Chamber and committees

That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for—

(a) Tuesday 17 March 2026—

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followed by Ministerial Statement: A Year of Progress in Bringing Down Long Waits - Driving Continued Improvement and Building a Stronger NHS

(b) Thursday 19 March 2026—

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followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill

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followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill

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followed by Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Motion: Amendments to the Scottish Parliament Salaries Scheme

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followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 3rd Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 4th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 8th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

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9.05 pm Decision Time

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10.00 pm Decision Time

(c) Tuesday 24 March 2026—

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followed by Scottish Government Business

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followed by Ministerial Statement: Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Crime and Policing Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Tobacco and Vapes Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Armed Forces Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Motion of Legislative Consent: Railways Bill – UK Legislation

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 6th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 7th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's 10th Report, 2026 (Session 6)

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5.00 pm Decision Time

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6.00 pm Decision Time

(d) Wednesday 25 March 2026—

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4.45 pm Decision Time

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That the Parliament commends the work of Deveronvale Community Hub for what it sees as its outstanding contribution to community wellbeing in Banffshire and Buchan Coast; believes that the Hub is a powerful example of community spirit in action, providing a vital lifeline to individuals and families who are struggling; acknowledges the wide range of acts of kindness delivered by the Hub, including the provision of football boots and kits for children, school uniforms and equipment, Christmas hampers, and support to ensure that families across the Banff area can enjoy a Christmas dinner; notes that the Hub was founded by Jillian McBain, Maureen Macleod, Maureen Clark, Linda Slater and Agnieszka Matuc, and thanks all involved for their dedication, compassion and tireless efforts, demonstrating how a small group of committed people can make a truly transformative difference to their community.

That the Parliament notes reports of the rising cost of heating oil and other alternative fuels used by households not connected to the mains gas grid; considers that rural and coastal communities, including many households in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, are disproportionately affected by these costs; understands that off-grid households are not protected by the Energy Price Cap and remain exposed to fluctuations in global oil prices; further understands that the UK Government previously introduced the Alternative Fuel Payment to support households reliant on heating oil and other fuels during the energy crisis; believes that the current volatility in global energy markets risks placing renewed pressure on off-grid households already facing high levels of fuel poverty, and calls on the UK Government to introduce a renewed targeted support scheme for households reliant on heating oil and other alternative fuels.

That the Parliament congratulates East Lothian on achieving the second-highest positive destination rate in Scotland for school leavers; notes that 97.9% of young people in East Lothian were recorded as entering a positive destination, including work, further or higher education, training, personal skills development or voluntary work, following completion of publicly-funded secondary school education; understands that this places East Lothian above the national average of 95.7% and reflects a continued trend of improvement in outcomes for young people across the area; notes that the gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived communities has narrowed to 0.04 percentage points, demonstrating significant progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap; acknowledges the work of teachers, support staff, education partners, employers and community organisations in supporting young people to reach their potential, and commends the young people of East Lothian for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the region’s success.

That the Parliament remembers Catherine Newman, North Lanarkshire Council’s representative from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum and Scottish Fair Trade; considers that Catherine was passionate about raising awareness of fair trade and dedicated her career to global justice and growing the Fair Trade movement in Scotland; commends Catherine for giving a platform to young campaigners by providing support with funding and resources for the Fair Trade Films made at New College Lanarkshire, and sends its condolences to Catherine's family and the fair trade community.

That the Parliament marks Purple Day, which will take place on 26 March 2026; recognises the 80,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy; affirms that access to any life-changing treatment for the condition is a right, not a privilege; commends the work of Epilepsy Scotland, and other charities, in supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy; honours the tireless campaigning of Lanarkshire families, including Lisa Quarrell on behalf of her son, Cole Thomson, whose journey with drug-resistant epilepsy has inspired many across Scotland, and Lindsey Greer Johnston, in memory of her daughter, Jessica, whose bravery in the face of loss continues to drive the fight for accountability and better care, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that the NHS is fully resourced to deliver world-class specialist services, ensuring that no family is left to struggle alone and that every person with epilepsy can live a full, safe and dignified life.

That the Parliament calls on the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee's successor body to consider banning the practice of the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) providing suggested questions for members in committee papers.

That the Parliament thanks the organisers of the Buckie Big Braw Brew, held at the Buckie British Legion, for delivering a welcoming and thoughtful community event that encouraged local people to share their hopes and priorities for Buckie; recognises the innovative and inclusive approach taken, providing an opportunity for residents to give feedback and share ideas about their community; commends Anne Bolton Braidwood for her work in organising the event; acknowledges the support of Age Scotland in sponsoring the event; notes the positive contribution made by partner organisations, including representatives from Age Scotland and the Cyber and Fraud Hub (Scotland), and recognises the Buckie Big Braw Brew as an excellent example of community engagement, bringing people together over conversation, connection and shared ideas for the future of their town.

That the Parliament commends Cameron McIntosh, of Dundonald, for his inspiring acts of kindness and strength; recognises the challenges that he has faced as someone with Asperger syndrome and dyspraxia; notes the passion that he has for helping in his local community, despite facing misunderstanding and unkindness from others; commends his longstanding volunteer work, which includes litter picking, gritting pavements and shopping for older people; notes his recent charity fundraising from washing cars; acknowledges that his actions are a quiet, constant reminder that kindness can truly change lives, and encourages the people of Scotland to be more like Cameron and greet life with the same compassion and an unwavering smile.

That the Parliament congratulates Malcolm Kirby on being awarded an MBE for 60 years of service to the hospital radio station, Red Dot Radio, based at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh; notes that Malcolm has been at the heart of this dedicated volunteer team who do their very best to put smiles on faces at what can be a daunting time for many; understands that it was whilst studying electrical engineering at Heriot-Watt University in the late 1960’s that Malcolm joined Red Dot Radio, at that time based in Hanover Street, after being introduced by a friend from the student television society; further understands that the station has been subject to a few moves since that time, first to the old Royal Infirmary next to the clock tower, then to a portable cabin at the Royal Victoria Hospital and when that closed to its current space at the Western General Hospital where it airs patient song requests in a two hour show each night seven days a week; acknowledges that whilst Malcolm involves himself in the technical side of the station, he still finds time to go round the wards and host a show every week; commends Malcolm and the volunteer team at Red Dot Radio on their interaction with the hospital patients and whose families are so grateful to them for their efforts, and wishes Malcom continued success at the station for many more years to come.