Chamber and committees

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 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 recognises the publication on 10 March 2026 of the pioneering study, Prospective evaluation of artificial intelligence integration into breast cancer screening in multiple workflow settings: the GEMINI study; further recognises that the study, which was led by the University of Aberdeen, was the UK’s first comprehensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in breast cancer screening to find that AI can increase breast cancer detection by 10.4%; notes that the use of AI was shown to decrease waiting times for patients following screening by 78%, as well as decrease workload for staff by more than 30%; understands that the study was undertaken by the University of Aberdeen in partnership with NHS Grampian and Kheiron Medical Technologies, with funding from the NHS AI in Health and Care Award, and further support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research; commends the authors of the study, including research fellow at the University of Aberdeen, Dr Clarisse de Vries, interdisciplinary institute director of health, nutrition, and wellbeing, Professor Lesley Anderson, and clinical director of breast screenings in the North East of Scotland, Professor Gerald Lip, along with the participants in the study, and hopes that their work can be used to save lives moving forward.

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 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 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 celebrates Village Halls Week 2026; understands that Village Halls Week runs from 16 to 22 March 2026 and is organised by Scottish Rural Action in partnership with Action with Communities in Rural England; notes the important role that village halls play in supporting the health and wellbeing of rural communities in Stirling and across Scotland; further notes that village halls host a whole range of activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing, including cultural and educational events and opportunities for exercising, crafting and socialising; understands that 88% of village halls are run by volunteers; commends these volunteers and all those involved in village halls for the vibrant spaces that they create; notes that, especially in rural areas, village halls host a range of lifeline services and help to improve access for many; understands that social isolation is considered to be a public health emergency that village halls are key in countering; notes that beyond their many day-to-day activities, village halls are key in the efforts to support communities through difficult events such as power outages, and thanks them for their agility and commitment to providing this support.