Chamber and committees

That the Parliament expresses its great sadness at the passing of John Hawgood on 6 March 2026; understands that John was a beloved figure within Orkney's rugby community, serving as President of the Orkney Rugby Football Club between 2009 and 2012; recognises that during his career, John represented The Army, the Civil Service XV, Hampshire, Bath, Moseley and Northampton Saints rugby squads; understands that John was known for being one of the first players to introduce the "round the corner" place kick, whereas previously, most kickers used toe-ended kicks for penalties; celebrates John’s wider sporting contribution as a member of the Dounby football and Orkney’s Cricket Club over many years, and offers its deepest condolences to John's wife Joy, his friends and family.

That the Parliament warmly welcomes the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or “festival of breaking the fast”, beginning on the evening of 20 March 2026; understands that Eid al-Fitr comes at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, a month of fasting, praying and self-reflection; recognises the focus on charity and giving throughout Ramadan, with acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, aimed at providing meals for those facing poverty and hardship; understands that the holiday is celebrated with friends and family over a period of three days, depending on the country and culture; notes that festivities involve wearing beautiful new outfits, preparing special foods and giving gifts to children; expresses its hope that Muslims worldwide are able to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in peace and security, and wishes the Muslim community in Scotland and around the world an Eid Mubarak.

That the Parliament recognises the vital work of trading standards officers in Scotland, particularly in tackling the supply of illegal tobacco from retail shops as part of Operation CeCe, a partnership with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); congratulates the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) on its coordination of this work and collaboration with HMRC in tackling the serious organised crime groups that it understands are involved in this illegal trade, which it considers blights Scotland's communities and increases the access to tobacco and the risks to health, safety and wellbeing for young people across the country; notes that, since 2020-21, this enforcement work has increased year on year and a total of five million illegal cigarettes and 1.2 tonnes of hand-rolling tobacco have been seized locally by council officers to date; commends the high public profile that has been achieved through local press reporting and filming with the BBC's Reporting Scotland, and looks forward to continued cross-party collaboration with SCOTSS in meeting future consumer protection challenges in Scotland.

That the Parliament congratulates Haydale Care Home on celebrating Down's Syndrome Awareness Week 2026 with its participation in Odd Socks Day; notes the creative and inclusive activities held at the care home, including arts and crafts sessions, themed discussions, and social gatherings designed to promote learning, understanding and connection among residents, staff, families and visitors; recognises the importance of raising awareness and fostering inclusion for people with Down's syndrome, highlighting the care home’s commitment to celebrating diversity and individuality; understands the positive impact of initiatives that encourage conversation, reflection and community involvement in supporting equality and wellbeing, and acknowledges the dedication of staff, coordinators, residents and families in ensuring that the values of kindness, awareness and inclusion extend beyond the week into everyday life, strengthening the wider community in Tollcross and Glasgow.

That the Parliament recognises Glasgow’s iconic Citizens Theatre, affectionately known as The Citz, for being honoured at the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, which was recorded in Manchester in January 2026; notes that executive director Kate Denby was recognised as a Local Theatre Hero for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the theatre’s work in the community, and that she was interviewed on stage by comedian Jason Manford and presenter Gaby Roslin before an audience of 12,000; further notes that the theatre has been a cornerstone of the Gorbals since 1945, and that its historic building, dating back to 1878, recently underwent a major redevelopment, reopening in August 2025 with a new foyer, upgraded social areas, enhanced accessibility and improved facilities for performers and creatives; acknowledges that since 1995, the Citizens Theatre has received over £11 million in National Lottery funding, supporting redevelopment, creative outreach, heritage programmes and initiatives to make theatre accessible to all; recognises the theatre’s ongoing commitment to educational and community engagement, including workshops, youth theatre projects and outreach programmes that provide opportunities for young people, local residents and diverse communities to participate in and experience the arts; notes that the theatre was featured as one of seven organisations in the National Lottery’s Because of You series, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, highlighting the positive impact of National Lottery funding on communities across the UK; further notes that the recognition and awards will be showcased on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show, providing a platform to share the story of the theatre’s creative work and its role in strengthening community engagement, and congratulates the Citizens Theatre, its staff, performers, volunteers and community partners on this well-deserved recognition and for their continuing commitment to fostering creativity, promoting inclusion and ensuring that theatre remains accessible and inspiring to audiences across Glasgow and beyond.

