Seòmar agus comataidhean

That the Parliament recognises the recent Nature of Scotland Award for Innovation to the Common Ground Forum for its work addressing challenging conflicts and relationships in the deer management sector; welcomes that the forum has brought together stakeholders, including land managers and conservationists, to build consensus and common understanding; notes what it sees as the importance of effective deer management, both in achieving nature restoration and the viability of rural businesses in many parts of the country, including in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, and notes the view that all sides of the deer sector should continue to embed the Common Ground Forum's approach.

That the Parliament notes with concern the impact of increased employers national insurance contributions (ENIC) from 6 April 2025 across the Scottish economy and, specifically, the public and third sectors; understands that the Scottish Government estimates that the direct cost to the public sector at £549 million in 2025-26, excluding "on costs", such as rising procurement inflation, due to ENIC increases; believes that the impact on the third sector, universities and independent care providers will collectively be £210 million in 2025-26; acknowledges the Office for Budget Responsibility’s view that 75% of ENIC costs will fall on employee pay; believes that this will hit the lowest paid hardest, with 25% being paid for by reduced business investment; acknowledges that Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP confirmed on 7 November 2024 that "the UK Government will provide funding to the public sector to support with the additional costs associated with these changes", but that no confirmation of how much funding has yet been provided to the Scottish Government, and notes the view that the UK Government should fully fund the cost of ENIC increases on the Scottish public sector as promised, as well as the third sector, independent care providers and universities, to ensure no detriment to the people and communities of Cunninghame North and those across Scotland.

That the Parliament notes what it sees as the vital role that local libraries play in their communities, acting as central hubs for borrowing, learning, community engagement and sourcing advice and support; believes that the closure of libraries leaves communities without these vital services, and that this is particularly damaging for rural areas where libraries can be heavily relied on; considers that library closures have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including children, older residents and people with limited access to digital resources; notes the reported concerns raised by communities around the proposed closure of libraries across Scotland, including the threatened closure of those in the Perth and Kinross Council area; understands that local authorities have a legal obligation to provide public library services; believes that mobile libraries are often not suitable alternatives; considers that library services require adequate public funding to remain viable and have a critical role to play in achieving the Scottish Government’s priorities, including eradicating child poverty; believes that a closed library is unlikely to reopen, permanently limiting opportunities for the communities they once served, and notes the calls on the Scottish Government to help protect the future of Scotland’s libraries.

That the Parliament celebrates the upcoming opening of Louise’s Farm Kitchen’s farm shop and café at Deeside Activity Park in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, which is set to take place on 1 February 2025; understands that the business's journey began in 2015 and has grown over the last decade, holding pop-ups, catering weddings and events, and attending farmers' markets across the north east; recognises that Louise’s Farm Kitchen produces meat from farm to plate, with animals born and raised on the farm, and wishes it all the best with its new venture.

That the Parliament commends Scotland’s local newspapers for what it sees as their invaluable contribution to public life; acknowledges the work of local newspapers circulating in the north of Scotland for what it considers as their exemplary coverage of crucial local issues such as the dualling of the A96 and A9, and the ferry procurement programme, among other important local concerns, and affirms what it sees as the continuing importance of the contribution of the fourth estate to public life in Scotland.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that a man from Alloa, William Whyte, is to be honoured at the Palace of Westminster on 23 January 2025 with a British Citizen Award (BCA), the Medal of Honour, for his volunteering and work in the charity sector; notes that William is a retired justice of the peace and served the area for 49 years in this voluntary role; understands that he was appointed a bailie in Alloa Borough Court when he was just 24 and, at the time, he was the youngest person in Scotland to hold that title; believes that he also holds the record for the longest time served in the Judicial Office in Scotland; notes that William also chaired the Alloa Town Council Housing Committee and the area's Youth Employment Committee, as well as serving as the school governor and a board member at Alloa Academy, all in a volunteer capacity; congratulates William on his award, and commends him for what it sees as his sterling voluntary endeavours and tireless commitment to public service.

That the Parliament congratulates the Glasgow company, SWG3, on winning the Best Medium Business award at the 2024 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards; notes that the awards, which are organised by SEPA, recognise organisations that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice; understands that the awards ceremony, which was held in Glasgow on 12 November 2024, highlighted the innovative approaches that businesses are taking to create a sustainable, low-carbon future; notes that SWG3 is an independent events venue with multiple studios and spaces available to hire and was created from a former galvanizer’s yard next to the River Clyde, and commends all of the team at SWG3 for developing distinct entertainment experiences while minimising their impact on the environment and for helping to build a sustainable future for the arts and music industry.

That the Parliament congratulates the Moray Firth Credit Union, which was established in Forres in 1995 to serve the community; understands that it was initially set-up following the closure of the Ardersier Fabrication yard, which created huge unemployment in the area; notes that this not-for-profit facility offers an alternative for savings and loans to families on low incomes and those who would not usually be able to access a bank; understands that, having started in a small upstairs room in a Forres community centre, Moray Firth Credit Union now operates out of high street premises in the town and is run by volunteers, who provide an excellent service, and wishes Lorna Creswell, one of the original founders, and the whole team all the best for their future as they continue to provide what it sees as this important service in the Moray area.

That the Parliament congratulates Lorna Greig on being appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to young people through Guiding in Scotland; understands that Lorna helped establish the First Guide Unit in her hometown of Roslin; commends her for her 58 years in the Brownies and Guides, in which she has held a wide range of positions, including assistant leader, leader, county camp adviser and outdoor adviser; acknowledges her hard work and commitment to the Brownies and Guides; commends what it sees as her remarkable commitment to the betterment of her community, and thanks Lorna for her outstanding contribution.

That the Parliament agrees—

(a) the following programme of business—

Tuesday 28 January 2025

2.00 pm Time for Reflection

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

followed by Topical Questions (if selected)

followed by Scottish Government Debate: Investing in Public Services Through the Scottish Budget

followed by Committee Announcements

followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time

followed by Members’ Business

Wednesday 29 January 2025

2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions

2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business; Justice and Home Affairs

followed by Scottish Labour Party Business

followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

followed by Approval of SSIs (if required)

5.10 pm Decision Time

followed by Members’ Business

Thursday 30 January 2025

11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions

11.40 am General Questions

12.00 pm First Minister's Questions

followed by Members’ Business

2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions

2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills

followed by Ministerial Statement: Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding

followed by Finance and Public Administration Committee Debate: Scottish Budget 2025-26

followed by Appointment of Board Members to Environmental Standards Scotland

followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time

Tuesday 4 February 2025

2.00 pm Time for Reflection

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

followed by Topical Questions (if selected)

followed by Stage 1 Debate: Budget (Scotland) (No. 4) Bill

followed by Committee Announcements

followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time

followed by Members’ Business

Wednesday 5 February 2025

2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions

2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government

followed by Scottish Government Business

followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

followed by Approval of SSIs (if required)

5.00 pm Decision Time

followed by Members’ Business

Thursday 6 February 2025

11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions

11.40 am General Questions

12.00 pm First Minister's Questions

followed by Members’ Business

2.30 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions

2.30 pm Portfolio Questions: Net Zero and Energy, and Transport

followed by Scottish Government Business

followed by Business Motions

followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions

5.00 pm Decision Time

(b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 27 January 2025, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.