Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates Caledonia Steel Queens on its historic promotion to the Women’s National Ice Hockey League Elite, the highest level of women’s ice hockey in the UK; understands that its first Elite fixture at Murrayfield Ice Arena marked the return of top-level women’s league ice hockey to Scotland after an absence of 32 years and makes the Steel Queens the only Scottish team competing at this level; recognises the contribution of the club’s Kirkcaldy-born head coach, Beth Dias-Scoon, whose own distinguished ice hockey career has included representing Great Britain and making more than 200 senior league appearances; acknowledges what it considers to be Beth’s remarkable journey from player to coach and her continuing commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls to participate, develop and fulfil their potential in ice hockey; notes that the Steel Queens began as a university team and has developed into a club providing opportunities at development, under-16 and senior women’s level; believes that the return of elite women’s ice hockey to Scotland after more than three decades is a landmark moment for the sport and an opportunity to inspire a new generation of girls to take to the ice; recognises the dedication of the players, coaches, volunteers and supporters whose commitment has helped make this achievement possible; congratulates Beth Dias-Scoon on playing a leading role in taking the Steel Queens to the highest level of the women’s game in the UK, and wishes Beth, everyone at the Caledonia Steel Queens and all those involved in women’s ice hockey in Scotland every success for this historic season and for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Anna Drysdale, who is the founder and CEO of Open Cellar, on being a winner in Round 27 of Scottish EDGE; understands that Open Cellar is an innovative wine discovery business, which was established with the aim of making choosing and discovering wine simpler, more accessible and less intimidating for consumers; notes that Anna has developed and refined the business through its early stages, including reshaping its business model, developing its operational infrastructure and securing partnerships; recognises that Scottish EDGE is a highly competitive business programme supporting entrepreneurship and emerging businesses in Scotland, and that Open Cellar progressed through its Wild Card competition before securing funding; commends Anna for the determination, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that she has demonstrated in developing Open Cellar; believes that her success is a welcome example of the ambition and entrepreneurship found in Kirkcaldy and across Fife, and wishes Anna, and everyone involved with Open Cellar, every success as the business moves towards launch and its next stage of development.

That the Parliament congratulates K107FM, Kirkcaldy’s community radio station, on being named a finalist in the 2026 Community Radio Awards; notes that this is the seventh consecutive year that the volunteer-led station has received national recognition; recognises its nomination in the Celebrating & Championing Community Radio of the Year category for its project, Every Day is Local Radio Day; commends the efforts of its volunteers, presenters and supporters in providing a platform for local voices, charities, community groups, public representatives and organisations across Kirkcaldy and Fife; acknowledges the contribution that community radio makes in strengthening local democracy, community engagement and social connection; notes that K107FM has secured 23 national award nominations since 2020 and achieved multiple award wins during that period; further recognises the work of Alex Airnes, Jayne Smith and the wider volunteer team in promoting local storytelling and community spirit, and wishes everyone involved with K107FM every success at the Community Radio Awards in Birmingham on 24 October 2026.

That the Parliament congratulates Emmalisa Peggie, better known as Peggie, of Kirkcaldy YMCA, on being named Youth Worker of the Year at the Youth 1st Annual Awards 2026; recognises what it understands to be Emmalisa’s outstanding dedication to supporting and empowering young people across Kirkcaldy through the many groups and projects that she helps to deliver; acknowledges the positive relationships that she builds with young people, helping to develop their confidence, skills and aspirations; commends her commitment, energy and enthusiasm for ensuring that young people are supported to reach their full potential; recognises the important contribution made by Kirkcaldy YMCA and youth workers across the community in providing opportunities and trusted support for young people; wishes Emmalisa continued success in her work, and offers its congratulations on what it considers to be a thoroughly deserved recognition.

That the Parliament congratulates Reo Martin, of Kirkcaldy’s Kingdom Boxing, on earning a place in Boxing Scotland’s Next Generation Group and representing Scotland for the first time in an international bout against Ireland; understands that Reo secured his place following three weekends of Boxing Scotland assessments and was selected to compete in the Scotland versus Ireland international double-header, which was held in Glasgow and Dalkeith on 12 and 13 September 2026; notes that Reo competed against Ireland’s Sean Collins in the Junior 66kg division in Dalkeith and secured a unanimous 5-0 decision victory, with all five judges scoring the contest in his favour; further notes that Scotland won the second international by nine bouts to eight, following an 11-8 victory in Glasgow the previous day; recognises that Reo is a former Boxing Scotland Schoolboy Golden Gloves Champion and that his selection to represent Scotland follows years of dedication, training and commitment to the sport; commends Reo, his coaches and everyone at Kingdom Boxing for what it sees as a significant achievement for both the club and the Kirkcaldy area, and wishes Reo every success as he continues his development and pursues his ambitions at elite level.

