That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the findings of the year-long research study by University of Glasgow, Robert Burns in the Scottish Economy, which has been led by Professor Murray Pittock of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies; notes that it found that Burns generates over £200 million a year for the economy and that his brand is worth nearly £140 million; believes that this news is timely, coming just ahead of the annual birthday celebrations for the Bard on 25 January 2020, when people recognise what is considered to be his genius as a poet, his passion for Scots language and culture and his commitment to humanitarian values; understands that the research, which was funded by the Scottish Government’s Economic Development Directorate, is the most comprehensive such analysis to date and was commissioned after a parliamentary debate in January 2018 that discussed the economic potential of Burns; notes that the economic sectors reported to benefit from Burns include food and drink, retail, hospitality and tourism, while his international brand helps develop business and trade relationships, but acknowledges that the study argues that much more can be done and notes its recommendations, which include the need for further plans to promote Burns at home and abroad, recognition of the Robert Burns World Federation, supporting teaching about the Bard in schools, in light of the view that current pupils will be the next generation to sell him to the world, improving signage and infrastructure to enhance access to Burns’ sites across the South Scotland region, profiling his core appeal to visitors to Dumfries and Galloway and updating the approach for Ayrshire, encouraging regional economic partnerships, for the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency to work together with local government to improve data on Burns-motivated tourism, for greater alignment between food and drink and cultural tourism, improving the connectivity of Burns-related sites, using his potential to reinforce community wealth building, developing initiatives such as joint marketing and ticketing, embedding the story of Burns in the 2020 Year of Scotland's Coasts and Waters and the UNESCO biosphere and learning from Austria’s investment in Mozart-related cultural tourism; believes that there is no contradiction in valuing Burns as a great poet and using his legacy to support the economy, and considers that Burns, who it believes knew about the hardship of poverty, would welcome what it sees as such respectful initiatives to add to the prosperity of the people and places that he loved.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the findings of the year-long research study by University of Glasgow, Robert Burns in the Scottish Economy, which has been led by Professor Murray Pittock of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies; notes that it found that Burns generates over £200 million a year for the economy and that his brand is worth nearly £140 million; believes that this news is timely, coming just ahead of the annual birthday celebrations for the Bard on 25 January 2020, when people recognise what is considered to be his genius as a poet, his passion for Scots language and culture and his commitment to humanitarian values; understands that the research, which was funded by the Scottish Government’s Economic Development Directorate, is the most comprehensive such analysis to date and was commissioned after a parliamentary debate in January 2018 that discussed the economic potential of Burns; notes that the economic sectors reported to benefit from Burns include food and drink, retail, hospitality and tourism, while his international brand helps develop business and trade relationships, but acknowledges that the study argues that much more can be done and notes its recommendations, which include the need for further plans to promote Burns at home and abroad, recognition of the Robert Burns World Federation, supporting teaching about the Bard in schools, in light of the view that current pupils will be the next generation to sell him to the world, improving signage and infrastructure to enhance access to Burns’ sites across the South Scotland region, profiling his core appeal to visitors to Dumfries and Galloway and updating the approach for Ayrshire, encouraging regional economic partnerships, for the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency to work together with local government to improve data on Burns-motivated tourism, for greater alignment between food and drink and cultural tourism, improving the connectivity of Burns-related sites, using his potential to reinforce community wealth building, developing initiatives such as joint marketing and ticketing, embedding the story of Burns in the 2020 Year of Scotland's Coasts and Waters and the UNESCO biosphere and learning from Austria’s investment in Mozart-related cultural tourism; believes that there is no contradiction in valuing Burns as a great poet and using his legacy to support the economy, and considers that Burns, who it believes knew about the hardship of poverty, would welcome what it sees as such respectful initiatives to add to the prosperity of the people and places that he loved.
