Motion proposed by Peter Peacock

That the Parliament notes the restrictions that it considers have been placed on the telecoms industry by Ofcom in relation to access to BT poles and ducts; considers these limitations to be contrary to the UK Government’s commitment to remove barriers to private sector investment in superfast broadband infrastructure; believes that this action will make the Broadband Delivery UK superfast broadband pilot to be carried out in the Highlands and Islands more challenging for any potential competitors to BT, and believes that broadband policy would be better focused on removing barriers rather than imposing restrictions.

That the Parliament notes that the Moray Firth coastline has been ranked among the most beautiful and spectacular in the world by the National Geographic Traveller magazine’s panel of experts in sustainable tourism; considers that its scenery, beaches, marine wildlife and coastal communities deserve to be better known and visited, and urges the Scottish Executive to support the statutory and voluntary agencies that are working to promote sustainable tourism in the Moray Firth.

That the Parliament supports the campaign organised by the Keep The Post Public Coalition opposing the part-privatisation of the Royal Mail; believes that the UK Government’s plans threaten the continuation of the universal service obligation and will lead to reduced services and discriminatory charges in rural areas; believes that privatisation will also result in the closure of post offices throughout Scotland; congratulates the Communications Workers Union for proposing an alternative business model, which it considers would allow the Royal Mail to remain in the public sector; notes the widespread public opposition to the privatisation of the Royal Mail including that of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat-led Dumfries and Galloway Council, which voted to keep the post public at its meeting of 18 November 2010, and would welcome further votes against these plans across Scotland.

That the Parliament welcomes the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s best-known prisoner of conscience; notes that Aung San Suu Kyi has spent more than 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest; further notes that she was last detained in May 2003 after the Burmese Government reportedly attacked her motorcade in Depayin, having been previously detained from 1989 to 1995 and from 2000 to 2002; notes that, in the 1990 general election, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won 59% of the national votes and 80% of the seats in the Burmese Parliament, a result that would normally have assured her the role of Prime Minister but was instead nullified by the military junta, resulting in an international outcry; commends what it considers the bravery and dignity that the Nobel Peace Laureate has shown throughout her years in house arrest; considers that her leadership gives hope and inspiration to thousands of political prisoners currently being held in deplorable conditions for simply exercising their right to peaceful protest, and wishes her well in her quest to deliver freedom of speech, democracy and human rights to the people of Burma.

That the Parliament notes the submission by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to Broadband Delivery UK for a next generation access delivery trial to be run in the Highlands and Islands area and encourages Broadband Delivery UK to approve this bid, which is considered to have the potential to make a step change in broadband connectivity across a region covering more than half of the land mass of Scotland.

That the Parliament notes Victim Support Scotland’s first international conference, to be held between 5 and 7 October 2010 in Edinburgh; commends Victim Support Scotland for bringing together practitioners, academics, statutory bodies and researchers to discuss victimology and reflect on victim engagement in the justice system; further notes that 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of Victim Support Scotland; considers that all individuals and agencies that provide services to victims of crime undertake vital work, and encourages the Scottish Executive to support Victim Support Scotland’s call to establish a victims’ commissioner for Scotland.

That the Parliament supports the website initiative being run in Wales called Deadly Mates, which is aimed at encouraging safer driving among young people; believes that, following several fatal road collisions involving young people in the Highlands, urgent action needs to be taken to reduce the deaths of young people on all of Scotland’s roads; supports the calls to introduce measures to ensure that young people drive more safely, including a mandatory display of a P-plate for 90 days after successful completion of a driving test, limiting the size of a car’s engine to be driven by people under 25 and introducing a graduated licence scheme that incorporates night driving, motorway driving and driving observation, and urges the Scottish Executive and the Department for Transport to work together to consider implementing these measures to ensure that no more young people are needlessly killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads.

