Seòmar agus comataidhean

That the Parliament welcomes the news that the University of Aberdeen is establishing a new campus in India in August 2026; notes that teaching at the campus, which is based in Mumbai, will begin in September, focusing initially on computing and data science, artificial intelligence, and management programmes, aligned with India’s National Education Policy 2020; understands that the new campus underpins the University of Aberdeen’s commitment to India and its vision of fostering world-class education, cutting-edge research and transformative innovation in collaboration with Indian institutions; further understands that a follow-up phase will see the University aim to establish a research and innovation office on the new campus to expand research collaborations and industry partnerships in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, energy and life sciences; hopes that this partnership leads to exciting developments for the University, and wishes those involved in making the venture a success all the very best in their endeavours.

That the Parliament congratulates A & J Alloa Road Shop in Stenhousemuir on being awarded Convenience Store of the Year at the 18th Scottish Asian and Business Awards 2025; recognises that the awards aim to celebrate the achievements of Scottish-Asian businesses and professionals, in addition to showcasing the strength of the Asian community and the impact it has on Scotland’s culture and economy; notes that the awards ceremony, which took place on 17 December 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, honoured a range of Asian community achievements, including in business, community, food, law and finance; congratulates A & J Alloa Road Shop once again on this outstanding achievement, and wishes it all the very best for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Greyhope Bay on securing funding through the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund for new green storage at Torry Battery; recognises that this investment will provide more resilient storage in a challenging coastal environment; notes that the inclusion of green roofs will create additional food sources and habitats for local wildlife; acknowledges the importance of community participation in supporting locally driven projects, and wishes Greyhope Bay continued success in delivering positive environmental outcomes for the area.

That the Parliament recognises and values the importance of those working across the hospitality sector, particularly having provided services during this winter's severe weather, often at the heart of smaller communities providing warmth and shelter; considers that many hospitality workers endure precarious employment and are exposed to negative employment practices; understands that workers faced delivery difficulties and other challenges such as clearing snow, to ensure safe passage of their patrons, while facing their own challenges travelling to and from workplaces; appreciates the organising efforts of Unite the Union’s Unite Hospitality in this sector; commends Unite’s ongoing commitment to protecting jobs and ensuring fair treatment for staff, and extends its best wishes for Unite’s continued role in advocating for workers' rights and ensuring that hospitality workers continue to be integral to the communities that they serve.

That the Parliament congratulates Sharon Coggins, from Cumbernauld, who is lead midwife for the community and outpatients department under NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, on being awarded the Queen’s Nurse title; notes she was one of only 18 community nurses and midwives to receive the title after completing the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland’s (QNIS) nine-month development programme in 2025, and commends Sharon for her hard work and dedication on completing the programme and for her long-term service to Scotland’s NHS.

That the Parliament congratulates Milton Arts Project and the local community in Milton, North Glasgow, on working towards the production of their very first community album; recognises the value of the free weekly workshops in guitar playing, singing and songwriting, which support around 30 local people, many of whom face isolation and other personal challenges; notes that participants have written and recorded their own original music with support from professional musicians, creating a meaningful creative outlet and strengthening community connections; acknowledges the £1,400 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which has made possible 10 professional recording sessions and enabled participants to share their talents more widely across the city; understands the significant role that such projects play in restoring confidence, self-esteem and social connection, particularly for people adjusting to life after difficult circumstances, and commends everyone involved for their commitment to improving wellbeing through music and creativity in North Glasgow.

That the Parliament recognises that the United Nations has declared that 2026 is International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) and launched it on 5 December 2025; recognises that IVY 2026 is a call to governments, organisations and communities worldwide to champion volunteerism in all its forms; celebrates the contributions made by the estimated 1,176,467 formal volunteers and the 1.7 million informal volunteers to Scottish society recorded in the latest year of data; appreciates that 14,000 volunteers and stakeholders from 164 countries contributed their experiences to shape the Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering, calling for recognition, support and protection for volunteering so that all people are well-enabled to volunteer; understands that Volunteer Scotland’s No Volunteers, No Community campaign is promoting the essential contribution of volunteers to Scotland's communities, and believes that the upcoming Scottish Parliament election is an invaluable opportunity to create a sustainable and inclusive future for Scotland's voluntary sector.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish charity, Murton Trust, as it celebrates 25 years of activity; notes that, since its founding in 2001, the Murton Trust has grown from a small educational and environmental charity into a vital community asset for Angus and beyond; acknowledges that the 80-acre nature reserve, which is open and free to the public year-round, has become a sanctuary for wildlife and a hub for learning, wellbeing and community engagement, delivering life-changing educational programmes for young people, providing volunteering opportunities for adults and championing mental health and employability initiatives, and wishes the Murton Trust, and its staff and volunteers, continued success in the years ahead as they continue to be a valuable resource and a force for good in the community.

That the Parliament recognises Strut Safe, which is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental telephone support line; understands that volunteers at Strut Safe will stay on the phone with people until they arrive safely at their destination, no matter where they are going, or have come from, in order to ensure their safety; notes that Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line, unaligned with the police, which prides itself on looking out for marginalised people when travelling and promises to keep them company until they are at home and safe; notes that anyone can call Strut Safe without giving out private information; recognises that the service is aimed at anyone concerned about making their journeys alone, and wishes Strut Safe all the very best going forward.

That the Parliament agrees that the Economy and Fair Work Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum on the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill.