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That the Parliament is concerned that the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), used by energy suppliers for some electricity meters, particularly in island and rural areas, to control heating and hot water systems, is set to end on 30 June 2025, with tens of thousands of customers across Scotland reportedly expected to be impacted as they are yet to have their RTS meter exchanged; understands that, in areas such as the Highlands and Islands region and other parts of rural Scotland, many households are still waiting for a meter exchange and that, as of the end of April 2025, Shetland still had 4,490 meters to be exchanged ahead of the deadline; further understands that energy companies are not replacing meters at the pace required before the deadline; considers that large areas of Scotland face technical issues with connecting smart meters and a lack of engineers; notes the view that functioning heating and hot water systems are fundamental to an adequate standard of living and that changes to metering technology should not leave households, particularly those in island and rural communities, financially worse off than they are on their current tariff, or facing the possibility of losing heating and hot water after the switch-off of the RTS signal; further notes the calls on local resilience partnerships to ready themselves for the potential adverse outcomes of the RTS switch-off, which may include thousands of homes being left without heating and hot water, and notes the calls to plug the gaps in smart meter coverage to ensure that rural areas are not disadvantaged due to their poor connectivity.

That the Parliament welcomes the work of all involved in presenting the production of Drookit! by the author, Susi Briggs, and musical director, Alan McClure, at the Theatre Royal, Dumfries; notes that it was inspired by a story on Oor Wee Podcast, which was created by Susi and Alan; acknowledges Susi’s previous term as the Galloway Scots Scriever and what it sees as her formidable body of work in the Scots language, including her children’s books, poetry and musical performances; notes that the performance is part of the award-winning theatre company, Braw Clan, and its Unlocking Scots programme; celebrates the leading role played by Braw Clan in helping stage and promote Scots language live theatre and performance; acknowledges the support of Creative Scotland in making the production possible, and welcomes the continued efforts of many to promote the status and normality of the Scots language in culture and society, including across the South Scotland region.

That the Parliament congratulates the Balcary Ward, which is the intensive psychiatric care unit (IPCU) at Midpark Hospital in Dumfries, on being shortlisted for the Mental Health Nursing awards in the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025; understands that the nominations highlight the exceptional and person-centred care that the ward provides to individuals who are facing complex and acute mental health challenges; notes that the team has been praised for its holistic approach in supporting and caring for vulnerable individuals; understands that a collaborative practice is used, which also demonstrates the daily dedication of nursing staff; recognises that the awards are now in their second year and believes that they celebrate the very best in Scottish nursing, where nursing practice is shown to deliver compassion, innovation and excellence; commends the commitment from the team at Balcary Ward, and wishes senior charge Alistair Carlyle and his team all the very best in the finals on 12 June at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

That the Parliament expresses serious concern that Maggie Chapman has retained her position as deputy convener, and member, of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee after she referred to "bigotry, prejudice and hatred" coming from the Supreme Court, following its judgment in relation to For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers; believes that these comments were an attack on the rule of law; notes that the Faculty of Advocates has said that Maggie Chapman’s remarks were “an egregious breach” of her duties to “uphold the continued independence of the judiciary”; further notes reports that Maggie Chapman has declined to apologise for her remarks or to withdraw them, and believes that public trust and confidence in the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have been badly damaged as a result. 

That the Parliament thanks Major General Seymour Monro CBE LVO for his service to the people and communities of Moray, after stepping down from the role as Lord-Lieutenant of Moray on his 75th birthday on 7 May 2025; notes that Major General Monro was appointed by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 29 January 2020 to the role of Lord-Lieutenant; further notes that his time as Moray's Lord-Lieutenant started during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led Major General Monro to work closely with the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire to establish the Moray Emergency Relief Fund, which provided crucial financial support to those in the community experiencing severe hardship, illness or poverty as a result of the pandemic; understands that, during his tenure, he led Moray through significant national events, including The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the Proclamation and Coronation of King Charles III; notes that, as Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Monro introduced the Moray Badge Platinum Jubilee initiative to encourage young people to participate in, and enjoy, outdoor activities and develop their own strengths, which had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing, as well as on learning in the classroom; recognises that Major General Monro has championed Moray in every aspect of his role, and has been instrumental in significant events, including the Boys’ Brigade baton relay celebrating its 140-year anniversary, encouraging the inclusion of local pipe bands in a tuition scheme in Moray schools, and overseeing the creation of the Moray flag, a symbol of the community now flown across Moray and further afield; praises his annual organisation of commemoration events for Remembrance Sunday, his support for the local Armed Forces at Kinloss Barracks and RAF Lossiemouth, and his involvement in citizenship ceremonies; thanks his wife, Angela, for the support that she provided and the role that she played alongside Major General Monro, and his entire Lieutenancy team in Moray, and believes that his time as Lord-Lieutenant has been marked by dedication, compassion and unwavering support for Moray, which it considers has been hugely appreciated by everyone in the area.