That the Parliament considers that birds of prey are important indicators of the health of the environment and that, despite best efforts, many of Scotland’s native species of bird of prey have an unfavourable conservation status, often due to illegal killing; considers that the prevalence of this criminality is most obvious in upland areas, particularly in some areas managed for driven grouse shooting in the southern uplands and central and eastern Highlands; welcomes the steps taken by PAWS and recent environment ministers to address the problem of illegal killing of birds of prey; welcomes recent statements by landowning bodies condemning illegal poisoning but hopes that this will be translated into positive action on the ground and demonstrable improvements in the range and breeding success of key bird of prey species; expresses concern at any prospect of licensed control of birds of prey to protect reared pheasants or other gamebirds; applauds the work of the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project as a constructive approach; understands that any move toward licensed control of birds of prey would make Scotland the only country in Europe to routinely sanction such action, sending out mixed messages to land managers about the obligation to conserve some of our most threatened species, and expresses concern that this would have implications for Scotland’s international reputation and for important sectors, such as tourism.

That the Parliament congratulates Highland Wi-Fi on being been voted the number one small business in the United Kingdom by Smarta100; notes that this company, which has been in operation since August 2009 and is based on Skye, uses its own bespoke digital technology to provide broadband wireless internet access in remote and rural areas throughout the Highlands; congratulates all those involved, and wishes the company well with its aim to create an extensive, efficient wireless network operating throughout the Highlands and Islands and beyond.

That the Parliament notes with concern the number of engineered hill tracks appearing in the Scottish uplands, particularly in the Highlands; notes that such tracks can be constructed without planning consent when justified as being for agricultural, forestry or repair purposes; further notes the growing number of concerns from hill walkers, ramblers and mountaineers and members of the wider public about the intrusion of these tracks into the natural landscape and the impact on otherwise wild land; considers that, given the importance of the Scottish uplands for current and future generations, this warrants greater scrutiny of proposals for such tracks within the planning system; recognises the legitimate rights of farmers and crofters to continue to construct tracks for their purposes on what will generally be lower-lying land than considered to be a problem in this context; notes that Heriot-Watt University reported on these issues in March 2007, and would welcome the urgent mapping of tracks by reviewing current knowledge of track location and control provisions and consideration of future possibilities for greater control of developing hill tracks and the criteria under which any greater controls might operate.

That the Parliament notes that the tightening of the land eligibility rules governing claims for Single Farm Payment (SFP) or Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) has resulted in farmers and crofters suffering retrospective penalties on their 2009 SFP claims when land previously used to claim support payments is deemed ineligible under the new interpretation of the rules; considers that many farmers and crofters have been left uncertain of how to properly fill out their 2010 application forms for SFP and LFASS in time for the 17 May 2010 deadline because of a lack of clarity in the interpretation of the rules; believes that there is a manifest injustice when anyone is penalised where the rules have, in effect, been changed without proper notice and explanation; also believes that it is very unsatisfactory for farmers and crofters to be left without clarification on how the rules are now being applied with the application deadline fast approaching, and urges the Scottish Government to issue without delay clear guidance on the new interpretation of the rules and to respond positively to the call from NFU Scotland for the introduction of an immediate amnesty on penalties associated with eligibility of land for support scheme purposes and for moves to reduce the impact on farmers and crofters of the tighter interpretation of the rules.

That the Parliament urges the Scottish Government to review the present arrangements for the centralised procurement of books for school libraries on the grounds that it is considered that the arrangements will be to the severe disadvantage of small suppliers across Scotland, will restrict the range of books available, will in effect restrict the ability of schools to inspire and challenge Scotland’s young people through reading and exploring new ideas and the full range of writing that should be available to them and will diminish and restrict the freedom of thought and action of teachers and librarians across the country in a fashion not acceptable to a free society.

That the Parliament commemorates the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) when on 8 May 1945 the Allied Forces formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany; honours the contribution by veterans of all ages and from all conflicts; believes that there should be greater recognition of war veterans in Scotland, many of whom sustained severe physical or mental injuries in defending their country, and encourages veterans to take advantage of their eligibility for the Veterans’ Badge, a small, but visible token of society’s appreciation of their service.

