Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates the North Lanarkshire Muslim Women and Family Alliance (NLMWA) on what it sees as its outstanding work to build the confidence and capacity of its members through education, the promotion of religious and racial harmony and partnership working; recognises its contribution to fostering understanding, inclusion and stronger communities across North Lanarkshire and Scotland; welcomes the opening of Traces of Empire: Voices, Memories & Our Shared History, an exhibition at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge, which is taking place from 3 October to 1 November 2026; commends NLMWA for its role in bringing this important exhibition to the public; acknowledges Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for commissioning the exhibition as part of its response to its 2024 report, Surveying and Analysing Connections Between Properties in Care and the British Empire, c.1600–1997, which found that 126 of the 336 properties in its care have connections to the British Empire; recognises the importance of examining these historical connections and their continuing legacies through the experiences, perspectives and voices of the communities affected by colonial histories; notes that the exhibition has been developed through collaboration between HES and 34 co-curators from four grassroots communities across Scotland, led by people from or with connections to countries shaped by colonialism; celebrates the mutual learning, shared decision-making and meaningful dialogue that have informed this process; welcomes the exhibition’s use of artworks, oral histories, storytelling and poetry to explore the impact of empire across generations and its continuing influence on people’s lives, including through reflections on cotton, education, self-sufficiency and partition; recognises the courage and significance of bringing previously unheard experiences into the public conversation, allowing communities to reclaim their voices, preserve family memories and contribute to a fuller understanding of Scotland’s shared history; highlights the words of Bushra Iqbal MBE, chair of NLMWA, in drawing inspiration from the poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s message that the destiny of nations rests in the hands of individuals, and that every person has a part to play in shaping the future of their community; recognises HES’s commitment to truthful communication, mutual understanding and collective healing in addressing the difficult and often painful legacies of empires; believes that Scotland’s heritage must be understood through a broad and inclusive historical lens, recognising that while the nation’s traditional stories of clans, territorial conflicts and folklore remain an important part of its identity, they represent only one dimension of its rich and complex past; considers that a fuller understanding must also recognise the experiences and contributions of South Asian and other migrant communities, whose histories, struggles, resilience and achievements have helped shape modern Scotland; believes that engaging honestly, critically and empathetically with the history of empire is essential to understanding present-day inequalities, challenging racism and prejudice and strengthening mutual respect across religious, racial and cultural differences; further believes that acknowledging difficult histories should not divide communities but provide opportunities for learning, reconciliation, dignity and a stronger shared sense of belonging, and commends NLMWA, HES, the co-curators and all participating community groups for demonstrating how education, art, storytelling and partnership can create spaces for reflection, peace and healing, inspire future generations to build a fairer and more inclusive society, and help foster the understanding and solidarity that Scotland needs now more than ever.