Supported by: James Dornan, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Colin Smyth, Murdo Fraser, Stewart Stevenson, Alasdair Allan, Maureen Watt, Annabelle Ewing, David Torrance, Sandra White, Mark McDonald, Finlay Carson, Alex Neil, Gil Paterson, Neil Findlay, Oliver Mundell, Jenny Gilruth, Tom Arthur, Willie Coffey, Alex Rowley, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 21/01/2020
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That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway College on winning an SQA Star Award in the partnership category; applauds the ongoing partnership between the college and The Usual Place, a community café in Dumfries, which has helped many students with additional support needs gain access to qualifications leading to employment, further training and mainstream further education; recognises that the SQA Star Awards highlight achievements made by colleges, staff, businesses and others in helping students gain qualifications; commends Dumfries and Galloway College for its ongoing commitment to working in partnership with organisations and individuals across the South of Scotland in order to ensure that the region has the skills, education and talent it needs to thrive, and wishes all students, staff and others involved in the Dumfries and Galloway College and The Usual Place partnership the very best for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway College on winning an SQA Star Award in the partnership category; applauds the ongoing partnership between the college and The Usual Place, a community café in Dumfries, which has helped many students with additional support needs gain access to qualifications leading to employment, further training and mainstream further education; recognises that the SQA Star Awards highlight achievements made by colleges, staff, businesses and others in helping students gain qualifications; commends Dumfries and Galloway College for its ongoing commitment to working in partnership with organisations and individuals across the South of Scotland in order to ensure that the region has the skills, education and talent it needs to thrive, and wishes all students, staff and others involved in the Dumfries and Galloway College and The Usual Place partnership the very best for the future.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Jenny Gilruth, Finlay Carson, Gil Paterson, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Emma Harper, Tom Arthur, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
Current Status: Fallen on 23/01/2020
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That the Parliament commends the Scottish egg sector for providing the population with a highly nutritious food at an affordable price, while maintaining exacting standards of animal health and welfare; notes reports that the UK Government intends to strike free trade agreements (FTA) with the EU and countries around the world after Brexit; understands with concern that the UK Government has not legislated to protect these standards in future FTA negotiations, and acknowledges the view that the only way to prevent Scottish egg farmers, including those in the South Scotland region, from being undermined by imports from countries where animal welfare and environmental legislation is considerably lower than either the UK or the EU, or is non-existent, is to maintain tariffs on egg and egg product imports from outside the EU.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the Scottish egg sector for providing the population with a highly nutritious food at an affordable price, while maintaining exacting standards of animal health and welfare; notes reports that the UK Government intends to strike free trade agreements (FTA) with the EU and countries around the world after Brexit; understands with concern that the UK Government has not legislated to protect these standards in future FTA negotiations, and acknowledges the view that the only way to prevent Scottish egg farmers, including those in the South Scotland region, from being undermined by imports from countries where animal welfare and environmental legislation is considerably lower than either the UK or the EU, or is non-existent, is to maintain tariffs on egg and egg product imports from outside the EU.
Supported by: Rona Mackay, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Jenny Gilruth, Gil Paterson, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Emma Harper, Alex Rowley, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Alasdair Allan, Clare Adamson
Current Status: Fallen on 13/03/2020
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That the Parliament notes the conclusions and recommendations in the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee’s 2nd Report 2019 (Session 5), The Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building: The loss of a national treasure (SP Paper 487).
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the conclusions and recommendations in the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee’s 2nd Report 2019 (Session 5), The Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building: The loss of a national treasure (SP Paper 487).
Supported by: Claire Baker
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 30/10/2019
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That the Parliament congratulates South Scotland food and drink suppliers, Border Biscuits, Brown Brothers and Thistly Cross Cider, for participating in the ASDA Scottish Supplier Development Academy 2019; acknowledges that the Academy, which is supported by Scotland Food and Drink and the Scottish Government, aims to help the country's food and drink businesses grow by providing advice regarding supermarket trading disciplines; understands that, over the years, 53 businesses have benefited from the Academy, with some increasing their sales by more than 300%, and wishes Border Biscuits, Brown Brothers and Thistly Cross Cider and all of the other participants well.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates South Scotland food and drink suppliers, Border Biscuits, Brown Brothers and Thistly Cross Cider, for participating in the ASDA Scottish Supplier Development Academy 2019; acknowledges that the Academy, which is supported by Scotland Food and Drink and the Scottish Government, aims to help the country's food and drink businesses grow by providing advice regarding supermarket trading disciplines; understands that, over the years, 53 businesses have benefited from the Academy, with some increasing their sales by more than 300%, and wishes Border Biscuits, Brown Brothers and Thistly Cross Cider and all of the other participants well.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Emma Harper, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Maureen Watt, Tom Arthur, David Torrance, Gillian Martin, Richard Lyle
Current Status: Fallen on 27/11/2019
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That the Parliament congratulates the Dumfries Guild of Players on 60 years of ownership of the historic Theatre Royal in Dumfries, which was opened in 1792 and frequented by Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns; acknowledges that the group has undertaken extensive restorative work to return the premises to functional use as a working theatre for the local community, using funds awarded through Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and The Holywood Trust, and recognises the work that the theatre staff and volunteers do to engage with and support marginalised groups in the community with continued professional development through programmes such as the Arts Award scheme, which supports young people with learning disabilities to learn theatre craft.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Dumfries Guild of Players on 60 years of ownership of the historic Theatre Royal in Dumfries, which was opened in 1792 and frequented by Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns; acknowledges that the group has undertaken extensive restorative work to return the premises to functional use as a working theatre for the local community, using funds awarded through Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and The Holywood Trust, and recognises the work that the theatre staff and volunteers do to engage with and support marginalised groups in the community with continued professional development through programmes such as the Arts Award scheme, which supports young people with learning disabilities to learn theatre craft.
