Chamber and committees

That the Parliament agrees that Ivan McKee be appointed as a junior Scottish Minister.

That the Parliament agrees that Kate Forbes be appointed as a Scottish Minister.

That the Economy and Fair Work Committee recommends that the Tied Pubs (Scottish Arbitration Rules) Amendment Order 2024 [draft] be approved.

That the Parliament welcomes the return of Aberdeen's Umbrella Project, which will see canopies of colourful umbrella installations appearing across the city centre from the end of May to September 2024; understands that the project, which is a collaboration between Aberdeen Inspired and the ADHD Foundation, aims to raise awareness of the many conditions that fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia and Tourette's syndrome, which affect how one in five people process and interact with their environment and those around them; further understands that the project will launch on Shiprow on 18 May, with a host of local performers, including the Robert College Pipe Band, Citymoves Dance Agency, Danscentre, Music 4 U and the Castlegate Theatre Company, as well as Umbrella A Capella, an inclusive choir for neurodivergent individuals; understands that the project is supported by headline sponsors, Harbour Energy, as well as TMM Recruitment and CNR International, with support from local accessibility charity, WeToo!, to ensure that the launch event is fully accessible, and hopes that the project succeeds in increasing people's awareness of neurodiversity, and ultimately making Aberdeen a more neuroinclusive society to live and work in.

That the Economy and Fair Work Committee recommends that the Tied Pubs (Fees and Financial Penalties) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 [draft] be approved.

That the Economy and Fair Work Committee recommends that the Protected Trust Deeds (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 [draft] be approved.

That the Parliament warmly congratulates the Scotland women’s cricket team on securing a place in the forthcoming World Cup T20 finals; recognises what it sees as the outstanding performances with both bat and ball during the qualifying stages, and the dedication of the coaching staff to achieve this landmark for the Scotland women’s game, and wishes the team all the best for the World Cup finals in Bangladesh in October 2024.

That the Parliament is enthused by the news that the Cancer Research UK’s “Big Hike” initiative will take place in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park during May 2024 for the first time; understands that the event, which is set to happen on 18 May 2024 in order to raise money for life-saving research, is suitable for everyone from first-timers to regular ramblers or experienced hikers, with the one-day event offering half or full marathon distances; believes that people can choose to take part in a shorter 10k option with young people aged 12 and upwards; acknowledges that the event will begin in Callander and will then take in the spectacular views along the Rob Roy Way, past the Falls of Leny and along the banks of Loch Lubnaig; understands that all walkers will be supported along the way, with the route clearly signposted and volunteers on hand; believes that support points will also line the route, with snacks and drinks available and a hot meal at the finish; notes that participants will also receive a Big Hike finisher medal and will have their walking time recorded to recognise their achievement; believes that Cancer Research UK has teamed up with hiking experts to provide a comprehensive training plan, and that fundraising advice is also available to help people make every step count; considers that, during the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK has helped to double the cancer survival rate in the UK, and wishes everyone involved all the very best in their endeavours.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that Stirling Albion FC has been gifted a new defibrillator; understands that, as a result of this gift, fans, staff, players and volunteers at the club are to receive life-saving advice; acknowledges that St Andrew’s First Aid donated the life-saving device to the club and will also conduct first aid training sessions; considers that defibrillators such as this are a vital asset to the club and go hand-in-hand with first aid training, as well as St Andrew’s First Aid’s ongoing commitment to reducing the number of unnecessary deaths from cardiac arrest in Scotland; further considers that these training sessions are vital in the modern game so that club members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergencies; commends both St Andrew’s First Aid and Stirling Albion FC on their forward-thinking, and congratulates St Andrew’s First Aid on what it considers to be its highly magnanimous gift.

That the Parliament congratulates Daniel Rooney from Cambuslang on his performance unexpectedly supporting Take That at the Glasgow Hydro on 3 May 2024; understands that he has been acclaimed for stepping in at short notice to play at the concert without an opportunity for a rehearsal or sound check; acknowledges what it sees as the "life changing" opportunity that this has afforded him to advance his musical career, and wishes him the very best of luck in his future success as an entertainer.