That the Parliament recognises the life-saving role of the Fontan procedure for children born with complex congenital heart disease and a single-ventricle circulation; notes that the Fontan operation is a form of open-heart surgery, which enables oxygen-poor blood returning from the lower body to bypass the heart and flow directly to the blood vessels of the lungs, separating oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood and significantly improving oxygen levels throughout the body; recognises that, following Fontan surgery, many children experience improved oxygenation, energy and quality of life, allowing them to survive into adulthood; further recognises, however, that the Fontan circulation is a form of palliation rather than a cure and that people living with it require lifelong specialist surveillance and multidisciplinary care; notes what it sees as the growing current and foreseeable clinical needs of people in Coatbridge and Chryston and across Scotland who are living with Fontan circulation and complex congenital heart disease; understands that international prevalence data suggest that between 300 and 400 individuals in Scotland currently live with it, with adult survival now up to 90%, resulting in a growing adult population at increasing risk of Fontan-associated complications and multi-organ disease; notes that complications can include progressive heart failure, arrhythmias, protein-losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, kidney dysfunction and liver disease, with up to 50% of adult Fontan patients developing clinically significant liver disease; understands that approximately 20 to 30% might ultimately require multi-organ transplantation such as heart, liver and/or lung transplants; believes that the increasing number of adults living with Fontan circulation represents a significant and evolving clinical need for NHS Scotland; notes with concern that Scotland currently lacks a dedicated national pathway for failing Fontan circulation and complex congenital heart disease requiring transplantation, resulting in some patients being referred outwith the country, most commonly to specialist centres in England; recognises the physical, emotional, financial and logistical burden that this can place on patients and families, including prolonged separation, fragmented continuity of care and ongoing cross-border follow-up requirements; notes what it sees as the absence of a formalised Scottish shared care model for post-transplant surveillance and long-term management; acknowledges Scotland’s existing strengths, including the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS), established heart transplant infrastructure at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, experienced cardiothoracic surgical programmes and national service planning capability; believes that these existing strengths provide a strong foundation for developing a coordinated Scottish Fontan service; further believes that there is a strategic opportunity to develop a national Scottish Fontan hub to provide structured lifelong surveillance, early identification of Fontan-associated complications, multidisciplinary assessment, risk stratification, transplant planning and coordination, and post-transplant shared care; considers that such a model could improve patient safety, equity of access, continuity of care and clinical outcomes, while supporting the principle of providing specialist care as close to home as clinically appropriate; notes the view that, in the context of any future changes to the organisation or provision of specialist health services in Scotland, particular consideration should be given to the arrangements required to ensure continued access to specialist transplant centres in England for patients from Scotland, where clinically appropriate, and notes the view that clear and sustainable cross-border pathways should form an important part of the long-term planning for Fontan and complex congenital heart disease services, and acknowledges the calls on the Scottish Government to engage with NHS Scotland, SACCS leadership, transplant centres, relevant clinical specialists and patients and families affected by Fontan circulation to undertake a feasibility assessment for the development of a national Fontan hub and structured complex congenital heart disease transplant pathway, including consideration of workforce planning, specialist training, infrastructure, cross-border arrangements, research and data collection, and the long-term sustainability of the service.

That the Parliament congratulates New College Lanarkshire on the official opening of the Scottish Institute for Dental Nursing Education at its Coatbridge Campus; recognises the college’s longstanding contribution to dental nursing education, with around half of Scotland’s dental nurses having had some connection with it; notes that the college’s BSc Dental Nursing, delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, is the first degree of its kind in the UK; welcomes the institute’s focus on innovation and the development of skills in areas including AI, digital dentistry, computer-aided design and 3D modelling, alongside a continued focus on patient-centred care; recognises the opportunities that the institute will provide for people in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire and across Scotland to develop highly skilled careers within dental care and to access high-quality education; acknowledges the contribution of the college, its staff, students and partners to the future of dental nursing and the wider health service, and wishes the Scottish Institute for Dental Nursing Education every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Coatbridge boxer Ricky Burns on his outstanding career and achievements in boxing; recognises that Ricky is Scotland’s only three-weight world champion, having won world titles across three different weight divisions; notes the immense dedication, sacrifice, hard work and determination required to reach the highest level of professional boxing; acknowledges the pride with which Ricky has represented Coatbridge and Scotland throughout his career; further recognises the lasting contribution he has made to Scottish boxing and the inspiration his achievements provide to aspiring boxers across Scotland; congratulates Ricky on his induction into the British Boxing Hall of Fame, and celebrates the legacy that he has established as one of Scotland’s most distinguished boxers and a true legend of Scottish boxing.

That the Parliament welcomes the official visit to Scotland by Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Catherine Connolly, and her visit to St Patrick’s Primary School in Coatbridge on 17 September 2026; recognises the significance of the visit in celebrating the longstanding cultural, community and family links between Ireland and Scotland; commends the pupils of St Patrick’s Primary School, together with pupils from St Augustine’s, St Bartholomew’s and St Mary’s primary schools, for the warm welcome that they gave to President Connolly through Gaelic football, Irish dancing, singing and other displays of Irish culture; congratulates the pupils and staff for representing their schools with such enthusiasm, confidence and pride; recognises the work of school staff, parents and the wider school community in promoting and celebrating Coatbridge’s rich Irish heritage; acknowledges the generations of Irish people who made Coatbridge and Scotland their home and the significant contribution that the Irish community has made to the social, cultural and civic life of Scotland; notes that President Connolly also met with members of the Coatbridge Irish diaspora community in St Patrick’s Parish hall; commends the Coatbridge Irish Heritage Committee for its work in preserving and celebrating the history, heritage and traditions of the local Irish community; notes President Connolly’s remarks on the strong ties of friendship, culture and language between Ireland and Scotland and on the interwoven nature of Irish and Scottish identities, and celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of Ireland and Scotland and the important role that schools, families and community organisations play in passing this shared heritage on to future generations.

