Seòmar agus comataidhean

That the Parliament agrees that the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

As an amendment to motion S6M-19721 in the name of Emma Roddick (Recognising Concerns Regarding Moray FLOW-Park) leave out from "acknowledges" to end and insert “notes the view that the proposal put forward by Offshore Solutions Group (OSG) regarding the Moray FLOW-Park should be rejected and proceed no further; believes that the opposition to this proposal in the local Nairn and Moray communities is overwhelming and is based on strongly held beliefs that it would devastate the scenic views and beauty of the inner Moray Firth, threaten to damage marine ecology and wildlife, decimate inshore fishing and cause irreparable damage to tourism and recreation, including sailing; considers that there is no clear evidence suggesting that OSG has the substantial robust financial standing required to have the capacity to implement any such proposals, given the scale of the projects and finance required to service them, and fears that the aim of the proposal may be to procure planning permission and then sell on the rights to others."

That the Parliament notes with concern reports of the growing dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters across Scotland, but particularly in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow, and across major towns; understands that some e-bike and e-scooter users are often observed showing no regard for the traffic laws, endanger other road users and pedestrians, appear to violate the legally mandated speed limit and often do not use high-visibility clothing; believes that many users often wear what can be seen as intimidating clothing, such as balaclavas and face coverings; is concerned at reports that e-bikes and e-scooters are increasingly used to commit organised crime and vehicle theft; notes calls on the Scottish Government to give Police Scotland the appropriate resources and vehicles to counter people who use e-bikes and e-scooters in these ways, such as by seizing the vehicles, and further notes the call for greater action to be taken against the antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters, to provide a safer environment for roads users and pedestrians.

That the Parliament congratulates Aproxima Creative Collective, which includes the acclaimed Scottish artist, Joanna Kessel, creative director, Angus Farquhar, lead designer, James Johnson, and structural engineers, David Narro Associates, on its successful restoration of the Well of St Mungo in the Crypt of Glasgow Cathedral and the installation of a shimmering circular mosaic installation that will enhance the well’s enjoyment for future generations of Glaswegians; notes that the installation is formed from over 1,000 handblown coloured glass tiles, made by Orsoni Venezia 1888, each inlaid with gold leaf and built using cutting-edge aerospace technology by TRB Lightweight Solutions, to ensure its durability for centuries to come, and that is the first mosaic of its kind installed within a historic well; commends the Glasgow City Council 850 Fund, the William Grant Foundation, the Mickel Trust, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, the Tom Farmer Foundation, the Robin Leith Trust, the Mercers' Company, the City Charitable Company, Robin Hardie, Andrew Mickel, Mary Ann Sutherland and the William Syson Foundation for their financial support for the project; acknowledges that the artwork was installed as part of the 850th anniversary celebrations of Glasgow being granted burgh status by William the Lion in 1175; notes that the Well is believed to be the same well in which, in the sixth century, the Brittonic Saint Kentigern (also known as St Mungo) established his cell beside the Molendinar Burn that would prove to be the nucleus for the village that would become the great metropolitan City of Glasgow; further notes that this well was a major site of pilgrimage for the Kingdom of Strathclyde and, following its annexation by the Kingdom of Alba, by the inhabitants of what would become medieval Scotland; celebrates the restoration of the well for the first time in centuries, and welcomes its return as a place of mediation, faith and inspiration for generations of future Glaswegians of all faiths and none.

That the Parliament congratulates Kinghorn Community Centre and Raith Rovers Community Foundation on the success of their recent Sleep Out at Stark’s Park fundraising event; understands that the event has already raised a remarkable £2,710, to be shared equally between both organisations; recognises what it sees as the vital role that Kinghorn Community Centre plays in providing a welcoming, inclusive hub for local residents of all ages, supporting community cohesion and learning opportunities; acknowledges the work of the Raith Rovers Community Foundation in delivering programmes that promote education, health, inclusion and community engagement across Kirkcaldy and the wider area; commends Sharon Plunkett, manager of Kinghorn Community Centre, and Margie Robertson, Raith Rovers supporter and trustee of the Foundation, for organising the event and for their commitment to supporting local people during a challenging period for community funding; understands that the sleep-out brought families and supporters together for an evening of activities, including a quiz, bingo, music, and communal meals, before participants braved an overnight stay on the concourse at Stark’s Park to raise sponsorship; praises the generosity and involvement of local businesses and groups, including The Auld Hoose Open Mic Music for providing musical entertainment and support and Highland Broadband for sponsoring food for participants, and commends the efforts of everyone who slept out, donated, or volunteered to make the event a success.

