Chamber and committees

That the Parliament welcomes the unveiling of a Blue Plaque in Hillhead, Glasgow, honouring the life and achievements of the internationally acclaimed actor and musician, David McCallum; notes that the plaque was unveiled at 24 Kersland Street, where he was born in 1933; recognises that the honour arose from a partnership between Glasgow Clyde College and The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, to identify a recipient for a new Blue Plaque in the city; acknowledges that David enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than seven decades across film, television and music; notes that he achieved international recognition for his portrayal of Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and, later, Dr Donald “Ducky” Mallard in NCIS, a role he performed for 20 seasons until his passing in 2023; further notes his appearances in major films including, The Great Escape and The Greatest Story Ever Told, and that his work earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations; commends the efforts of the staff and students of Glasgow Clyde College, led by James McIvor, in bringing the project to fruition; recognises the importance of celebrating the achievements of Glaswegians who have made a lasting contribution to the arts and culture internationally, and believes that the plaque will serve as a fitting tribute to David's legacy while inspiring future generations to pursue their ambitions from Glasgow to the world.

That the Parliament recognises that 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of Maryhill Ruchill Parish Church; understands that the current congregation brings together the heritage of a number of churches that have served the wider Maryhill community over many decades, including Maryhill Old and High, Ruchill, North Kelvinside, KSM, Gairbraid and Queen’s Cross churches; notes that a civic reception was held at Glasgow City Chambers on 18 June 2026 to mark this important milestone, and that a special anniversary service took place on 20 September 2026, led by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Rev Gordon Kennedy; recognises what it sees as the church’s longstanding contribution to community life in Maryhill through activities, including the Gaffe Caff warm welcome initiative, Stay and Play, Friday Focus, Girlguiding groups and the provision of Citizens Advice Bureau drop-in services; acknowledges the church’s close partnership working with local charities, faith groups and community organisations; commends Rev Stuart Matthews, Jim Hamilton DCS and all those who have contributed to the church’s service to the community over the last 200 years, and wishes Maryhill Ruchill Parish Church every success as it continues its work at the heart of the Maryhill community for the next 200 years and beyond.

That the Parliament looks forward to this year’s Hospice Care Week campaign by Hospice UK, taking place from 5 to 11 October 2026, with this year’s theme being Don’t Leave Hospice Care To Chance; values the important and compassionate work that is carried out by hospices across Scotland, with the majority of hospice care being delivered in the community; recognises the demographic challenges that are anticipated in the coming years, with research estimating that 10,000 additional people will be in need of palliative care in Scotland by 2048; notes the belief that there will need to be strong partnership and strategic planning in order to respond to such demographic challenge; welcomes the cross-party consensus in the last session of Parliament on the need to further support the palliative and end of life sector, and notes the belief that a constructive cross-party and cross-sector approach will be vital in this current session of the Scottish Parliament to build on that consensus and more importantly to best deliver for individuals approaching end of life, as well as their families.

That the Parliament commends the efforts of all those who organised, supported and participated in the Refugee World Cup, which was held in Glasgow on 21 June 2026; notes that the seven-a-side event, which began in 2012 as the Refugee Football Festival, has grown to become a key fixture in Scotland's community sports calendar and, this year, brought together teams of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and local players from over 50 countries in a celebration of football and community; understands that the event was organised by Glasgow Afghan United, involved more than 250 players at Toryglen Regional Football Centre and included a women's competition for the first time; congratulates Wheatley Group on winning the Equality Cup, the Motherwell ('Well) Foundation on winning the Unity Cup, Cathkin Blazes on winning the Women's Cup and Glasgow Afghan United on being crowned Refugee World Cup winners 2026; believes that such events demonstrate the power of football to promote diversity and inclusion, and hopes that all those involved are equally enjoying the 2026 FIFA World Cup, irrespective of which countries they support.

That the Parliament recognises what it considers to be the significant cultural and sporting contribution of Partick Thistle FC as it celebrates its 150th anniversary; welcomes the opening of a special exhibition at Maryhill Burgh Halls, organised by the Partick Thistle Heritage Committee, which showcases a remarkable collection of artefacts spanning the club’s history; understands that the exhibition features a wide range of memorabilia, including historic trophies, medals and match items, such as the Yoker Cup from 1883, a 1909 match ball, the Dental Cup from 1928, the Summer Cup from 1945 and the Tennents Sixes Trophy from 1993; recognises that the club has provided a platform for legendary players and managers over the years, including Davie McParland, Jackie Husband, Chic Charnley, Alan Rough and Alan Hansen; further recognises what it sees as the importance of preserving and sharing the rich history of one of Scotland’s most historic football clubs, from its formation in 1876 to the present day; acknowledges the role that Partick Thistle has played in the social and cultural life of Maryhill and the wider community; commends the efforts of the Partick Thistle Heritage Committee and Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust in delivering the exhibition; understands that it is open to the public, free of charge, until 24 July 2026; encourages supporters and members of the public to visit the exhibition and engage with this important piece of local sporting heritage, and wishes Partick Thistle every success as it marks this significant milestone.