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Scottish Human Rights Commission report, A human rights framework for the design and implementation of the proposed "Acknowledgement and Accountability Forum" and other remedies for historic child abuse in Scotland; is encouraged by the announcement that a pilot forum will operate in Spring 2010 that will listen to and validate survivors’ experiences, create a historical record, signpost to services available and test out a confidential committee model, and notes that the commission believes that the pilot forum can play a valuable role in evaluating the steps required to secure effective access to justice, effective remedies and reparation for survivors of historic child abuse and that it has potential for identifying law, policy and practice changes at all relevant levels that would contribute to mitigating the risk of repetition of abuse.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that, following a successful bid by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the 32nd Celtic Media Festival is scheduled to be held in the Western Isles from 13 to 15 April 2011; recognises that the festival exists to promote the cultures and languages of the Celtic countries on film, television, radio and new media; notes that the first festival was established by the current Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell MSP, and took place in Uist in 1980 and that next year will see the festival returning to its roots in the Western Isles for the first time in 32 years; congratulates the festival on its enormous growth in size and influence, which has turned it into an international multi-media event, and looks forward to the economic, linguistic and cultural benefits that the festival will bring to the Western Isles.

That the Parliament congratulates the scouting movement in the Western Isles on achieving the highest rate of growth in the United Kingdom; notes that the number of Scouts in the Western Isles almost doubled in 2009 with 45% of members having joined the islands’ scouts in the past year leading to four new units being established and helping the UK Scout Movement achieve its biggest increase in membership since 1972; believes that scouting helps young people achieve their full social, physical and intellectual potential, and looks forward to a bright future for scouting in the Western Isles.

That the Parliament supports the Moray Young Citizen Award Scheme, jointly run by Diageo, Grampian Police and the Moray Council, which ran from September 2009 until Easter 2010; notes that the scheme was set up to encourage school spirit, recognise good community work, build self-esteem and develop an understanding of what citizenship means; congratulates Elgin High School pupil Chloe Fraser who was the recipient of the individual category award, winning £100 of shopping vouchers and also Speyside High rural skills group that took the schools category award, winning £1,000 to invest in school activities; further congratulates David Smith from Buckie who received a "highly commended" for his work in the community, filming all the Buckie Thistle football matches, posting the films on You Tube and sending them offshore so that those interested could view the games, and encourages other local authorities in the Highlands and Islands and beyond to support similar initiatives in their own areas to ensure that young people are fully involved in their local communities.

That the Parliament congratulates Ross County Football Club on its historic 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic; welcomes the goodwill felt throughout the Highlands from this momentous win, with more County fans travelling from the Highlands to watch the match at Hampden Park than the entire population of Dingwall; notes that this win puts County on the map as a serious competitor, and wishes these Highland heroes all the best in the Active Nation Scottish Cup Final on 15 May 2010 back at Hampden Park.

That the Parliament congratulates Ross County FC on its stunning performance against Celtic on Saturday 10 April 2010 to reach the Scottish cup final; commends the tremendous support of around 8,000 fans who travelled to Hampden to witness this historic occasion and of those supporters at home in Dingwall and further afield; looks forward to 15 May and the prospect of Ross County lifting the Scottish Cup, which would see it enter European competition, and wishes the team every success for victory at Hampden.

That the Parliament congratulates the community of Tolsta, Isle of Lewis, on taking over the Tolsta shop (Bùth Tholastaidh) for the community on Tuesday 6 April 2010 following a positive return on a postal ballot of the community and significant work to secure a funding package; notes that the community’s determination to take over the Tolsta shop will see this community resource retained for future years; recognises that this inspiring social enterprise will see Tolsta Community Development Ltd employing two staff to begin with in an attempt to grow the local economy, which also includes looking at the possibility of an income-generating renewable energy project; notes that the profits will be reinvested into the business for the good of the local area, and looks forward to a prosperous future for this innovative community-led initiative.

