Chamber and committees

That the Parliament recognises Challenge Poverty Week 2026, which is coordinated by the Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s anti-poverty network, and runs from 5 to 11 October; understands that hundreds of organisations and communities across Scotland, including in the Glasgow region, are coming together during the week to challenge the causes and consequences of poverty and to demand action; expresses concern that almost a million people in Scotland, including one in five children, are living in poverty; believes that poverty and inequality are not inevitable, but are created and sustained by political and economic choices, and that different choices can build a society where everyone has the security and opportunities to live a good life; recognises that poverty is experienced unequally, with women, lone parents, disabled people and people from minority ethnic communities among those more likely to be affected; notes the view that tackling poverty requires action across the foundations of people’s lives, including a social security system that provides an adequate income, affordable energy, secure and fairly paid work, investment in children and young people and a properly funded third sector, and notes the calls for MSPs to support Challenge Poverty Week events and activities in their constituencies and communities, and to stand with people across the country in demanding a Scotland free from poverty.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that Mrs Murray's Home for Stray Dogs and Cats has begun work on new purpose-built kennels; notes that the charity, which is based in Seaton in Aberdeen Central, was founded in 1889 by Mrs Susan Murray, and has been providing refuge and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted animals in Aberdeen and the wider North East for 136 years, with up to 500 animals currently being rehomed annually; understands that Chap has been appointed as the main contractor for this new development, called the Big Build campaign, which will see the charity's ageing dog rehoming block replaced with 21 modern kennel units, including a dedicated maternity unit; further understands that the charity is calling on businesses and organisations across the North East to get behind the Big Build campaign and help support this important investment in the charity's future, with an aim of raising £500,000; believes the scale of this ambition highlights the important work carried out by general manager Marie Simpson and her team, and wishes the charity the best of luck in reaching its funding goal and successfully completing the Big Build project.

That the Parliament congratulates Robert Gordon University (RGU) on being shortlisted for University of the Year for The Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026; notes that RGU is the only Scottish university to make the shortlist; understands that RGU's submission for the shortlist showcased how teaching, research, innovation and civic engagement can work together to deliver benefits for students, employers and communities alike; notes that RGU has strengthened its research environment over the course of the past year with nine new Research and Innovation Centres, focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, health, sustainability, culture and future skills; believes that RGU's inclusion on this shortlist underlines the importance of its work-integrated approach to higher education, giving students the real-life working skills that they require to succeed in a modern work environment; further believes that principal and vice chancellor, Professor Steve Olivier, and all the staff and students at RGU should be rightly proud of this achievement, and wishes RGU all the very best when the final winners are announced in November.

That the Parliament welcomes Merchant Navy Day, which was marked on 3 September 2026; recognises that the day provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of the UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleets, past and present; remembers the 36,749 seafarers lost to enemy action during the Second World War when Nazi Germany attempted to blockade the British Isles to starve the nation into submission; notes that 3 September was selected for Merchant Navy Day as it marks the anniversary of the sinking of the Glasgow-based SS Athenia by a Nazi torpedo mere hours after the outbreak of war, leading to the tragic loss of 112 passengers and crew; recognises that merchant seafarers continue to play a vital role in sustaining the UK economy and food supply, with 95% of all trade and 45% of food imported via shipping; further recognises that the Merchant Navy once again has to contend with international conflict, with multiple key shipping lanes currently disrupted; commends the work of The Seafarers’ Charity and other organisations in raising awareness of the day and encouraging communities across Scotland to fly the Red Ensign as a visible symbol of support, and encourages people throughout Scotland to take a moment on Merchant Navy Day to honour the service and dedication of all merchant seafarers.

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report, A Funding Gap Analysis of Scotland’s University Sector, which was co-produced by Universities Scotland and the Scottish Government and led by Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli; notes with concern the finding that there is a £200 million funding gap and that the funding received by the university sector from both public and private sources is insufficient to sustain its core teaching and research activities; recognises that the report represents the first step in the co-design of a new framework for the financial sustainability and success of universities to 2045; understands that this report and the wider Future Framework process bring together the Scottish Government, universities, trade unions, student representatives, funding bodies and independent experts to consider the future of universities in Scotland, and encourages continued cross-party support for the Future Framework process through to the publication of its final report in early 2027 and implementation thereafter, to ensure both the success and financial sustainability of the sector.