That the Parliament recognises that Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week will take place from 1 to 7 December 2025, highlighting the experiences of people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis across the UK; notes that these serious, lifelong and often invisible conditions affect more than one in 103 people in Scotland, which is the highest prevalence in the UK, and impact education, employment, relationships and mental health; further notes that this year’s theme, "How it feels", brings much needed attention to the emotional and social realities of living with an unpredictable and fluctuating illness, including anxiety about flare-ups, isolation during recovery and the uncertainty that comes with managing symptoms that are not always visible; acknowledges the role of Crohn’s & Colitis UK in supporting greater public understanding and amplifying the voices of those affected, and calls on members across the Parliament to help raise awareness, challenge stigma and support efforts to ensure everyone living with Crohn’s or colitis can access timely diagnosis, specialist care and the support needed to live well.

That the Parliament notes the introduction of a new pilot training scheme in Eyemouth aimed at addressing what it sees as Scotland’s growing crisis in traditional building skills; recognises reports that the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) has warned that a nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople in areas such as masonry, joinery, plastering and roofing has left hundreds of historic municipal buildings in a state of disrepair; acknowledges that in Eyemouth alone, a dozen buildings dating back to the mid-18th century require urgent maintenance; welcomes the launch in January 2025 of a 20-week introductory course that will train up to 14 people in traditional skills through practical work, including repointing and window-sill repairs, at the category A-listed Gunsgreen House; notes SHBT’s intention to extend the programme with additional training phases and to create clear pathways into employment for participants; understands that the course is open to anyone aged over 16, from school leavers to those retraining, with taster sessions already under way in the town; praises the work of local practitioners such as stonemason Jo Crossland and trainer Kevin McClure, who are helping to equip a new generation with essential skills, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure long-term support for traditional building skills training, recognising its importance in safeguarding Scotland’s built heritage, strengthening local economies and preventing further deterioration of historic properties in communities such as Eyemouth.

That the Parliament welcomes the ShopKind campaign taking place over the festive period, which aims to encourage the promotion of kind, courteous and respectful behaviour in stores towards shopworkers and fellow customers at one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, whilst seeking to raise awareness of the growing problem of customer abuse and violence towards shopworkers; notes that this initiative is coordinated by the Association of Convenience Stores and supported by the Scottish Retail Consortium and trade union, Usdaw; recognises that the festive period can be an especially complex and challenging time for retail businesses, with colleagues working hard to keep shelves stocked and products delivered and with stores and delivery services a little busier; affirms that any mistreatment of those working in stores is utterly unacceptable and should not be tolerated, and commends the positive and collaborative ShopKind initiative from employers and trade unions with its objective of ensuring that people are able to enjoy shopping safely over the Christmas period and in turn support the vibrancy of retail destinations across Scotland and the local jobs that they bring. 

That the Parliament congratulates Mark Shiner, who is from Orkney, on winning both the Scotland Maker of the Year and UK Maker of the Year awards at the 2025 Heritage Craft Awards; understands that these recognitions celebrate individuals in Scotland and the UK who have made an extraordinary contribution to their heritage craft within the previous year; notes that Mark was also named a finalist for the Patron's Award for Endangered Crafts; recognises that since 2013, Mark has taught the traditional sailmaking programme at the University of Highlands and Islands Orkney, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland and has kept alive a centuries-old craft that holds deep ties to the local maritime culture; notes that Mark's expertise in traditional sailmaking earned international recognition in 2023 when he was invited to teach the craft to staff members at Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, which is America's leading maritime museum; commends Mark for his exceptional skills and his commitment to safeguarding the practice of handmaking sails for future generations; thanks him for his important work and for delivering this programme in Orkney; further congratulates him on this fantastic achievement, and wishes him all the best for the future. 

That the Parliament commends the Hillcrest Foundation on awarding £105,000 to charities and groups supporting mental wellbeing, poverty alleviation and social cohesion; congratulates the numerous organisations that deliver services in Dundee; notes that this follows awards of more than £2 million since the foundation's creation, and welcomes the Hillcrest group's commitment to contribute to wider social, economic and environmental wellbeing.