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 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 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.

That the Parliament celebrates the exceptional dedication and achievements of Wendy Page, a long standing volunteer and fundraiser for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) in Fife; notes that Wendy has devoted many years to supporting the charity through an extraordinary range of community driven events, including organising craft fayres, leading the annual children’s Christmas party, and providing home-baked goods for the SCAA crew; understands that, through her tireless commitment and infectious enthusiasm, Wendy has raised more than £12,000 to support the life-saving work of Scotland’s air ambulance service; acknowledges that in 2024 she expanded her efforts even further by organising a Ceilidh alongside her craft fayre and Christmas party, strengthening community engagement while raising vital funds; recognises the admiration and gratitude expressed by colleagues, including the community fundraiser for Fife, who, it understands, describes Wendy as an incredible asset to SCAA and an inspiration to all who work with her, and commends Wendy for her unwavering generosity and community spirit.

That the Parliament congratulates Craig Robertson, an Asda worker from Robroyston, on his exceptional bravery in rushing into a burning house on Ryehill Road to rescue two newborn twins and their parents; notes that this courageous act took place immediately after his shift on 28 February 2026, and involved him and a neighbour using quick thinking, determination and available resources to bring the family to safety despite the dangers of smoke, flames, and structural hazards; recognises what it sees as the extraordinary presence of mind, courage, and selflessness demonstrated during a highly dangerous and stressful situation, which ensured that all occupants, including the infants, escaped without serious injury and were able to receive medical attention promptly; understands the profound impact such acts of heroism have on the local community, inspiring others and highlighting the importance of readiness, vigilance, and compassion in emergency situations; acknowledges the support and commendation from the local community, including the management and staff of Asda Robroyston, who, it understands, have expressed pride in Craig’s actions and emphasised the vital role that ordinary citizens can play in safeguarding life, and encourages recognition and celebration of such selfless contributions to public safety, as examples of civic duty and courage that strengthen the social fabric of Glasgow.