That the Parliament congratulates Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh on being named as the first ever established Chair of Gaelic in Scotland by the University of Glasgow; considers that this recognises the work done by the University of Glasgow to establish itself as a centre of excellence for the study of Gaelic and of Professor Ó Maolalaigh over the years to further advance the cause of Gaelic both nationally and internationally; believes that this is a groundbreaking initiative that emphasises the outstanding research taking place in Gaelic, and recognises that this move by the University of Glasgow is a clear sign of the value that is increasingly being placed on the Gaelic language.

That the Parliament notes that the Air Iomlaid exhibition of artwork by pupils of Bun-sgoil Shlèite, Skye, and Tollcross Primary School, Edinburgh, takes place at Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery from 10 April until 9 May 2010; is aware that the exhibition marks the culmination of an intensive process of art tuition, conducted in Gaelic, over 18 months at both primary schools, devised and developed by artist Julie Brook, which has produced an excellent range of sketchbooks, drawings, paintings, poems, animation and collaborative large-scale artworks; commends the pupils involved in this exciting exchange of ideas and techniques and positive exploration of culture and shared ideas through the medium of art and Gaelic, and encourages members of the public to visit the exhibition and see the first-class creative work that has resulted from this inspirational project.

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Bank on Owen campaign, which aims to have Robert Owen of New Lanark commemorated on Scottish bank notes to mark the International Year of Cooperatives in 2012; recognises the contribution that Robert Owen made to Scottish society through his pioneering work at New Lanark where he championed co-operative principles and values; notes that the co-operative sector in Scotland is worth over £3 billion to the economy and that the co-operative business model has proven extremely resilient and reliable during the recent global economic upheaval, and would welcome widespread support for this proposal.

That the Parliament is seriously concerned about the inclusion of only one woman among the six Scots selected by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) for committee room names; believes that this reflects a one-sided and distorted view of Scotland; welcomes the fact that a hundred exceptional Scottish women are recorded on panels near the entrance hall of the Parliament; notes that other names of Scottish women were put forward for consideration for committee room names, and calls on the SPCB to reconsider the matter in recognition of the very many great Scottish women whose contribution, like that of Scottish women in general, is every bit as important and distinguished as that of men.

That the Parliament believes that the Scottish Government’s decision to bring forward the deadline for applications under the change to the Energy Saving Scotland (ESS) home renewables grant and home loans schemes without consultation or warning will unfairly penalise the very many innovative individuals looking to take forward microrenewables projects; is concerned that the way in which grants were removed and loans reduced under the ESS schemes risks undermining public confidence in schemes of this type in the future, and calls on the Scottish Government to reconsider how applicants and prospective applicants affected by the premature closure of the scheme can be helped.

That the Parliament welcomes the call made by the European Parliament’s Agricultural Committee for an amnesty of three years on cross-compliance penalties relating to electronic identification (EID) of sheep and goats; notes that the committee made this call because this is a new and complex technology that will require some time for farmers to become accustomed to it and for the systems to be road tested; believes that such an amnesty would remove the current threat of high fines that Scottish farmers and crofters face as they struggle to cope with the technology, which many believe has been shown to be far from perfect by the current pilot, and calls on the Scottish Government to seek the agreement of the European Commission for the early introduction of such an amnesty in Scotland.

That the Parliament applauds the contribution made by libraries and library staff, which it considers to be essential to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland’s communities for the past 150 years, including those in the Highlands and Islands; understands that more people in Scotland visit libraries than football matches or cinemas; considers that, despite investment in the library service, more work needs to be done to keep libraries central to their communities; welcomes Unison’s Love Your Libraries campaign, which will assess the major contribution made by those working in the library service and library users and make recommendations on safeguarding the future of the library service, and believes that all options should be considered to ensure the long-term viability of this essential service.