That the Parliament commends Kirkcaldy resident, Eddie Murdoch, for taking on the Forth Bridge Abseil in support of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS); understands that Eddie has previously volunteered with CHSS and made use of the charity’s Advice Line; recognises his determination to give something back to the charity and to challenge himself by taking part in the fundraising event; notes that the Forth Bridge Abseil is organised by CHSS in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty and that the event has raised more than £3 million for charities across Scotland since 2003; acknowledges the work of CHSS in supporting people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, as well as their families; applauds Eddie’s positive attitude, courage and commitment to supporting stroke survivors, and wishes him every success with the abseil and his fundraising efforts.

That the Parliament notes that 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War; recognises the men and women from Scotland who travelled to Spain to serve with the International Brigades and support the Spanish Republic during the conflict; notes that more than 40 volunteers from Fife were among those who travelled to Spain, including Tommy Bloomfield from Kirkcaldy; acknowledges the courage and sacrifice of those who left their homes and communities to take part in the conflict, some of whom lost their lives; recognises the memorial on Forth Avenue in Kirkcaldy, which commemorates volunteers from Fife and the Lothians who served in Spain between 1936 and 1939; notes that Fife Trades Union Council will hold its annual commemoration at the memorial on 26 September 2026; believes that such commemorations play an important role in preserving the memory of those who served and ensuring that their experiences are passed on to future generations, and commends Fife Trades Union Council, the International Brigade Memorial Trust and all those involved in keeping the history and memory of the International Brigade volunteers alive.

That the Parliament congratulates Stacey Hughes, of Kirkcaldy, on securing a £10,000 donation for Kirkcaldy Gymnastics Club through the Arnold Clark £10K Giveaway; recognises Stacey’s longstanding commitment to the club, where she volunteers as a gymnastics coach and helps young gymnasts to develop their skills and confidence; notes that both of Stacey’s daughters have attended classes at the club; recognises her fundraising efforts, including taking part in the Glasgow and Dundee Kiltwalks and preparing to complete the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in support of the club; understands that the £10,000 donation will help Kirkcaldy Gymnastics Club to reduce membership costs for families, purchase new equipment and enable more children and young people to access gymnastics opportunities; notes that Kirkcaldy Gymnastics Club, which was established in 1990, provides recreational and competitive gymnastics opportunities for children and young people in the local community; commends Stacey for her volunteering and fundraising efforts, and wishes her, the coaches, volunteers and young gymnasts at Kirkcaldy Gymnastics Club continued success.

That the Parliament congratulates Kirkcaldy resident, Isa Simpson, on celebrating her 100th birthday on 8 September 2026; notes that Isa was born in Falkirk in 1926 and left school at the age of 14 during the Second World War to work at Scottish Enamelling, a factory involved in the production of artillery shells; understands that Isa later married her husband, John, at St John’s Church in 1953 before the couple settled in Kirkcaldy, where they raised their daughter, Caroline; recognises the joy that Isa’s grandchildren, Denise and Adam, and great-granddaughters, Julia, Georgia and Robyn, continue to bring her; notes that Isa has been a resident of Abbotsford Raith Manor Care Home since 2020; further notes that she was presented with flowers on behalf of Fife Council by Provost Jim Leishman, to mark the occasion, alongside Deputy Lieutenant Doug Kennedy, representing the Fife Lieutenancy; believes that reaching the age of 100 is a remarkable milestone, and wishes Isa a very happy 100th birthday and continued happiness with her family and friends.

That the Parliament welcomes the exhibition, Invitation to the Voyage: Crossing Oceans to Be Home, which celebrates the life and work of Kirkcaldy-born author, poet, academic and literary scholar, Tom Hubbard, at the Adam Smith Heritage Centre in Kirkcaldy; recognises Tom’s significant contribution to Scottish literature and culture over several decades, including his role as the first librarian of the Scottish Poetry Library, his writing in both English and Scots, and his work promoting Scottish literature at home and internationally; notes that his academic and literary career has taken him across Europe and beyond, while maintaining a strong connection to his home town of Kirkcaldy and to Fife; understands that the exhibition brings together books, photographs, maps, typewriters, manuscripts and other material reflecting his childhood, studies, travels, literary friendships and extensive body of work; believes that the exhibition highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating Scotland’s literary and local heritage, and demonstrates the contribution that people from Kirkcaldy and Fife have made to Scotland’s cultural life; commends the Adam Smith Heritage Centre, including its manager, Justyna Majewska, the Adam Smith Global Foundation and all those involved in bringing the exhibition together; congratulates Tom Hubbard on his distinguished literary and academic career, and wishes him every success with his future writing and endeavours.