgow Juniors Football Club every success for the 2026-27 season.

That the Parliament congratulates the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland on facilitating 100 Swap with Me bus sessions to date in five locations across Scotland; understands that the sessions are led by blind and partially sighted volunteers who explain to trainee drivers about what makes a good and safe journey for blind and partially sighted passengers; further understands that the drivers also get a chance to experience what it is like for blind and partially sighted passengers trying to board a bus, buy a ticket and find a seat whilst the volunteers get the opportunity to play the role of the bus driver; notes that the sessions take place at the training academies of McGill’s Buses, Lothian Buses and First Bus, and understands that the support by RNIB Scotland staff and volunteers and the trainers at the bus companies means that new drivers who undertake the sessions are more confident when supporting blind and partially sighted passengers.