That the Parliament marks with deep sympathy and solemn reflection the 67th anniversary of the Auchengeich mining disaster, which occurred on 18 September 1959; acknowledges the disaster as one of the darkest tragedies in Scotland’s industrial history; remembers with profound respect the 47 men who lost their lives underground at Auchengeich Colliery, each of whom left home that morning to earn a living for their families and never returned; recognises the devastating consequences of the disaster, which left 41 women widowed and 76 children without their fathers; acknowledges the lasting impact of that loss on families and generations across Moodiesburn and the surrounding communities; pays tribute to the men who died, remembering them as fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, relatives, friends and colleagues, whose lives and contributions remain an important part of Scotland’s mining heritage; acknowledges the courage, dignity and solidarity shown by the Moodiesburn community in the aftermath of the disaster and throughout the 67 years since; commends the Auchengeich Memorial Committee and all those who continue to ensure that the memory of the 47 men is preserved through annual acts of remembrance; recognises the importance of the Auchengeich memorial and annual commemorative service as places and occasions where families, friends and the wider community can come together to remember those lost, and affirms that the stories of Auchengeich and Scotland’s mining communities must continue to be remembered and passed to future generations, so that the human cost of Scotland’s industrial heritage is never forgotten.

That the Parliament expresses its deep sadness at the passing of Alistair Doyle, of Coatbridge; recognises the profound loss felt by his family, friends and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his life; acknowledges Alistair as a much-loved and hugely respected member of the Coatbridge community, remembered for his extraordinary kindness, generosity and selflessness; notes that Alistair spent almost three decades helping generations of children safely cross the road outside St Timothy’s Primary School, becoming a much-loved and familiar face to pupils, parents and staff; recognises his wider contribution to the community, including his years teaching children to swim at Coatbridge Baths and his dedication to making children and families feel welcome, safe and included; further recognises his remarkable commitment to charitable fundraising, including his famous Christmas light displays at his home in Kirkwood, which attracted visitors from near and far and raised over £160,000 for good causes such as the Ronald McDonald House in Glasgow and Yorkhill Children's Hospital; commends the countless hours of work, particularly around Christmas, that Alistair devoted to bringing joy to others while raising money for charity; recognises the many generations of Coatbridge residents who have fond and lasting memories of Alistair, whether from learning to swim, crossing the road at St Timothy’s, visiting his Christmas lights or simply encountering his warmth and good humour in the community; acknowledges the countless acts of kindness that characterised Alistair’s life, including his extraordinary tradition of sending hundreds of Christmas cards each year, and sends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and all those in Coatbridge and beyond who mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, whose kindness and service to others will never be forgotten.

That the Parliament marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic passing of 13-year-old Kieran McDade of Coatbridge, who died on 26 August 2016 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a training session with Dunbeth Football Club; remembers Kieran as a bright and much-loved young person whose sudden death devastated his family, friends, teammates and the wider community; recognises the enduring grief carried by all those who knew and loved Kieran, while also acknowledging the extraordinary determination of his family, friends and fellow members of Dunbeth FC to ensure that his passing would lead to positive change; commends the establishment of the Kieran McDade Foundation in Kieran’s honour, with the objective of saving lives by providing defibrillators to sports clubs throughout Scotland; notes with admiration that the foundation is soon to distribute its 184th defibrillator, helping to make sporting environments safer for children and adults across communities; recognises that these defibrillators have already been used to save lives, including a recent instance of a young footballer whose team had received a defibrillator from the foundation; believes that this is a powerful and deeply moving testament to Kieran’s legacy, demonstrating that from the tragedy of his death has come the potential to save the lives of others; acknowledges the tireless fundraising and campaigning undertaken by the Kieran McDade Foundation and the generosity of the individuals, businesses, football clubs and communities who have supported its work; recognises the importance of ensuring that sports clubs have immediate access to life-saving equipment and that people are confident and prepared to respond in the event of a cardiac arrest; commends Dunbeth Football Club, the Kieran McDade Foundation and all those who continue to keep Kieran’s memory alive through their work, and, on the 10th anniversary of his passing, extends its heartfelt thoughts and sympathy to Kieran’s family, friends, teammates and all who continue to miss him, while celebrating the remarkable legacy of a young life that continues to make a difference and to save lives across Scotland.

