Chamber and committees

That the Parliament notes with profound sadness the death of Dolly Parton, the internationally celebrated singer, songwriter, businesswoman and philanthropist; recognises her extraordinary contribution to promoting literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which she established in 1995 and has grown into one of the world's most successful early-years literacy programmes, providing free books to children from birth and helping to foster a lifelong love of reading among millions of young people across several countries; notes with pride the special connection between Dolly Parton and Dumfries and Galloway, and that she chose Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, for the Scottish launch of the Imagination Library almost 20 years ago; further notes that the programme was delivered in Scotland through the Wigtown Festival Company, whose year-round work to promote reading and literacy among children and young people closely reflected the values and aspirations of the Imagination Library; recognises that the partnership brought international attention to Wigtown’s role as a centre for books, reading and education, while helping thousands of children and families to access books and develop positive reading habits from an early age; acknowledges the lasting impact that Dolly Parton’s vision has had on literacy, educational attainment and social mobility, both in Scotland and around the world; thanks her for the enduring legacy that she has left through her support for children, families and communities, and expresses its sincere condolences to her family, friends and countless admirers, while recognising that her commitment to encouraging a love of reading will continue to benefit generations to come.

That the Parliament congratulates The Steam Packet Inn in Isle of Whithorn, Galloway and West Dumfries, on being named CAMRA Scotland Pub of the Year 2026 and securing a place among the final 16 pubs in the UK CAMRA Pub of the Year competition; recognises that is an outstanding achievement for a rural business in Dumfries and Galloway; understands that The Steam Packet Inn, which overlooks the harbour at Isle of Whithorn, has gained an excellent reputation for hospitality, quality accommodation, exceptional food and drink, and its support for local produce and the award-winning Five Kingdoms Brewery; recognises what it sees as the vital role that pubs play as social hubs at the heart of communities, bringing people together, tackling rural isolation and providing welcoming spaces where residents and visitors can meet, celebrate and connect; acknowledges the significant contribution that the hospitality sector makes to local economies through the creation of employment opportunities, support for local suppliers and producers, and the attraction of visitors to Scotland's towns, villages and rural areas; recognises that successful hospitality businesses help showcase the character, culture and heritage of their communities while strengthening Scotland's tourism offering; commends the owners, management and staff of The Steam Packet Inn for their dedication, professionalism and hard work in achieving this national recognition, and wishes them every success as they progress through the remaining stages of the UK Pub of the Year competition.

That the Parliament congratulates Norman Neilson on making athletics history by completing the 222-mile GB Ultras Race Across Scotland for a fourth time, having previously taken part in 2018, 2019 and 2023; notes that the 66-year-old retired butcher from Dalbeattie in the South of Scotland, who is also a retained fireman, had suffered two broken ribs three weeks before the event; acknowledges that Norman completed the demanding journey in just 89 hours, covering a route that includes 27,000 feet of ascent, equivalent to climbing nine Munros; recognises that he has raised more than £30,000 for charities and local causes over the years and is fundraising for motor neurone disease (MND) in 2026; commends Norman on his remarkable endurance and courage in becoming the first person to complete the race four times, and wishes him continued success in his sporting activities and future challenges.

That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries YMCA on the occasion of its 150th anniversary in 2026; notes that the organisation was founded in 1876 and has served generations of people across Dumfries for a century and a half; recognises the significant contribution that it has made, and continues to make, through youth work, community development, volunteering, training, mentoring and support services; acknowledges the dedication and commitment of its staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters, past and present, whose efforts have helped countless young people and families to realise their potential and overcome challenges; notes that Dumfries YMCA forms part of the wider YMCA Scotland movement, one of the world's oldest and largest youth organisations, which supports young people and communities through its Vision 2030 priorities of community wellbeing, meaningful work, a sustainable planet and a just world; commends Dumfries YMCA's work in empowering young people, strengthening communities, promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for those facing social or economic disadvantage; thanks all those associated with the organisation for 150 years of dedicated service to the people of Dumfries and Galloway, and wishes Dumfries YMCA every success as it continues to build brighter futures for generations to come.

That the Parliament congratulates the former farmer, Jackie Brown, who is a 99-year-old resident at Belmont Care Centre in Stranraer, on fulfilling his dream to show one of his Ayrshire cows at his local agricultural show, in Stranraer, one more time, where he was also presented with a special rosette “Supreme Champion, Oldest Handler”; praises the initiative of care worker, Yvonne Patterson, in making his wish come true; recognises the sterling efforts of the organisers of Stranraer Show, in particular show director, Charles Service, in ensuring that Jackie was able to achieve his ambition following a pioneering career in the world of agriculture in Galloway and across the south of Scotland, where he was the first farmer in the area to have an open farm and invite the general public to see the way farming was carried out many years ago; acknowledges that the event, which marked its 180th edition in 2026, celebrates farming, rural life and local food while featuring competitions where prize livestock is put on show and judged, and wishes both Jackie and the show organisers continued success on what is a marvellous example of the community coming together to help everyone achieve their goals.

