Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates the winners of the Heart of the High Street Awards 2026; recognises that J & G Dossett was named winner of the Retail Award; understands that Number 30 won the award for Leisure; congratulates Tarland Post Office & Toyshop, which took home the Professional Service Award; further congratulates The Black Faced Sheep, on winning the Loves Local Ambassador Award; commends Anne Lyone, who won the Outstanding Individual Award; notes that the awards celebrate the very best of the region’s small businesses and high streets, and thanks Aberdeenshire Loves Local for organising its first ever Heart of the High Streets Awards.

That the Parliament congratulates the winners of the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards 2026; recognises Stuart Rattray, of Glen Tanar, who was named winner of The MacRobert Trust Rising Star Award; celebrates TwinPeakes Fly Fishing, which won the award for Innovation; commends Birks Pond at Castle Fraser, which took home the Climate Action Award; congratulates The Fife Arms on winning the Best Eating Experience Award; notes that the awards celebrate the very best of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector, and wishes all the award winners the very best of luck at the national awards, which will be held in November 2026.

That the Parliament recognises the contribution of the 2026 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) project, in encouraging people across Scotland to record sightings of red and grey squirrels; understands that the survey helps to build a national picture of squirrel distribution and population trends; notes that the information gathered through the survey supports efforts to conserve Scotland's native red squirrel population and informs action to address the impacts of invasive non-native grey squirrels; acknowledges the valuable contribution made by volunteers, local communities, land managers and conservation organisations in collecting and using this data; notes the innovative work being undertaken by SSRS, including the use of trained scent detection dogs to support squirrel monitoring and management; recognises that the eradication programme in Aberdeen will be the world’s first urban mainland eradication of grey squirrels when completed, and commends all those involved in helping to safeguard Scotland's red squirrel population for future generations.

That the Parliament congratulates Lorna Paterson, NFU Scotland's north-east regional manager, on her receipt of the 2026 NFU Unsung Hero Award, in recognition of her 19 years of dedicated service to the north-east's farming community on behalf of her fellow farmers at branch, commodity and regional meetings; understands that this is a role in which Lorna has worked tirelessly, sometimes behind the scenes supporting individual farmers, earning worthy praise from her colleagues as a stalwart who stands up for members, and wishes Lorna all the best for the future.

That the Parliament recognises the contribution to Ballater and Aberdeenshire of Ted and Maureen Emslie, retiring owners of Edward J Emslie for 41 years, purveyors of carpets, curtains and blinds, at Station Square in Ballater; commends their success and longevity as a family-owned business in a rural community over decades in which the interior furnishings industry has evolved considerably; acknowledges with appreciation what it sees as an increasingly precious commodity, namely a successful small business rooted in the community, providing long-term local employment in both carpet fitting and retail, and wishes them a happy and well-earned retirement, while simultaneously welcoming the announcement that new owners Dale and Mhairi Grassick have bought the business as a going concern, and wishing them every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Inchmarlo House Care Home and Retirement Village, near Banchory, on its 40th anniversary; notes that more than 100 homeowners gathered to mark the occasion at a garden party attended by the Provost of Aberdeenshire, Judy Whyte; recognises what it sees as Inchmarlo’s pioneering role in later-life living and its status as Scotland’s first continuing care retirement community; commends the vision of its founder, Professor Charles Skene CBE, and the continuing leadership of his daughter, Pamela Norris; notes that, since its establishment in 1986, Inchmarlo has grown to provide more than 180 homes for people aged over 55 within the 100-acre Inchmarlo Estate; acknowledges the dedication, professionalism and care shown by staff, past and present, whose efforts have contributed greatly to the community’s success over four decades, and thanks all those involved in supporting residents and the retirement community.

That the Parliament recognises the success of the Crathes Charity Horse & Dog Show, which has been held annually at the Milton of Crathes Events Field near Banchory since its establishment in 2021; commends its role in encouraging participation in equestrian and dog showing activities following the COVID-19 lockdowns; notes that the show hosts over 70 showing classes for horses, ponies and dogs and continues to attract competitors from across Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to Shetland; applauds the organisers’ commitment to charitable fundraising, having raised £4,000 in 2026 for the Equine Grass Sickness Fund, bringing the total raised since 2021 to £26,000; recognises what it sees as the vital work of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund in seeking a cure for this devastating disease affecting equines; notes the show’s receipt of the Silver Salver Award for commitment to fundraising; congratulates Robin and Karen Stewart on receiving the Heidi Award in April 2026 in recognition of their longstanding support for the charity, and thanks the main organisers, Robin and Karen Stewart and Susanne Shepherd, for their dedication to supporting both the equestrian community and important veterinary research.

That the Parliament congratulates the following constituents of Aberdeenshire West on being recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026, Chris Bird of Banchory, chair of Riskwell, which was co-founded in 2020, who has been appointed an MBE for services to the energy transition and to community development in North East Scotland, Dr Jack Taylor of Aboyne, who has been appointed an MBE for services to music, notably as a piper and for his leadership within the Piobaireachd Society, Lilian Field, headteacher of Strathdon School and Crathie School, who has been appointed a BEM for her services to rural education and her leadership supporting young people in rural communities, with both schools having less than 20 children, and John Burrows, who has been appointed a BEM for his services to the Ballater community, where he is director of Ballater Community Trust and has helped with various village initiatives, including supporting the community in the aftermath of Storm Frank over a decade ago; notes what it sees as the significant contribution each constituent has made to their respective fields and communities across Aberdeenshire West, and wishes them every success for the future while thanking them for their dedicated service.

That the Parliament notes the success of a recent charity stock judging event, which was held on 13 June 2026, near Banchory; recognises that the event brought together farmers, young people and members of the wider community at Darnford Farm; understands that the event featured cattle and sheep judging competitions across open, young farmer and junior sections, alongside a social programme aimed at strengthening connections across the agricultural sector; further understands that the event was organised by the Royal Northern Agricultural Society and sponsored by Virgin Money to raise funds for agricultural charity, RSABI; commends the organisers, sponsors and volunteers for delivering a well-supported event that highlighted the importance of agriculture to the north east economy and provided opportunities for skills development among the next generation of farmers, with around 500 people in attendance; recognises the role that such events play in supporting rural charities and promoting wellbeing within the farming community, and wishes all involved continued success in future events that celebrate rural life in Aberdeenshire West.

That the Parliament congratulates those involved in the Wear it Pink Ladies’ Texas Scramble fundraiser at Inchmarlo Golf Centre on 10 May 2026 for raising over £2,050; understands that this annual event raises money for Breast Cancer Now, dedicated to breast cancer awareness, research and support services; recognises that 64 ladies from golf clubs across the north east took part in the event, with the winning team being from Banchory Golf Club; thanks Inchmarlo Golf Club for hosting and organising the fundraiser, as well as all the volunteers and local businesses who supported the event, and wishes them every success for future fundraisers.