Chamber and committees

As an amendment to motion S7M-01283 in the name of Gillian Martin (Building a Flood Resilient Scotland: Delivering Action for Communities in a Changing Climate), leave out from "Scotland's" to end and insert "that Scotland is facing an increasing risk of flooding; further recognises that flooding is becoming more frequent, more intense, more damaging and more costly due to changes in the climate; highlights that the impact of flooding is felt throughout Scotland, including in urban, rural and coastal communities; further highlights that it affects homes, businesses and livelihoods across Scotland; appreciates the funding announcement made in the 2026-31 Programme for Government but questions whether further support is needed; calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that the public is aware of the risks and mitigation efforts related to flooding; urges the Scottish Government to ensure that national strategies are in place to target flood prevention and support when flooding does happen, and also urges local authorities to consult widely and transparently on proposed flood defence plans and to take full account of local views, and asks all involved to make sure that efforts to prevent, mitigate and tackle flooding are directed at all parts of Scotland facing a substantial and rising threat."

That the Parliament recognises the sterling work of Optometry Scotland as the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland; understands that the organisation was first established in 2002 and now represents more than 370 members across all NHS board areas; acknowledges that it serves as the main point of contact for Scottish Government and other stakeholders on matters relating to general ophthalmic services and community eyecare; recognises its core values of integrity, transparency, collaboration and respect; acknowledges that Optometry Scotland provides extensive guidance and several training pathways for practitioners to ensure regulatory and mandatory compliance as well as professional development opportunities; understands that it advocates on behalf of the profession, provides information and guidance to its members and works collaboratively with stakeholders to influence policy and support the development of community eyecare services, and wishes Optometry Scotland and its members continued success in improving community eyecare delivery.

That the Parliament congratulates Border Television on celebrating its 65th birthday, having first broadcast on 1 September 1961 from its studios in the Great Border City of Carlisle; notes that the station had initially planned to go on air in February 1961 but construction problems with both transmitters resulted in the date being pushed back; recognises that it managed to achieve a profit in its first year of broadcasting, having attracted a regional audience share of 60% in its first two years in business; acknowledges that it relaunched its southern Scotland service with the news magazine programme, Representing Border, which remains a firm media service to date, as well as hosting the popular shows, Mr and Mrs, Lookaround and Borders Life, and wishes all its broadcasting staff members continued success in the years ahead.

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 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 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.