Chamber and committees

That the Parliament congratulates one of Moray’s best-known business leaders, Sir Jim Walker, on receiving the 2024 Wallace Award from the American Scottish Foundation in recognition of Walker’s Shortbread’s role in strengthening transatlantic ties; notes that the firm first began exporting to the USA almost 50 years ago and understands that Walker’s Shortbread is now sold in all 50 states; recognises that Walker’s Shortbread has been produced in Moray for more than 125 years; understands that the Wallace Award was established in 1970 to recognise extraordinary individuals of Scottish descent who have made a difference in the world, with the citation recognising Sir Jim Walker’s contributions to transatlantic relations and the influence he has had on the world of food and drink, and believes that Sir Jim Walker is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

That the Parliament congratulates DR Inclusive Fitness and Wellbeing on the opening of Scotland’s first golf training centre dedicated to supporting disabled people; understands that the facility, located just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, offers specialist equipment, including the ParaGolfer All-Terrain Wheelchair, and expert instructors to enable disabled people to try out and develop their golf skills; further understands that disabled adults are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive despite the majority expressing a desire to become more active; recognises the centre’s potential to promote inclusivity and improve physical and mental wellbeing through golf, Scotland’s national sport; commends the collaborative support provided by Scottish Golf, The Golf Trust, Craigielaw Golf Club, and Loretto School Golf Academy in establishing the centre, and wishes owner, Dale Robertson, trainer, Ross Millar, and their team every success in their efforts to make golf accessible for all.

That the Parliament congratulates Nooks and Crannies, a coffee shop in Fraserburgh, on receiving the prestigious Good Food Award Gold Seal for 2024-25, and understands that this recognition highlights the dedication and passion of the Nooks and Crannies team, which has established the café as a beloved local business and a significant contributor to Fraserburgh’s place on the food map of Scotland.

That the Parliament applauds Ayrshire College for winning the Health and Wellbeing Award at the 2024 CDN College Awards; understands that the event celebrates the successes of Scotland’s colleges, its staff, and its pupils; recognises that Ayrshire College won the award for its Building Future Pathways Course in Hairdressing, Beauty, Complimentary Therapies, and Makeup Artistry; understands that the initiative targeted learners facing challenges such as low attendance and poor mental health and imbedded trauma-informed practice principles; further understands that the course ran for 14 weeks and supported learners as they recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; congratulates Ayrshire College for its success, and wishes staff and pupils the very best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates owner Eleanor Barron on celebrating 10 years in business at the Elba Artisan Gallery in Milngavie; notes that the gallery stocks unique gift items, many of which are sourced from local artists and crafters from around Scotland; understands that the gallery can showcase up to 100 artists’ work at any given time; acknowledges that the small business is part of the Milngavie Business Improvement District (BID) and works closely with the team to enhance the wider offering of the town centre, and wishes the business every success for the years ahead.

That the Parliament congratulates the community group, Buckie's Roots, on being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service; understands that this prestigious recognition is a testament to the group's dedicated work in the Buckie community; considers that the volunteers of Buckie's Roots have been instrumental in transforming public areas around the town of Buckie and maintaining these open spaces for the benefit of the whole community; believes that their commitment and hard work have not only improved the physical environment but have also promoted social, health and wellbeing activities, and built community spirit, inclusion and resilience, and extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who have made Buckie's Roots such a successful community organisation.

That the Parliament acknowledges the retirement of David Francis from his role as director of the Traditional Music Forum; recognises what it sees as his outstanding contribution to the promotion, preservation and development of Scotland’s traditional music scene and his tireless dedication to supporting traditional musicians, fostering creative partnerships and enhancing Scotland’s cultural heritage; believes that he played a pivotal role in championing the importance of traditional music as a vital part of Scotland’s national identity; extends its heartfelt best wishes to David for his well-deserved retirement, and hopes that his legacy of passion, advocacy, and dedication to Scotland’s traditional music will continue to inspire and shape the sector for many years to come.

That the Parliament congratulates Bonnybridge community group, ROOTS foodbank and community events team, on winning the Make A Difference In Your Community Award at the Central FM Local Hero Awards, which was held on 8 November 2024; understands that ROOTS is an independent foodbank run by volunteers serving the Bonnybridge, Denny and Banknock area of Falkirk district, and also provides free community events and engagement; notes that its work is aimed at helping to connect communities, tackle social isolation, promote wellbeing and inclusivity within the communities that it serves; recognises that, as part of its work, it runs the popular Happy Mondays lunch and social club where residents can have a cup of tea, something to eat and a blether for free, which, it understands, is aimed at improving the mental wellbeing of anyone who wishes to attend; congratulates ROOTS foodbank and community events team and all of its volunteers for all the work that they do, which has led to winning a Local Hero Award from Central FM, and wishes it well for its endeavours in the Bonnybridge, Denny and Banknock communities.

That the Parliament agrees to the following revision to the programme of business for Thursday 21 November 2024—

after

followed by Stage 1 Debate: Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill

insert

followed by Financial Resolution: Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill

That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill, agrees to any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act.