Chamber and committees

As an amendment to motion S7M-01517 in the name of Neil Gray (Strengthening Scotland’s Cyber Resilience), insert at end: "; recognises that cyber resilience depends on the security and resilience of the physical infrastructure on which digital services rely; understands the risks to critical digital infrastructure of accidental, environmental and deliberate disruption, including sabotage and the actions of hostile actors, and recognises the particular importance of resilient and diverse connectivity for Scotland’s island and remote communities.”

That the Parliament congratulates the pupils and staff of Craigmount High School in Edinburgh on their achievements in National Progression Awards (NPAs); notes that Craigmount pupils achieved more than 4,000 qualifications in the last academic year, including 176 Level 6 NPAs, with NPAs accounting for 7% of all qualifications achieved; recognises the school’s work to make NPAs available across a wide range of subjects, including business and marketing, web design and cyber security, through provision within the school and in partnership with Edinburgh College; welcomes the findings of the David Hume Institute’s recent briefing, The Changing Landscape of Education in Scotland: A New National Progression?, which identifies a substantial growth in NPA attainment across Scotland, from 19,640 awards in 2022 to 44,030 in 2026; notes that NPAs are designed to develop and assess defined skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas and are linked to National Occupational Standards; recognises the importance of ensuring that young people have different ways to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and attainment, including through regular assessment rather than solely through high-stakes final examinations; further recognises the importance of ensuring that Scotland’s qualifications system is understood by employers as the range of routes available to young people continues to develop, and commends Craigmount High School for demonstrating how a broad senior-phase curriculum can give pupils opportunities to pursue subjects relevant to their interests, future careers and further education.

That the Parliament celebrates the City of Edinburgh’s continued status as a Fairtrade City for its 22nd consecutive year; recognises that Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, and Depute Lord Provost, Lesley Marion Cameron, received the certificate alongside the Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group, which has worked to ensure that Edinburgh retains this status, and highlights the contribution of the businesses, communities and residents of Edinburgh North Western in working toward a more economically viable and sustainable Edinburgh.

That the Parliament recognises the outstanding contribution of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in protecting lives at sea and on inland waterways across the UK; commends the dedication and bravery of RNLI volunteers, including those serving communities in Edinburgh North Western; notes that, in recent weeks, RNLI volunteers bravely rescued four people from Cramond Island, demonstrating once again the vital role that the charity plays in ensuring public safety; acknowledges that such life-saving operations are made possible through the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of charitable donations, which fund essential training, equipment and rescue services; expresses concern at reported criticism directed towards the RNLI for carrying out rescues of people in distress in the English Channel; recognises that the RNLI’s long-standing humanitarian principle is to save lives regardless of nationality, race, place of origin or immigration status; believes that this impartial commitment to preserving human life lies at the heart of the organisation’s mission and values, and commends the RNLI and its volunteers for their selfless service and unwavering dedication to saving lives across the nation’s seas, rivers and waterways.

That the Parliament congratulates the organisers on the successful commencement of the Ferry Fair 2026; acknowledges that the event is being held for the 90th time; celebrates its long-standing contribution to community life in South Queensferry; understands that the event dates back to the 12th century; considers its ability to bring together people of all ages from across the local community to be something quite special; thanks all the organisers, security, police, performers and everyone involved for their contributions to this year's Ferry Fair, and wishes the event continued success for many more years to come.

That the Parliament congratulates Queensferry Rugby Club, which was re-etablished in 2026 having folded in 2015, on its continued contribution to the community through the promotion of grassroots rugby and inclusive sporting opportunities; recognises the club's commitment to providing a welcoming environment for players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds; acknowledges the vital role that community sports clubs play in improving physical and mental wellbeing, tackling social isolation, encouraging volunteering and fostering teamwork, resilience and community spirit; commends the dedication of the individuals whose efforts enable the club to thrive; recognises the positive impact that participation in community sport can have on young people's confidence, health and personal development, and wishes everyone involved with Queensferry Rugby Club continued success in inspiring future generations and strengthening the community through sport.

That the Parliament recognises the contribution of the British Council to Scotland’s international relationships through educational, cultural and linguistic exchange; notes the role of soft power in advancing Scotland’s economic, cultural and diplomatic interests worldwide; acknowledges the contribution of Scottish universities, cultural institutions and creative industries to the UK’s global influence; expresses concern regarding reductions in international cultural diplomacy funding, and calls on the Scottish and UK governments to work together to strengthen Scotland’s international engagement through education, culture and people-to-people links.

That the Parliament commends the Scottish Retail Consortium and PaddleUK on producing, Partnership in Safety – Voluntary Guidelines for Paddleboard Retailers; notes the aim of this publication is to inspire more people to experience the joy of what it believes is the rapidly expanding sport of paddleboarding and Scotland’s blue open spaces with the right knowledge and equipment to stay safe, happy and confident on lochs and open waters; considers this to be a responsible initiative from representatives of retailers and the governing body for paddlesport; believes that it has been welcomed by HM Coastguard and is designed to help retailers and online marketplaces with practical support to embed key safety messages into their marketing and consumer education and to help foster a vibrant and safety-conscious paddleboard community by providing clear and concise safety messages at point of sale and safety checklists and tips for customers, and notes that these include tips about wearing buoyancy aids, personal floatation devices and participants using a leash to keep them connected to their craft and also pointing to more in-depth sources of safety information, such as #PaddleSafe.

That the Parliament recognises the work undertaken by The Rawthey Project in supporting individuals experiencing social or economic disadvantage, particularly those from backgrounds in the armed forces, emergency services and the NHS; acknowledges what it sees as the importance of peer-led and outcome-focused support models in assisting individuals facing isolation, hardship, mental health challenges or barriers to independent living; commends the organisation’s efforts to support access to employment, education, accommodation and treatment; acknowledges the role of volunteers with lived and professional experience in delivering tailored support; notes that all services are guided by clinical and care professionals, and thanks everyone involved with The Rawthey Project for their continued commitment to supporting vulnerable people across Scotland and the wider UK.

As an amendment to motion S7M-00105 in the name of John Swinney (Ambitious for Scotland), leave out from first "welcomes" to end and insert, "notes that the Scottish National Party’s stated objective prior to 7 May 2026 was to secure an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament elections in order to pursue independence, but that the party achieved fewer votes and seats than in the previous elections, whereas the Scottish Liberal Democrats achieved gains across Scotland from the Borders to the Highlands, and believes that the Scottish Government must now focus on fixing the NHS and care, helping people with the cost of living crisis, fixing the roads and the ferries and getting Scottish education back to its best, in order to deliver the change that Scotland deserves."