That the Parliament recognises that the first seven years of life are a unique period of physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, and that young children, including those in the Coatbridge and Chryston constituency, learn through relationships, play, movement, conversation, creativity, exploration and first-hand experience; further recognises what it considers to be the substantial body of evidence supporting play-based and developmentally appropriate early education, including the importance of active and outdoor play in supporting physical health, wellbeing, self-regulation, social development and lifelong learning; commends the work of organisations such as Upstart Scotland in promoting the needs of children in early years education based on relationship-centred, child-led, play-based environments, with a greater focus on outdoor learning; notes the belief that Scotland has a strong tradition of early learning and childcare and that the principles of Curriculum for Excellence, Getting It Right For Every Child and Scotland’s Play Strategy recognise the importance of children’s wellbeing, development, relationships and learning through play; further notes the belief, however, that the transition from early learning and childcare into P1 can introduce expectations of formal academic learning at an age when children’s development, interests and readiness vary considerably; recognises evidence indicating that an earlier start to formal academic instruction does not necessarily confer a lasting educational advantage, and that language-rich, play-based and developmentally appropriate experiences provide important foundations for later literacy, numeracy and scientific learning; notes the view that giving young children more time and opportunity to develop through play, conversation, creativity, physical activity and exploration can strengthen the foundations for successful formal learning rather than delay them; further notes the view that a universal kindergarten stage could help address inequalities in school readiness by giving every child, regardless of background, access to high-quality play, outdoor learning, language-rich environments and sensitive adult support, while recognising that children who show an early interest or readiness in reading, writing or mathematics should be encouraged and supported at their own level; acknowledges the experience of education systems internationally that provide a distinct, play-based early-years stage before formal schooling, and notes the belief that Scotland should learn from this evidence while building on the considerable expertise of its own early-years workforce; notes the calls on the Scottish Government to support a universal kindergarten stage in Scotland for pupils in what is currently P1, with an ethos distinct from formal primary schooling and centred on play, relationships, wellbeing, communication, creativity, physical development and learning through enjoyable experiences; notes the belief that such a stage should provide substantial opportunities for self-directed, imaginative, social, active and outdoor play alongside skilled adult support and purposeful experiences in language, music, art, drama, storytelling, science and mathematics; notes the view that formal literacy and numeracy should be introduced responsively according to children’s individual development, interests and readiness, rather than imposed uniformly at an early age; notes the belief that the development of a kindergarten stage should include consideration of a more gradual transition into formal academic learning and the implications of a later commencement of formal schooling; acknowledges the view that the precise structure and age range should be informed by evidence, consultation and experience, and that implementation would require proper consideration of workforce capacity, professional development, funding, facilities and outdoor spaces; considers that children, parents and carers, early-years practitioners, teachers, local authorities, researchers and relevant organisations should have a meaningful role in shaping and evaluating the approach, and notes the view that Scotland’s youngest children should receive an education that reflects how they learn and develop, gives them the strongest possible foundations for later attainment and supports their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

That the Parliament congratulates the North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band on being crowned Novice A World Pipe Band Champions at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August 2026; notes that the World Pipe Band Championships have been staged since 1947 and are one of the most prestigious events in the piping calendar, with the championships taking place at Glasgow Green; recognises the exceptional achievement of the North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band in becoming Novice A World Champions, adding to what is now an outstanding record of three World Championship titles for the band; congratulates the band’s Novice B section on an excellent fifth-place finish, having qualified for the final, and notes the particular achievement of the many young people competing in their first season with the band, including pupils as young as P6; commends the dedication, commitment and talent of the young pipers and drummers, as well as the tutors who have supported and developed them through countless hours of practice, preparation and competition; recognises the important role played by the band in providing young people across North Lanarkshire with opportunities to learn traditional Scottish music, develop confidence and discipline, build friendships and represent their schools and community at the highest level; notes with appreciation the contribution of parents, carers, schools and North Lanarkshire Council, alongside all those who continue to support the band and its young musicians; celebrates the achievement as a source of immense pride for North Lanarkshire and for Scotland’s rich piping and drumming tradition; congratulates the North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band, its pupils, tutors, parents, carers, schools and supporters on becoming Novice A World Pipe Band Champions, and wishes the band every success in the future as it continues to inspire the next generation of Scotland’s young musicians.