Supported by: Edward Mountain, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Clare Adamson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Angela Constance, Bill Kidd, Jenny Gilruth, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Fulton MacGregor, Gil Paterson, Gail Ross, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Colin Smyth, Emma Harper, Claudia Beamish, Oliver Mundell, Brian Whittle
Current Status: Fallen on 02/10/2019
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That the Parliament notes that 22 May 2019 is Face Equality Day; notes that this annual awareness day is organised by the charity, Changing Faces, which supports the estimated 1.3 million people in the UK who have a visible facial difference, such as a mark or scar, or that has been caused by a medical condition; understands that the awareness day aims to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of the appearance of their face or body; notes that, this year, it is focusing on adults with such differences and that Changing Faces is publishing the findings of research into its service users' experiences with employment, health and wellbeing, dating and relationships; acknowledges that the charity is seeking to raise awareness of the day with the hashtag, #FaceEqualityDay, and has been supporting schools by providing free activity packs with ideas of how to celebrate, fundraise and get involved, and commends Changing Faces on its work.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 22 May 2019 is Face Equality Day; notes that this annual awareness day is organised by the charity, Changing Faces, which supports the estimated 1.3 million people in the UK who have a visible facial difference, such as a mark or scar, or that has been caused by a medical condition; understands that the awareness day aims to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of the appearance of their face or body; notes that, this year, it is focusing on adults with such differences and that Changing Faces is publishing the findings of research into its service users' experiences with employment, health and wellbeing, dating and relationships; acknowledges that the charity is seeking to raise awareness of the day with the hashtag, #FaceEqualityDay, and has been supporting schools by providing free activity packs with ideas of how to celebrate, fundraise and get involved, and commends Changing Faces on its work.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Annie Wells, Murdo Fraser, Sandra White, Miles Briggs, Richard Lyle, Angela Constance, Liam Kerr, Stewart Stevenson, Kenneth Gibson, Mark McDonald, Monica Lennon, Maureen Watt, John Mason, Jenny Gilruth, Gillian Martin, Alison Harris, Fulton MacGregor, Neil Findlay, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Alex Rowley
Current Status: Fallen on 02/10/2019
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That the Parliament congratulates the Greystone Rovers Foundation on securing £139,453 in the latest round of Climate Challenge Fund grants, which distributed £3.3 million to projects across Scotland; notes that the funding will be used for sports and athletics projects for young people in Dumfries and Galloway; believes that this will benefit the health and wellbeing of young people across the region as well as reducing CO2 emissions; notes that Climate Challenge Fund grants are funded by the Scottish Government and are distributed by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and understands that this is the first grant from the fund to be awarded to a project in the south of Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Greystone Rovers Foundation on securing £139,453 in the latest round of Climate Challenge Fund grants, which distributed £3.3 million to projects across Scotland; notes that the funding will be used for sports and athletics projects for young people in Dumfries and Galloway; believes that this will benefit the health and wellbeing of young people across the region as well as reducing CO2 emissions; notes that Climate Challenge Fund grants are funded by the Scottish Government and are distributed by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and understands that this is the first grant from the fund to be awarded to a project in the south of Scotland.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Rona Mackay, Sandra White, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Jenny Gilruth, Kenneth Gibson, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Colin Smyth
Current Status: Fallen on 19/06/2019
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That the Parliament notes that 2019 marks the centenary of the birth of Hamish Henderson, who it considers was one of the most brilliant Scots of his age; acknowledges that he was a poet, scholar, songwriter, folklorist, a co-founder of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Scottish studies and the catalyst of Scotland’s post-war folk revival; notes that Hamish was born to a single mother in Blairgowrie on 11 November 1919, and went on to win a scholarship to study modern languages at Cambridge; understands that he helped smuggle Jews to safety from Nazi Germany while a visiting student in the 1930s; praises his distinguished service as an intelligence officer in the Second World War, when he oversaw the drafting of the Italian surrender order of Marshal Graziani; notes that Hamish translated the prison diaries of Antonio Gramsci; praises his poetry collection, Elegies For The Dead in Cyrenaica, which received the Somerset Maugham Award; notes that, after the war, Hamish taught with the Workers Educational Association, founded the Edinburgh People's Festival and began collecting and recording folk songs and stories from across the country, including South Scotland, which form part of the 9,000 field recordings at the School of Scottish Studies, where Hamish taught from 1951 to 1987; understands that he brought bearers of Scotland’s oral tradition, including travelling people such as Belle Stewart and Jeannie Robertson, to international attention; considers that Hamish wrote many beloved folk songs, including Freedom Come All Ye, John MacLean March and The 51st Highland Division’s Farewell to Sicily; remembers Hamish as an internationalist who campaigned for Scottish home rule, an end to apartheid in South Africa and nuclear disarmament; notes that he died in 2002 and is survived by his widow, Kätzel, and his daughters, Janet and Christine; understands that events are planned to mark his centenary, including in November at the Hamish Matters Festival in Blairgowrie and the Carrying Stream Festival at Edinburgh Folk Club, as well as in publications such as The Darg, a new anthology in tribute to Hamish by The Poets Republic Press; anticipates more events commemorating Hamish’s legacy throughout 2019, and believes that these are a fitting tribute to what it considers a visionary talent whose contribution to Scottish culture remains immense.