That the Parliament congratulates Johnston Nursery, Kirkcudbright, in the Galloway and West Dumfries constituency, on being selected as a finalist in the Children’s Experience Champion Award category at the inaugural Early Years Scotland Awards 2026; notes that Johnston Nursery is one of only five finalists in this category; understands that the award recognises early years settings that have made a significant difference to children by enriching their everyday experiences and relationships through thoughtful child-centred practice; further understands that the nursery’s work supports play, learning, wellbeing and joy while helping children feel valued, respected and understood in their daily lives; commends the dedication, professionalism and care shown by the staff team in delivering outstanding experiences for children and families in the local community, and wishes everyone from Johnston Nursery every success at the awards ceremony in Glasgow on 15 August 2026.

That the Parliament congratulates the Caledonian Steel Queens on securing promotion to the Elite League, becoming the first Scottish women’s ice hockey team to achieve this distinction; believes that this is a landmark moment for women’s ice hockey in Scotland and a significant achievement for Scottish sport; commends the exceptional commitment, determination and sporting excellence demonstrated by the players, coaches, volunteers and all those associated with the club throughout their successful campaign; acknowledges the important role that the team plays in representing Scotland while competing at its home venue, Murrayfield Ice Rink in Edinburgh; believes that this historic achievement will inspire more girls and women across Scotland to participate in ice hockey and other sports, helping to promote equality of opportunity and increase female participation in sport at all levels; recognises the contribution of the club’s supporters, families, sponsors and the wider Scottish ice hockey community in helping to make this success possible; considers the promotion to be an important milestone in the continued development and visibility of women’s ice hockey in Scotland, and wishes the Caledonian Steel Queens every success as they compete in the Elite League, confident that they will continue to be outstanding ambassadors for Edinburgh and Scottish sport.

That the Parliament congratulates the organisations in Galloway and West Dumfries that have recently been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund; recognises what it sees as the positive impact that these awards will have on communities across the constituency; notes that Kirkcudbright Development Trust has received £11,140 to deliver dementia-friendly film clubs and BSL lessons; applauds The Mill on the Fleet, which is in Gatehouse of Fleet, on being given £8,952 to carry out essential electrical safety works at its community hub; welcomes Ardwell Community Kirk's award of £16,495 to install a fully accessible eco-toilet at its community-owned church; commends Creative Stranraer for obtaining £19,950 to provide workshops for single parents, young children, young carers and the wider community, culminating in new public art installations; notes EcoArt SCIO's award of £8,850 in support of the annual Nithraid River Festival; recognises Core Path 13 Group's successful bid for £20,000 to improve a section of core path along the riverbank in Kirkcudbright; welcomes Kirkcolm Community Trust's award of £52,818 to continue activities supporting older residents in a rurally isolated community and congratulates Bump, Baby and Beyond (Dumfries and Galloway) on receiving £2,500 to develop its baby and toddler sling library, cloth nappy library and volunteer expertise; believes that these awards demonstrate the wide-ranging benefits of National Lottery funding to communities, charities and voluntary organisations; notes that the National Lottery Community Fund awarded more than £588 million across the UK in 2024-25, with the majority of grants supporting grassroots organisations; thanks National Lottery players, whose contributions make this investment possible, and wishes all the recipient organisations every success as they deliver what it considers are these valuable projects for the benefit of residents.

That the Parliament congratulates Jodie McVicar of Bridge of Dee, Dumfries and Galloway, on her selection to represent Team Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg, Canada, in September 2026; notes that the championships will take place from 17 to 27 September 2026 and that Jodie will compete in both Bench Press and Full Power disciplines; recognises the years of dedication, discipline and commitment that she has demonstrated in reaching international level in her sport; acknowledges her service to the local community through her role on Balmaghie Community Council and as a Civilian Instructor with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets in Castle Douglas; notes that she trains at both the Castle Douglas Council Gym and Burns Gym in Collin while serving as Head of Training at Scottish Women’s Aid; understands that athletes competing in powerlifting, without national funding support, often face significant personal costs associated with representing Scotland internationally, including travel, accommodation and competition expenses; commends Jodie for her determination in pursuing excellence in sport while making a substantial contribution to her local community, and wishes her every success as she represents both Galloway and Scotland on the international stage.

That the Parliament congratulates Gavin Lockhart of Port William on reaching the remarkable milestone of 30 years’ voluntary service with the Port William Inshore Rescue Service and Coastcare (PIRSAC); notes that Gavin joined the organisation at the age of just 16, becoming its youngest crew member, having been inspired by watching rescue launches in Port William harbour as a child; recognises his dedication in spending his early years assisting with the launch, recovery and maintenance of rescue equipment before progressing to active service at sea; acknowledges that, over three decades, he has witnessed and contributed to the development of the service from the original PIRSAC rescue boat through to PIRSAC II and the current PIRSAC III, while embracing major advances in rescue technology and communications; commends his role as one of the helmsmen of PIRSAC III and his attendance at hundreds of incidents in all weather conditions in support of those in distress in Luce Bay, Wigtown Bay and the wider area; recognises the vital contribution made by PIRSAC, an independent lifeboat and search and rescue service established in 1979 and operated year-round by volunteers, to the safety of local fishermen, sailors, residents and visitors; thanks Gavin for his outstanding commitment, bravery and community spirit over the past 30 years and wishes him, his fellow volunteers and everyone involved with PIRSAC continued success in the years ahead.