That the Parliament congratulates Kilmarnock Football Club’s Under-18 team on winning the Scottish Youth Cup Final at Hampden Park, defeating an excellent Dundee team 2-0, with goals from Duncan Barlow and Reuben Cooper; notes that Killie scored 27 goals in the tournament, including an 11-0 victory against Deveronvale; congratulates Chris Burke and the staff on their professionalism and dedication to the squad; congratulates the young Killie squad of Brown, Burgess, Bowie, Spence, Barlow, Traynor, Brannan, Cooper, Allan, Marchant, Burke, Mullen, Gilmour, Davis, Eaglesham, Law, Duruh and McKeown for their efforts, and wishes all the boys from both clubs every success in their future football careers.

That the Parliament commends the Fraserburgh Harbour Masterplan; believes that it has the potential to create sustainable economic growth through diversifying the harbour business model to incorporate floating offshore wind, increased vessel repair and maintenance business, and by attracting more commercial cruise opportunities; recognises the opportunity for Fraserburgh’s supply chain to apply existing skills to the renewables sector; believes that suitable port and harbour facilities, which support the operations and maintenance phase of offshore wind will be essential; acknowledges the new long-term employment that the masterplan could provide, including for school leavers and graduates; believes that Fraserburgh’s foundational fishing industry will be safeguarded; understands that the project’s dry dock will allow Scotland to once again undertake work in repair and maintenance for pelagic fishing vessels, contributing to economic growth, and believes that the masterplan is a transformative development for Fraserburgh and the surrounding areas, and will help the Harbour to thrive for decades to come.

That the Parliament congratulates the recipients of the 2025 North Star Business Awards; commends JCE Energy, based in Blackburn, on winning the Inspiration for Innovation award; congratulates States Group, based in Kintore, on receiving the Going Global award; applauds The Fife Arms, in Ballater, for obtaining the Staff Matters award; celebrates the Russell Anderson Foundation, from Westhill, in achieving the Inspiring Futures award; recognises what it sees as the positive impact that these businesses have had on the north east economy; acknowledges their roles in driving international growth, fostering innovation, cultivating supportive work environments, and serving as a source of inspiration; commends these businesses, and wishes them the best as they continue their work to supply high-quality goods and services.

That the Parliament recognises the efforts of the participants and organisers of the Helensburgh and Lomond Kiltwalk 2025, which saw 19,000 walkers raise millions of pounds for over 1,100 Scottish charities and create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk; acknowledges the significance of the event, particularly in Helensburgh, where local residents walked for causes like Beatson Cancer Charity; commends the dedication of Helensburgh-based organisations like Jean's Bothy and Lomond Radio in supporting mental health and wellbeing; notes the participation of public figures, further highlighting the event's importance and reach, and wishes continued success for future Kiltwalk events in Helensburgh, benefiting local charities and fostering community spirit.

That the Parliament recognises the efforts of young dancers from April's Street Feet in Dalmuir, Clydebank, who travelled 5,000 miles to Los Angeles to perform on iconic stages; notes the significance of this trip, which provided 40 youngsters with the opportunity to participate in workshops and performances at renowned venues such as Millennium Dance Studios and Hollywood Boulevard; commends the dedication and hard work of the dancers, who have already achieved success in Worlds, British and Scottish competitions; appreciates the leadership of April McLafferty, founder of the dance school; recognises the support from the local community and the fundraising efforts that made this journey possible; acknowledges the importance of such opportunities in inspiring and empowering young people from Clydebank and surrounding areas, and wishes continued success for April's Street Feet in its future endeavours, both locally and internationally.