That the Parliament congratulates Annandale Distillery on its 2015 vintage, Man O’ Words, being named the Best Single Cask, Single Malt – 10 Years and Under by Jim Murray’s 2021 Whisky Bible; understands that this is the second year in succession that the unpeated expression has won this accolade; notes that the distillery was closed for nearly 90 years before David Thomson and Teresa Church fell in love with the derelict site and their vision to bring single malt whisky back into production in the southernmost part of the country was actualised; notes that, when it reopened, it was the only distillery in Dumfries and Galloway; understands that the significant feature of the plant is the twin spirit still concept that was developed by the late Dr Jim Swan, which increases the ratio of the surface area and of copper to the volume of liquid inside leading to increased purification of the spirit, creating an enjoyable whisky-drinking experience; congratulates the team on making excellent single malt, and wishes them all the best.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Annandale Distillery on its 2015 vintage, Man O’ Words, being named the Best Single Cask, Single Malt – 10 Years and Under by Jim Murray’s 2021 Whisky Bible; understands that this is the second year in succession that the unpeated expression has won this accolade; notes that the distillery was closed for nearly 90 years before David Thomson and Teresa Church fell in love with the derelict site and their vision to bring single malt whisky back into production in the southernmost part of the country was actualised; notes that, when it reopened, it was the only distillery in Dumfries and Galloway; understands that the significant feature of the plant is the twin spirit still concept that was developed by the late Dr Jim Swan, which increases the ratio of the surface area and of copper to the volume of liquid inside leading to increased purification of the spirit, creating an enjoyable whisky-drinking experience; congratulates the team on making excellent single malt, and wishes them all the best.
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That the Parliament welcomes the appointment of Sarah Gemmell as the new Epilepsy and Complex Needs Lead to NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Children’s Community Team; understands that this brings NHS Dumfries and Galloway in line with the rest of mainland Scotland, providing specialist paediatric epilepsy nursing support to the region; further understands that Epilepsy Scotland has been working together with families in Dumfries and Galloway and is supporting the costs of the nurse’s epilepsy specialist training to ensure children with epilepsy and complex needs receive specialist supervision; commends Sarah for taking up the much needed role and for her commitment to working with families, Epilepsy Scotland and specialist consultants; understands that Sarah has worked in acute paediatric nursing and is looking forward to providing practical and emotional support to children and families in Dumfries and Galloway, and wishes her the very best in her new role.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the appointment of Sarah Gemmell as the new Epilepsy and Complex Needs Lead to NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Children’s Community Team; understands that this brings NHS Dumfries and Galloway in line with the rest of mainland Scotland, providing specialist paediatric epilepsy nursing support to the region; further understands that Epilepsy Scotland has been working together with families in Dumfries and Galloway and is supporting the costs of the nurse’s epilepsy specialist training to ensure children with epilepsy and complex needs receive specialist supervision; commends Sarah for taking up the much needed role and for her commitment to working with families, Epilepsy Scotland and specialist consultants; understands that Sarah has worked in acute paediatric nursing and is looking forward to providing practical and emotional support to children and families in Dumfries and Galloway, and wishes her the very best in her new role.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Rona Mackay, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Gillian Martin, Sandra White, Fulton MacGregor
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That the Parliament congratulates Moffat Men’s Shed on opening its new premises in the Holm Estate on 7 September 2020; commends its members for working hard to prepare the space, during which nearly all of the internal construction was carried out by its members; notes that the new site boasts an impressive range of woodworking equipment, a welding area, a kitchen and space to socialise; commends the group on the important role that it plays in combatting loneliness and social isolation while promoting physical activity and skill learning; recognises that the group is particularly focussed on improving mental health in the context of the impact of the lockdown and the pandemic; commends its work on community projects; understands that, although the official opening has already taken place, the group will resume its activities when the COVID-19 restrictions allow; and wishes all at Moffat Men’s Shed the best with this new venture.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Moffat Men’s Shed on opening its new premises in the Holm Estate on 7 September 2020; commends its members for working hard to prepare the space, during which nearly all of the internal construction was carried out by its members; notes that the new site boasts an impressive range of woodworking equipment, a welding area, a kitchen and space to socialise; commends the group on the important role that it plays in combatting loneliness and social isolation while promoting physical activity and skill learning; recognises that the group is particularly focussed on improving mental health in the context of the impact of the lockdown and the pandemic; commends its work on community projects; understands that, although the official opening has already taken place, the group will resume its activities when the COVID-19 restrictions allow; and wishes all at Moffat Men’s Shed the best with this new venture.
