Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Gordon Campbell on his retirement after 23 years of dedicated service as proprietor of Campbell's Store in Coltness; acknowledges the important role that the family-run business has played as a valued local amenity and community hub serving residents of Coltness and the wider Coldstream area; notes that, under Gordon's stewardship, Campbell's Store became far more than a retail outlet, providing a welcoming presence, dependable service and support to generations of local people; recognises the significant contribution that independent family businesses make to the social and economic wellbeing of Scotland's communities; thanks Gordon and his family for their commitment, hard work and service over more than two decades, and wishes Gordon a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement as he begins this new chapter.

That the Parliament congratulates Steven Bryce, from Newmains, on winning a Bronze medal for Team Scotland in the Men's T20 1500m at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games; notes that Steven, who works at University Hospital Wishaw, represented Scotland on home soil as part of Team Scotland's para athletics squad and marked his Commonwealth Games debut with a podium finish; recognises the dedication, perseverance and commitment that have enabled Steven to compete at the highest level of international sport; notes that he combines the demands of elite athletics with his valued role supporting patient care within NHS Lanarkshire; acknowledges that his achievement is a source of pride for his colleagues, the wider NHS Lanarkshire family and the local community; recognises what it sees as the importance of para sport in promoting inclusion, opportunity and excellence; commends Steven for serving as an inspiration to others through his sporting achievements, and wishes him every success in his future athletic career.

That the Parliament acknowledges the legacy of Sir Alexander Gibson, the celebrated conductor and founder of Scottish Opera from Motherwell, whose remarkable contribution to Scotland’s musical and cultural heritage is being celebrated in the latest episode of the Carnegie Education Fund’s In their footsteps: Carnegie Pioneers podcast series; notes that the series marks the 125th anniversary of the Carnegie Education Fund and tells the stories of its grantees who went on to make significant contributions in their chosen fields; recognises that Sir Alexander Gibson followed his passion for music from childhood, studied English and music at the University of Glasgow from 1943 with support from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland; notes that his studies were interrupted by military service with the Royal Corps of Signals in 1944; further recognises his rise to prominence with the Scottish National Orchestra and his appointment as the first Scottish principal conductor and music director of what is now the Royal Scottish National Orchestra; celebrates his vision in founding Scottish Opera in 1962 with the aim of making opera accessible to audiences across Scotland; acknowledges his considerable influence beyond Scotland, including bringing Scottish artists to international stages such as Carnegie Hall and championing the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius; and commends Sir Alexander Gibson for his dedication, talent and enduring contribution to transforming Scotland’s classical music scene from a regional tradition into one with international recognition.

That the Parliament welcomes the installation of a new public-access defibrillator cabinet on the exterior wall of Robins Bar in Newmains; understands that the defibrillator was secured through the collaborative efforts of local elected members, the wider community, and both the outgoing and incoming Newmains Gala Day Committees, in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation's initiative to expand access to life-saving defibrillators across communities; recognises what it sees as the generosity of Brian Jordan Electrics in carrying out the installation free of charge; commends everyone involved for their commitment to improving community safety and resilience; acknowledges what it considers to be the vital role that publicly accessible defibrillators play in improving survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; celebrates the contribution of local businesses, volunteers and community organisations in increasing access to this life-saving equipment and encourages communities across Scotland to support the installation, maintenance and promotion of public-access defibrillators.

That the Parliament congratulates Veterans Community Lanarkshire on the success of its Open Day, held in Craigneuk; recognises what it sees as the tremendous community spirit shown by everyone who attended, volunteered and supported the event; notes that the Open Day raised over £3,000, with every penny reportedly going towards Veterans Community Lanarkshire's invaluable work supporting veterans and their families across Lanarkshire; commends the organisation for its ongoing dedication to improving the wellbeing of the veteran community through practical support, friendship and advocacy; thanks all those whose generosity made the event such a success and wishes Veterans Community Lanarkshire every continued success in its important work.

That the Parliament welcomes the ongoing restoration of the historic Japanese Garden at Dalzell Estate, Motherwell; commends the dedication of Kenny Ritchie, who, it understands, has led the restoration project over the past three years through his work with the Scottish charity Phoenix Futures; acknowledges the significant contribution that Phoenix Futures makes in supporting individuals, families and communities across Scotland through volunteering, community engagement and personal development programmes; further commends Kenny Ritchie's efforts to secure additional support from local businesses to advance the restoration project; applauds volunteers from Kwik Fit and North Lanarkshire Council for generously giving their time, skills and expertise to help preserve this important local heritage asset for future generations; recognises the value of partnership working and community volunteering in protecting and enhancing Scotland's historic environment; and wishes everyone involved every success as the restoration of the Japanese Garden continues.

That the Parliament congratulates Jordan Nicholson, a 21-year-old employee at Asda in Newmains, on his exemplary response during a workplace medical emergency; notes that Jordan acted swiftly when his colleague, Martin Moroney, began choking during a lunch break, successfully applying the Heimlich manoeuvre to dislodge the obstruction; understands that he drew upon first aid knowledge gained through his involvement in basketball coaching, demonstrating the value of practical lifesaving training; commends his calmness, confidence and professionalism in a highly pressured situation; acknowledges the gratitude expressed by Martin and his family, who believe that Jordan's actions saved his life; recognises what it sees as the importance of first aid education in workplaces, sports clubs, schools and communities, ensuring that people have the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies; believes that timely intervention can make the difference between life and death, and praises Jordan for setting an outstanding example of how first aid knowledge can be used to protect and save lives.

That the Parliament recognises Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink Day 2026, which takes place on 23 October, and commends the vital work of Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s leading breast cancer research and support charity; acknowledges the success of the Wear It Pink campaign, which has raised over £45 million since its inception in 2002 for lifesaving breast cancer research and care; notes the calls encouraging people across Scotland to wear pink and fundraise on the day; pays special tribute to the late Christina McKelvie MSP, a dear friend and colleague, whose commitment to breast cancer awareness, equality and compassion continues to inspire; understands that around 4,800 people in Scotland are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and that early detection, timely treatment and ongoing support are vital to improving outcomes and helping achieve the charity’s goal that, by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well; notes the view that there is a need for continued investment in research, improved access to care and increasing awareness of secondary breast cancer, for which, it understands, there is currently no cure, and believes that campaigns such as Wear It Pink can make a real difference to those affected by breast cancer, now and in the future.

That the Parliament welcomes the return of the Wellness in Wishaw event on 4 August 2026, following the success of its inaugural event in 2025; recognises the work of University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, alongside its health, social care, voluntary and community partners, in bringing together a wide range of services to provide free health advice, wellbeing support and family activities for people from the area; acknowledges that the event helps connect individuals and families with trusted information, practical support and early intervention services in a welcoming and accessible environment; commends everyone involved for their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities across Wishaw and the wider North Lanarkshire area; thanks all those who have contributed to the development and continued success of the initiative, and wishes this year's Wellness in Wishaw event every success.

That the Parliament recognises National Playlist Day, organised by the charity Playlist for Life, which takes place on 18 September 2026; believes that the day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the positive impact that personally meaningful music can have on people living with dementia, while encouraging people of all ages to create the soundtrack of their own lives; acknowledges that decades of scientific research have demonstrated the benefits of music in supporting memory, wellbeing and emotional connection for people living with dementia; notes that Playlist for Life established National Playlist Day in 2022 to encourage people across the UK to create personal playlists inspired by meaningful moments in their lives while increasing understanding of dementia, and recognises the significant contribution that Playlist for Life makes in supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers through the power of personally meaningful music.