Seòmar agus comataidhean

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the essential role of renewable energy in meeting Scotland’s net zero targets; acknowledges what it considers is the significant growth of onshore wind farms, transmission infrastructure and energy storage developments across rural Scotland, including in Dumfries and Galloway; notes the reported concerns raised by local communities regarding the cumulative impact of large-scale developments on landscapes, biodiversity and rural economies; understands that many of these developments are advanced through planning mechanisms that limit local authority capacity and community input, including applications under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989; notes the belief that a balanced approach is needed that supports Scotland’s climate ambitions while ensuring that rural communities are active partners in shaping the future of their regions; further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to publish a clear and inclusive national energy strategy that provides guidance on cumulative impact, community benefit and transmission infrastructure, and notes the calls for reform of the planning system to strengthen transparency, local engagement and democratic accountability in energy infrastructure decisions, which ensures that all parts of Scotland benefit fairly and sustainably from the transition to net zero.

That the Parliament congratulates Eilean Dubh care home in Fortrose on being named Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland at the 2025 Caring UK Awards; notes that the awards recognise excellence across the care sector and the positive impact care teams make on residents and their communities; acknowledges that Eilean Dubh, operated by Parklands Care Homes, was recognised for its creative approach to resident wellbeing and its strong community links, including award-winning gardening projects, fashion and talent shows, fundraising and involvement in the Highland Hospice HeArt trail; notes that the home, which opened in 2021 and will celebrate its fifth anniversary next spring, provides nursing and residential care for up to 40 older people and holds a grade 5, very good, rating from the Care Inspectorate, and wishes the whole team at Eilean Dubh continued success.

That the Parliament congratulates Sandie Peggie on winning the harassment element of her employment tribunal against NHS Fife; notes that the tribunal ruled that the NHS board had harassed Ms Peggie by failing to revoke transgender medic Dr Beth Upton’s permission to use the female changing facilities until different rota arrangements were in place at the emergency department at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy; further notes that the ruling also found that NHS Fife had taken an "unreasonable length of time" to investigate the patient safety claims made against Ms Peggie; believes that the conduct of NHS Fife towards its employee throughout this process has been unacceptable, and that the senior leadership has lost public confidence, and further believes that the Scottish Government now needs to provide new leadership at NHS Fife as a matter of urgency.

That the Parliament congratulates Matteo McLeod attending Falkland House School in Fife on winning the WKA Cadet Kickboxing 5 Nations Title at The Change Centre in Dundee; understands that this title is in addition to Matteo’s recent achievements, including winning Gold, Silver and Bronze at the UNIFIED World Championships, Carrara-Italy, in October 2025, three-times World Champion for Light Contact Kickboxing 13 years M 44.9-50.0kg, Light Continuous 12-13 years M 45.1-50.0kg, and Low Kick Light 12-13 years M -52.0kg, bringing home three Gold, two Silver and a Bronze; believes that, despite facing challenges, Matteo has displayed resilience, hard work, commitment and determination and understands that he is very grateful to his instructor, Paul Kean, at Skyaxe Boxing Club, Dundee, and also his team mates, family, school, local community and sponsors for all their valuable support and encouragement, and extends its very best wishes to Matteo for continued success in the future. 

That the Parliament notes with great sadness the passing of Robin Laing, renowned songwriter and Whisky Bard; recognises his long-standing friendship with and contribution to the Scottish Malt Whisky Society, noting that he was an integral part of the Society since its early days, performing his whisky songs and poetry at The Vaults in the early 1990s and joining the Society’s Tasting Panel almost 30 years ago; acknowledges that, through his wit, wisdom and creativity, he was responsible for many memorable bottle names and imaginative tasting notes cherished by whisky lovers across Scotland and beyond; further notes his role as a founder of The Lanarkshire Songwriters, a group he established to bring together writers of all genres and experience levels, and whose many recordings and performances reflect his enduring vision; recognises his recent involvement in Songs from the Grave, a collaboration between the Lanarkshire Songwriters and the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, giving voice to the stories of those buried in the former asylum grounds; expresses its deepest condolences to his family, as well as to his friends, colleagues, fellow musicians and admirers, and celebrates Robin’s extraordinary legacy as a songwriter, performer, poet, whisky ambassador and inspirational creative force whose contribution to Scotland’s cultural life will be profoundly missed.

That the Parliament celebrates the 41st staging of Highland Cross on 21 June 2025, which raised £358,443 for five Highland charities; understands that Highland Cross has raised £6.6 million since the first staging of the event in 1983, and that the charity aims to raise money for medical and social causes in the north of Scotland by holding an annual 50-mile duathlon from Kintail to Beauly; recognises this year’s five main beneficiaries, which are Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connexions, Gateway (Highland Homeless Trust), Rag, Tag and Textile, Skye and Lochalsh Mental Health Association and New Start Highland; applauds that every penny raised in sponsorship goes directly to the charities; notes that the top fundraising team this year, Hope, Pain and Glory, raised £8,235, and that the average raised by each team is over £1,200; thanks the "army" of volunteers and sponsors who make the running of the event possible; commends the fantastic achievement of all involved in organising, participating in, and supporting the race and its charities, and wishes for many more successful and enjoyable Highland Cross events in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates the city of Aberdeen on winning the Sultan Qaboos Sailing Trophy, following its hosting of the Tall Ships Races in July 2025; notes that the award, which was established in 2011, is given annually by Sail Training International on behalf of the Royal Navy of Oman, and is regarded as the most prestigious international trophy in sail training; understands that the Chair of Trustees at Sail Training International praised Aberdeen for setting a new benchmark with its hosting, which was said to have “changed lives”; recognises that 244 sail trainees from the north east took part in the event as crew onboard the vessels; believes that this award is a testament to the work of Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired in putting on such a successful event, and hopes that the Granite City welcomes the Tall Ships back in the near future.

That the Parliament congratulates the Ardrossan South Beach Community Space project, delivered by Ardrossan Community Development Trust, for its success in the improving Scotland’s places category of the prestigious 2025 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, which identify and celebrate best practice, innovation and achievement in interventions that improve Scottish communities; understands that the award was presented to the project by the Deputy First Minister at a ceremony on 4 December 2025; understands that the judges were hugely impressed with the transformation of the neglected and underused seafront area into a vibrant and well-maintained community-owned space that welcomes both locals and visitors; understands that the space is part of an improved seafront, which has already delivered physical, economic and social benefits that are a kick-starter for regeneration across the rest of the town, and wishes the project every success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Glasgow Girls Club on being named Arts Champion at the 2025 Glasgow Community Champion Awards; notes that the club was founded to provide arts, creative opportunities and social support to girls and young women facing adversity, helping them gain confidence, skills and a stronger sense of possibility; recognises what it sees as the power of community arts organisations to transform lives, especially for young people from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds; acknowledges how the club’s work supports inclusion, empowerment and the nurturing of talent, and recognises the vital role of such organisations in fostering hope, creativity and social mobility for young women across Glasgow.

That the Parliament supports the introduction of a guarantee that NHS patients will be able to see a GP within five working days.