Supported by: Fulton MacGregor
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That the Parliament welcomes the news that the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) is working together with the Scottish Government and Social Work Scotland to support the remobilisation of day services for adults with learning disabilities; notes that SCLD is asking for people to forward on their questions and concerns, which will be passed to the Scottish Government; further notes that the Scottish Government will consider developing guidance on the reopening of adult day services and encourages individuals and families with learning disabilities to feed into the information gathering process, and urges stakeholders to submit their views to SCLD by email to [email protected]
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the news that the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) is working together with the Scottish Government and Social Work Scotland to support the remobilisation of day services for adults with learning disabilities; notes that SCLD is asking for people to forward on their questions and concerns, which will be passed to the Scottish Government; further notes that the Scottish Government will consider developing guidance on the reopening of adult day services and encourages individuals and families with learning disabilities to feed into the information gathering process, and urges stakeholders to submit their views to SCLD by email to [email protected]
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Annabelle Ewing, Monica Lennon, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Alex Neil, Willie Coffey, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Mark McDonald, Clare Adamson, Alex Rowley, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament understands that the Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) has published guided self-help booklets to support people with learning disabilities; commends the SCLD and the University of Glasgow (UoG) for working together with colleagues at the universities of Lancaster and Warwick to provide this series of booklets, which can be used with support from family, friends and healthcare professionals; notes that the booklets aim to provide an opportunity to discuss and understand feelings and to enable the individual to make plans to ensure their wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak; notes that the booklets have been used as part of a national study and that people reported finding them helpful, and that they were linked to good outcomes; further notes that people with learning disabilities experience higher rates of mental health problems, which will be impacted by the disruption caused by COVID-19, and that these booklets are directed at people struggling with the current situation; thanks the SCLD, UoG and universities of Lancaster and Warwick for their contributions on providing these extremely valuable resources, which are available to everyone, free of charge, online or in booklet format, and urges anyone supporting individuals with learning disabilities to download the booklets directly from the SCLD website.
Current Status:
That the Parliament understands that the Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) has published guided self-help booklets to support people with learning disabilities; commends the SCLD and the University of Glasgow (UoG) for working together with colleagues at the universities of Lancaster and Warwick to provide this series of booklets, which can be used with support from family, friends and healthcare professionals; notes that the booklets aim to provide an opportunity to discuss and understand feelings and to enable the individual to make plans to ensure their wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak; notes that the booklets have been used as part of a national study and that people reported finding them helpful, and that they were linked to good outcomes; further notes that people with learning disabilities experience higher rates of mental health problems, which will be impacted by the disruption caused by COVID-19, and that these booklets are directed at people struggling with the current situation; thanks the SCLD, UoG and universities of Lancaster and Warwick for their contributions on providing these extremely valuable resources, which are available to everyone, free of charge, online or in booklet format, and urges anyone supporting individuals with learning disabilities to download the booklets directly from the SCLD website.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Alex Neil, Bill Kidd, Stewart Stevenson, Maureen Watt, David Torrance, Jeremy Balfour, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Gas on the volunteering partnership it is supporting with The Trussell Trust, which is helping vulnerable households across Scotland; understands that The Trussell Trust has lost three quarters of its usual volunteers because of the COVID-19 outbreak; acknowledges that volunteers from Scottish Gas are donating and collecting food items from supermarkets to supply The Trussell Trust's foodbanks and then delivering 14-day food parcels directly to vulnerable households; commends the more than 3,000 engineers from Scottish Gas from across Scotland for volunteering; understands that the partnership anticipates 50,000 deliveries each month; thanks the local engineers, Grieg Maxwell, Chris McLaughlin, Stephen Brogan and Gary Jamieson, for volunteering in Dumfries, and recognises that this partnership will allow many foodbanks to continue to operate effectively.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Gas on the volunteering partnership it is supporting with The Trussell Trust, which is helping vulnerable households across Scotland; understands that The Trussell Trust has lost three quarters of its usual volunteers because of the COVID-19 outbreak; acknowledges that volunteers from Scottish Gas are donating and collecting food items from supermarkets to supply The Trussell Trust's foodbanks and then delivering 14-day food parcels directly to vulnerable households; commends the more than 3,000 engineers from Scottish Gas from across Scotland for volunteering; understands that the partnership anticipates 50,000 deliveries each month; thanks the local engineers, Grieg Maxwell, Chris McLaughlin, Stephen Brogan and Gary Jamieson, for volunteering in Dumfries, and recognises that this partnership will allow many foodbanks to continue to operate effectively.
Supported by: Sandra White, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Emma Harper, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament recognises the vital role that unpaid carers fulfil within communities; notes that many carers are experiencing stress and worry, as well as practical challenges, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak; understands that calls to helplines have surged by 60%, putting charities such as Carers Scotland, and its sister organisations, under incredible pressure; recognises that, as carers deal with the impact of the pandemic on their caring responsibilities, they are turning to charities for advice on care and social distancing, resources for remote caring, and support with food and community services; welcomes, therefore, the £1 million donation from Scottish Gas and its owner, Centrica, which will help Carers Scotland, Carers Wales and Carers UK keep their helpline and email service running throughout the week so that they can provide lifeline support and advice to every carer that needs it, and notes that carers in need of advice during the COVID-19 outbreak can call the advice line on 0808 808 7777.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the vital role that unpaid carers fulfil within communities; notes that many carers are experiencing stress and worry, as well as practical challenges, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak; understands that calls to helplines have surged by 60%, putting charities such as Carers Scotland, and its sister organisations, under incredible pressure; recognises that, as carers deal with the impact of the pandemic on their caring responsibilities, they are turning to charities for advice on care and social distancing, resources for remote caring, and support with food and community services; welcomes, therefore, the £1 million donation from Scottish Gas and its owner, Centrica, which will help Carers Scotland, Carers Wales and Carers UK keep their helpline and email service running throughout the week so that they can provide lifeline support and advice to every carer that needs it, and notes that carers in need of advice during the COVID-19 outbreak can call the advice line on 0808 808 7777.
Supported by: Sandra White, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Emma Harper, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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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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