That the Parliament commends the donation made by Enterprise Mobility toward the upkeep of the Fife Coastal Path; recognises that the global fleet brand donated £7,500 to Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT), which will help maintain the 117 mile path that is enjoyed by many hikers and dog walkers from Fife and by tourists from farther afield; notes that David Rodger, the company’s fleet strategy manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, made the donation after the company set aside a percentage of its profits for distribution by the Enterprise Foundation, which also provides valued opportunities for its team to use their volunteer days to help areas of need, including Dalbeath Marsh where they helped to restore habitats by removing invasive woody vegetation such as brambles, gorse and saplings, and further notes that donations and volunteering help FCCT to maintain and manage Fife’s special outdoor places, including its award-winning beaches, local nature reserves, Lomond Hills Regional Park, the Fife Coastal Path and the Fife Pilgrim Way.

That the Parliament celebrates the 20th edition of the Gillian Parsons Memorial Golf Day, which is held at Dunnikier Golf Club; notes that the event raises money for Maggie's Fife, which is situated on the grounds of Victoria Hospital; recognises the dedication of event founder Shona Hutchison and co-organiser Dave Foster, who have supported Maggie’s Fife since the event's inception in 2006; notes that the 2026 event raised £9,921, bringing the total amount raised over the 20 years to £160,000, with every penny going to the centre; further notes that 100 golfers participated in teams of four, taking part in a range of competitions and challenges along the way, including nearest-to-the-pin and beat-the-pro contests, with prizes awarded to the top three teams; understands that guests later enjoyed a two-course meal, raffle, live auction and prize presentation in the clubhouse; congratulates the winning team from Fife Golf Trust, comprising Chris Millar, James Leslie, Bryan Gibson and Grant Peden; believes that the real winner was Maggie's Fife, which will put all the money raised towards supporting people living with a cancer diagnosis, and thanks all those whose efforts have made the event such a success over the past 20 years, enjoyed by so many and a credit to the community.

That the Parliament congratulates Sobr, based on Thistle Street in Aberdeen, on its success at the 2026 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards; recognises that the bar, which opened in October 2025 and serves alcohol-free cocktails and drinks, was named Jump Ship Brewing Best Lo and No Destination; notes that the venue was praised for its commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive hospitality experience, and proving that going alcohol-free does not mean missing out on the atmosphere, creativity and social side of a great night out; believes that founder Kate Kenyon and her team should be rightly proud of this success, and wishes them all the very best on their future endeavours.

That the Parliament notes with deep concern reports that a senior aide to Nigel Farage discussed ways of avoiding electoral law restrictions to secure a foreign donation of £500,000 for Reform UK; understands that the allegations arise from undercover filming conducted by Verbatim Investigations and subsequently broadcast by Channel 4; acknowledges that Reform UK denies any wrongdoing but that, following the broadcast, the party has launched an internal investigation and two senior figures have stepped down; notes reports that a former chief executive of the UK Electoral Commission, Bob Posner, has said that “serious criminal offences” may have been committed; remembers that Nigel Farage is currently under investigation by the UK Parliamentary Standards Commissioner over whether he should have declared a £5,000,000 personal gift; believes that electoral laws must always be respected to protect the pillars of democracy, and wishes Reform UK the very best at the opening day of its party conference.

That the Parliament notes the findings of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland's report, Thematic review of policing mental health in Scotland, which was published in October 2023 and reported that at least half of deployable frontline uniformed officers are regularly engaged in mental health-related calls, a single such call can engage two officers and a vehicle for a full shift and Police Scotland "is filling gaps in the health and social care system in Scotland"; further notes the evidence provided to the Criminal Justice Committee that mental health calls rose from just under 400 per day in 2018 to an average of 666 by the first quarter of 2024, that the officer time absorbed by mental health incidents in 2023-24 was equivalent to 612 full-time constables, which is more than the staffing complement of five local policing divisions, and that approximately 70% of such incidents occur at NHS hospitals; acknowledges the views of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents that present arrangements amount to "mission creep", and of the Scottish Police Federation that handover of mental health crises to the most appropriate service is at best delayed and at worst non-existent; considers that communities across Mid Scotland and Fife are best served by officers who are free to prevent and detect crime, and believes that an individual in mental health crisis is entitled to a response from health professionals with the training, powers and facilities to help them, rather than from the police.