That the Parliament congratulates the community of Maryhill on the 170th anniversary of the area becoming a burgh in 1856; recognises that Maryhill developed rapidly following the construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal and became an independent burgh before its incorporation into Glasgow in 1891; notes that the area is named after Mary Hill, who, with her husband, owned Gairbraid estates, which feud lands in 1791 under condition that the area was named after Mary; acknowledges the rich industrial, cultural and social heritage of Maryhill, including its historic links to textiles, engineering and the canal trade, and its continued strong local identity; welcomes the range of community-led events, exhibitions and activities taking place across Maryhill to celebrate local history and bring people together, including heritage activities, exhibitions and cultural programmes delivered through groups such as the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust; notes that the halls were built in 1878, restored and reopened in 2012; recognises the important work of local organisations in promoting inclusion, community cohesion and cultural activity across Maryhill; commends all volunteers, community leaders and organisations involved in preserving and promoting Maryhill’s history and identity, and wishes the community of Maryhill every success in celebrating this significant milestone and continuing to build a vibrant and inclusive future.

That the Parliament recognises that the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) has received funding from Scotland's Humanitarian Emergency Fund to help Malawian partners address food insecurity, malnutrition and climate-related shocks in Malawi; notes reports of increasing rates of moderate and acute malnutrition, particularly among children under five and pregnant and lactating women; believes that SCIAF's approach, which includes cash transfers to highly vulnerable households, such as female-headed households, families with malnourished children, people with disabilities, child-headed households and flood-affected families, can save lives; understands that packs of Fortified Corn Soya Blend (FCSB) as supplementary food is needed for the most at-risk households, and further understands that Scotland's Humanitarian Emergency Fund has made SCIAF's holistic humanitarian response of cash transfers and supplementary food possible in Malawi and has helped protect child growth and maternal health while supporting community recovery and economic stability.

That the Parliament congratulates the Maryhill Integration Network (MIN) on reaching its 25th anniversary in 2026; acknowledges that MIN has become a key part of North Glasgow’s social fabric during the last quarter of a century, with the organisation growing and innovating to meet the increasingly complex needs of the asylum-seeking and refugee communities that it works alongside; commends MIN on its operating model, which ensures a representative and needs-led approach which places co-design and lived experience at its heart; notes that MIN has core themes of human rights, wellbeing and the arts and that these are explored in a way which ensures community members are not ‘service users’ but rather active leaders in campaigning for their rights; applauds both the various wellbeing and volunteering initiatives run by MIN which provide vital spaces to heal from the trauma of the asylum system and the experience of forced migration, and the joyful arts projects that offer a platform for often silenced voices to showcase their talents, and believes that 25 years on, MIN has become an authentic voice and vital community resource for asylum seekers and refugees, offering both integration and inclusion.

That the Parliament welcomes the collaboration with E.ON Next as it partners with Glasgow City Council and The Wise Group in a trial that aims to support Glasgow City Council’s Child Poverty Programme; understands that the project aims to save families up to 30% on energy bills through free batteries, debt relief, and energy-efficiency white goods and support; notes that the initial phase of the project will see support offered to 100 households, with the plan of expanding the initiative to more households in the future; believes that the trial will play an important role in dealing with fuel poverty in the city, supporting households most at risk by reducing bills and helping ensure homes are warmer, healthier and more affordable to run; looks forward to seeing the results of the trial in due course, and commends initiatives that look to support vulnerable families at a time when the cost of living is still a significant challenge for so many citizens.

That the Parliament recognises what it considers to be the important cultural and historical significance of Café D’Jaconelli in Maryhill as a cherished community institution in Glasgow that has served locals for over a century and reflects the lived experience of Scottish-Italian families in Scotland; notes that a new exhibition in the Maryhill Museum, run by the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, showcases the café’s history, and its contribution to Scottish-Italian migration and community life; acknowledges the deep pride felt by the Jaconelli family in their role in Maryhill’s social and cultural fabric; celebrates the wider contribution of immigrant-run cafés and small family businesses to the social life and identity of towns and cities across Scotland; further celebrates migrants’ general contribution to Scotland, and commends Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust for developing this work and showcasing it to the people of Maryhill.