That the Parliament recognises the exceptional achievements of Glasgow-based ROAR Hair and Beauty, which on 17 March 2026 claimed two top titles at prestigious London industry awards ceremonies; notes that Brian "Leo" McCallum, the group’s creative director, was named UK Colour Expert at The Hair Awards, held at Sweeties at The Standard, London and sponsored by Revlon Professional, and that later the same day the ROAR team was awarded gold for Customer Service Salon at the Salon Business Awards, held at Sea Containers, also in London; further notes that these awards reflect both the individual skill of Mr McCallum and the collective expertise, creativity and dedication of the ROAR team; acknowledges the group’s history of excellence, including winning five major awards at last year’s Salon Awards, and its ongoing commitment to professional education and mentoring of emerging talent in the hair and beauty sector; recognises the contribution of ROAR Hair and Beauty to Glasgow’s national and international reputation as a centre of creative excellence, innovation and client-focused service within the UK hair and beauty industry; notes the strong loyalty of its client base across Glasgow and beyond, supported by consistently glowing five-star reviews that highlight the team’s attention to detail, expertise and welcoming approach, and congratulates all members of ROAR Hair and Beauty on their double London awards win and for bringing distinction and national acclaim to Glasgow’s beauty sector.

That the Parliament congratulates Mrs Maureen McMillan of St Quivox on 42 years in education; recognises that she has spent the last 40 years teaching at Hurlford Primary School; notes that she turned down the position of headteacher, believing firmly that her true calling was teaching children directly; further notes her professionalism, compassion and commitment to making school a memorable and enjoyable experience for pupils; acknowledges that her warmth, humour and willingness to go the extra mile have made her a cherished figure for both children and staff, and wishes her well in her forthcoming retirement and future endeavours.

That the Parliament congratulates Cuningar Loop parkrun, based in Rutherglen, on the first anniversary of it offering free, fun and friendly weekly 5k events to the community; understands that, in its first year, 5,485 participants completed 13,875 parkruns at Cuningar Loop, covering a total distance of 69,375km, with the help and support of 385 volunteers; recognises what it sees as the importance and value of parkrun events in bringing people together on a regular basis to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active by running, jogging, walking and volunteering together, and wishes the organisers and volunteers of Cuningar Loop parkrun all the best for its continued success.

That the Parliament commends the launch of the SafeMates programme in Glasgow by the British Red Cross; notes that this peer-led initiative is supported by £750,000 of Scottish Government funding through the CashBack for Communities Phase 7 scheme, and that it aims to train more than 1,000 young people across Scotland over the next three years; recognises the value of SafeMates in empowering young people to provide peer support, build confidence and develop resilience, particularly in addressing challenges such as anxiety, exam stress and mental health concerns; understands the importance of early intervention and community-based support in improving wellbeing outcomes for young people; acknowledges the positive impact that similar programmes have already had in supporting thousands of young people in community and educational settings, and commends the efforts of volunteers, staff and partners involved in delivering this initiative, which will help ensure that young people across Glasgow and beyond have access to compassionate, peer-led support and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

That the Parliament congratulates businesses across North East Fife that received 2026 Best Bar None awards, including the Jigger Inn, which achieved a platinum award, the Cross Keys in Cupar, the Whey Pat Tavern, Hams Hame Bar & Grill, the West Port Bar, the Road Hole Restaurant, the Greyfriars Inn and the Springfield Tavern, which all achieved gold awards, and the University of St Andrews Students Association, which achieved a silver award, and notes the work of Best Bar None Scotland in providing support and training to licensed premises, supporting improved standards and sustainability, promoting social responsibility and recognising success.