Chamber and committees

As an amendment to motion S7M-00105 in the name of John Swinney (Ambitious for Scotland), insert at end "; believes that the most effective way in which to grow public support for Scottish independence and to meet the scale of the challenges currently facing Scotland is through more effective use of existing devolved powers; recognises that meeting the Scottish Government’s stated ambitions will require a significant escalation in action and ambition; notes that no one party holds a majority in the current parliamentary session, but that there is a clear majority for progressive values, and agrees that, if all progressive parties work constructively and collaboratively, Scotland can be a fairer, greener and kinder country where household costs are reduced, where wealth is distributed more equally and where climate and natural environment are protected.”

As an amendment to motion S7M-00105 in the name of John Swinney (Ambitious for Scotland), leave out from first "welcomes" to end and insert, "notes that the Scottish National Party’s stated objective prior to 7 May 2026 was to secure an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament elections in order to pursue independence, but that the party achieved fewer votes and seats than in the previous elections, whereas the Scottish Liberal Democrats achieved gains across Scotland from the Borders to the Highlands, and believes that the Scottish Government must now focus on fixing the NHS and care, helping people with the cost of living crisis, fixing the roads and the ferries and getting Scottish education back to its best, in order to deliver the change that Scotland deserves."

As an amendment to motion S7M-00105 in the name John Swinney (Ambitious for Scotland), leave out from “welcomes" to end and insert "recognises the need for bold and ambitious reform in Scotland following the Scottish General Election; acknowledges that the majority of people in Scotland want the Scottish Government to focus on the issues that impact their day-to-day lives; considers that the priority of the Scottish Government should therefore be to improve the NHS and public services, make life more affordable, support communities and high streets, grow a fair and prosperous economy, which tackles inequality, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed; believes that this ambitious future can and should be achieved through the devolved powers of the Parliament and rejects any attempt by the Scottish Government to delay this work by dedicating resources towards returning to divisive arguments of the past."

As an amendment to motion S7M-00105 in the name John Swinney (Ambitious for Scotland), leave out from “welcomes" to end and insert "believes that its seventh session should be focused exclusively on resolving the issues that matter to most people in Scotland, such as dealing with NHS waiting times, reversing Scotland’s falling educational standards, tackling the growing benefits bill and delivering value-for-money for Scotland's taxpayers; urges the Scottish Government to drop its demands to hold a second independence referendum, and calls for the Scottish Government to drop its position of a presumption against new oil and gas licences, as outlined in its Draft Energy Strategy published in the last session of the Parliament."

That the Parliament recognises and celebrates The Gralloch 2026, which was held from 15 to 17 May 2026; notes that it is Scotland’s premier gravel cycling festival and takes place in and around Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway; further notes that the event forms part of the prestigious UCI Gravel World Series and attracts international competitors alongside community participants; acknowledges the event’s setting in the outstanding natural environment of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere; commends the organisers, volunteers and local community for delivering a successful three-day festival of sport, culture and outdoor activity; recognises the significant economic benefits to the South of Scotland, including an estimated £2 million annual impact, and welcomes the continued growth of The Gralloch as a flagship sporting and tourism event that highlights Dumfries and Galloway as a world-class destination for cycling and outdoor recreation.

That the Parliament recognises the significant economic contribution made to East Lothian and Scotland by Torness Power Station, near Dunbar; notes that the station has paid out more than £1.18 billion in wages since 2007, supporting workers, families and the wider local economy; further notes that the site has contributed approximately £339 million in non-domestic rates to the Scottish Government; acknowledges that the station supports hundreds of skilled jobs, including around 550 full-time employees and over 180 contract partners; recognises the role that Torness has played since it began generating power in 1988 in providing reliable, low-carbon electricity; understands that the station is currently expected to close within the next few years, with decommissioning work continuing thereafter; commends the workforce, management and supply chain for their contribution to the region’s economy and energy security, and calls for continued support for workers, communities and local businesses as the site transitions towards decommissioning and Scotland towards a just energy future.

That the Parliament welcomes and recognises the successful staging of what it considers the UK’s premier gravel cycling festival, The Gralloch, which was held in Gatehouse of Fleet, Galloway, from 15 to 17 May 2026; notes that the event attracted more than 3,000 riders from 47 nations, including Australia, Argentina, Iceland and Bhutan, as well as thousands of spectators; further notes that the festival featured the GravelKing UCI Gravel World Series race, offering automatic qualification places for both the World and European Championships, alongside the 323-kilometre Genesis Ultra, presented by Maxxis, and a non-competitive sportive that allowed participants to experience the stunning landscape of Galloway Forest Park; considers that the festival placed south-west Scotland firmly on the global stage of world-class cycling while delivering a significant boost to the local economy; highlights that it was supported by a vibrant festival village showcasing live music, food and drink, including local produce and craft beer; recognises the unique energy and visibility generated by the event, which it believes will encourage repeat visits and deliver lasting benefits to the region; commends the organisers for their vision and commitment in bringing a world-class event to one of Scotland’s most scenic areas, and acknowledges the important role that the Scottish Government, local authorities and their agencies can play in supporting and promoting events of this kind, which bring significant economic benefit to rural communities while showcasing Scotland’s outstanding natural environment to an international audience.

That the Parliament congratulates Dalbeattie butcher, Scott Carson, for winning the regional championship of the Scottish Craft Butchers Beef Link Sausage Championship 2026; understands that Scott is reclaiming the title for the best beef bangers in the south west of Scotland; notes that he credits his success to his late grandfather’s recipe; acknowledges that Scott, who is the third generation of the Carson clan to be a butcher, first won the national championship in 2019 and believes this latest success is down to his continued use of the best quality ingredients; understands that he first learned to make the perfect banger from his father and grandfather, who taught him from a very early age, and wishes the business continued success in the coming years.

That the Parliament congratulates Jo Wright, a teacher at Hardgate Primary School in Dumfries and Galloway, on being named Eco-Coordinator of the Year at the 2026 Eco-Schools Scotland awards; recognises her outstanding leadership in embedding environmental education across the entire school community; notes her success in engaging fellow staff, local groups and the wider community in environmental initiatives; recognises her work to transform a previously underused woodland into a valued outdoor learning environment for pupils and residents, and thanks Jo for inspiring young people in Dumfries and Galloway to value, protect and enhance their natural environment.

That the Parliament congratulates Stacey Douglas and the team at Craig Vets on the practice’s official opening; understands that the new vet practice in Craigellachie will offer tailored services for pets, including out-of-hours care, a hydrotherapy treadmill and equine treatment rooms; recognises the high demand for out-of-hours veterinary care in Moray and the role that Craig Vets will play in delivering this essential service; understands that there was a huge turnout for the practice’s open day on 16 May 2026, and wishes Stacey, her team and her clients the very best as this new chapter of veterinary care in Speyside begins.