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 2019 marks the centenary of the birth of Hamish Henderson, who it considers was one of the most brilliant Scots of his age; acknowledges that he was a poet, scholar, songwriter, folklorist, a co-founder of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Scottish studies and the catalyst of Scotland’s post-war folk revival; notes that Hamish was born to a single mother in Blairgowrie on 11 November 1919, and went on to win a scholarship to study modern languages at Cambridge; understands that he helped smuggle Jews to safety from Nazi Germany while a visiting student in the 1930s; praises his distinguished service as an intelligence officer in the Second World War, when he oversaw the drafting of the Italian surrender order of Marshal Graziani; notes that Hamish translated the prison diaries of Antonio Gramsci; praises his poetry collection, Elegies For The Dead in Cyrenaica, which received the Somerset Maugham Award; notes that, after the war, Hamish taught with the Workers Educational Association, founded the Edinburgh People's Festival and began collecting and recording folk songs and stories from across the country, including South Scotland, which form part of the 9,000 field recordings at the School of Scottish Studies, where Hamish taught from 1951 to 1987; understands that he brought bearers of Scotland’s oral tradition, including travelling people such as Belle Stewart and Jeannie Robertson, to international attention; considers that Hamish wrote many beloved folk songs, including Freedom Come All Ye, John MacLean March and The 51st Highland Division’s Farewell to Sicily; remembers Hamish as an internationalist who campaigned for Scottish home rule, an end to apartheid in South Africa and nuclear disarmament; notes that he died in 2002 and is survived by his widow, Kätzel, and his daughters, Janet and Christine; understands that events are planned to mark his centenary, including in November at the Hamish Matters Festival in Blairgowrie and the Carrying Stream Festival at Edinburgh Folk Club, as well as in publications such as The Darg, a new anthology in tribute to Hamish by The Poets Republic Press; anticipates more events commemorating Hamish’s legacy throughout 2019, and believes that these are a fitting tribute to what it considers a visionary talent whose contribution to Scottish culture remains immense.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Alex Neil, Neil Findlay, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Gillian Martin, Sandra White, Ruth Maguire, Annabelle Ewing, Jenny Gilruth, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Ross Greer, Clare Adamson, Angela Constance, Maureen Watt, Tom Arthur, Claire Baker, Gil Paterson, Gail Ross, Emma Harper, John Mason, Alexander Stewart, Elaine Smith
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 03/09/2019
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That the Parliament congratulates the Moniaive Initiative on its success on being awarded £56,691 in the latest round of Scottish Land Fund awards, which distributed £700,000 to support communities to buy land and buildings; notes that the award will be used to purchase a commercial unit on Moniaive High Street and that this will be converted into a charity shop, information point, office space and multi-purpose accommodation for a variety of local clubs and organisations; further notes that the Scottish Land Fund, funded by the Scottish Government, provides grants of up to £1 million and practical support to encourage community ownership; wishes the Moniaive Initiative well in its transformation of the property; believes that this will further enhance the attractiveness of a vibrant rural village and cultural centre, and encourages other communities in South Scotland to explore empowerment opportunities with the Scottish Land Fund.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Moniaive Initiative on its success on being awarded £56,691 in the latest round of Scottish Land Fund awards, which distributed £700,000 to support communities to buy land and buildings; notes that the award will be used to purchase a commercial unit on Moniaive High Street and that this will be converted into a charity shop, information point, office space and multi-purpose accommodation for a variety of local clubs and organisations; further notes that the Scottish Land Fund, funded by the Scottish Government, provides grants of up to £1 million and practical support to encourage community ownership; wishes the Moniaive Initiative well in its transformation of the property; believes that this will further enhance the attractiveness of a vibrant rural village and cultural centre, and encourages other communities in South Scotland to explore empowerment opportunities with the Scottish Land Fund.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Emma Harper, Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, Gillian Martin, Colin Smyth, Angela Constance, Jenny Gilruth, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Clare Adamson
Current Status: Fallen on 09/05/2019
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