That the Parliament notes with great sadness the passing of Michael Foot (1913-2010) at the age of 96; recognises his dedication to the Labour Party, the Labour movement, the cause of socialism and to British parliamentary democracy; acknowledges his lifelong and inspirational commitment to peace and justice, giving voice to those who opposed apartheid in South Africa, to those who fought injustice at home and across the world, and in championing British unilateral nuclear disarmament; considers that he made a huge contribution as a minister and as the leader of the Labour Party in fighting tirelessly during times of a global energy crisis and domestic economic breakdown to protect the most vulnerable; recognises that Michael Foot was a man deeply passionate about politics, literature and learning, devoted to the Labour Party and his beloved Plymouth Argyle FC, and considers that he fought tirelessly for his values and beliefs, was one of the most eloquent speakers to ever grace the House of Commons, that his legacy, in word and action, speaks to a life well lived in the service of others and that this finest of examples of a politician of honesty, decency, integrity, humanity and compassion will be sadly missed.

That the Parliament congratulates Am Pàipear, the community newspaper of the Uists, on being named the Community Newspaper of the Year at the 2010 Highlands and Islands Media Awards; considers that Am Pàipear has played a vital role in its local island community since its establishment in 1976 in working for and campaigning on behalf of all the communities of the Uists; believes that this award recognises the immense efforts made by the staff and contributors of Am Pàipear over the years, and wishes them every success in the future.

That the Parliament notes with deep sadness the death of the "voice of rugby", Bill McLaren CBE, OBE, MBE, at the age of 86 in his home town of Hawick; recognises his huge contribution to the rugby world over almost 50 years of commentating for the BBC, and extends its condolences to his family.

That the Parliament congratulates the Isle of Eigg community on being named a winner of the Big Green Challenge and awarded £300,000 from the £1 million prize fund that encourages community-led carbon emission reductions; notes that the Isle of Eigg team slashed CO₂ emissions by an impressive 32% in the last year alone, making a significant impact on the United Kingdom’s 2020 emissions reduction target of 34%; further notes that the Isle of Eigg project fought off competition from over 350 community groups across the UK as a result of its achievements over the course of a year in four areas: CO₂ reductions achieved, the innovative nature of its initiatives, the longevity and scalability of the project and the level of community engagement, and commends the ambitions of the Eigg community to go even further and use the prize money to fulfil its ambitions to reduce Eigg’s carbon footprint to ensure a low-carbon future for the island.

That the Parliament notes the contribution made by local papers in Renfrewshire and throughout Scotland; believes that local daily papers such as the Paisley Daily Express, weekly papers such as the Gazette and free papers such as the Extra all add to healthy local discussion; is concerned that the removal of local authority and Scottish Government advertising will weaken the financial viability of local newspapers; notes that many people, particularly older people and those on a low income, do not have access to the internet; believes that public agency advertising in local newspapers is important for a healthy democracy, and would welcome a review of the decision to end advertising public notices in local newspapers.

That the Parliament notes with concern the number of engineered hill tracks appearing in the Scottish uplands, particularly in the Highlands; notes that such tracks can be constructed without planning consent when justified as being for agricultural, forestry or repair purposes; further notes the growing number of concerns from hill walkers, ramblers and mountaineers and members of the wider public about the intrusion of these tracks into the natural landscape and the impact on otherwise wild land; considers that, given the importance of the Scottish uplands for current and future generations, this warrants greater scrutiny of proposals for such tracks within the planning system; recognises the legitimate rights of farmers and crofters to continue to construct tracks for their purposes on what will generally be lower-lying land than considered to be a problem in this context; notes that Heriot-Watt University reported on these issues in March 2007, and would welcome the urgent mapping of tracks by reviewing current knowledge of track location and control provisions and consideration of future possibilities for greater control of developing hill tracks and the criteria under which any greater controls might operate.

That the Parliament notes the welcome, if belated, decision by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) to postpone the introduction of car parking charges at Kirkwall Airport; regrets that this decision was taken only after the board of HIAL initially rejected the unanimous recommendation of the statutory Kirkwall Airport Consultative Committee to put the introduction of the charges on hold until a proper consultation was undertaken; further notes that HIAL is considering imposing similar charges at its airports at Sumburgh and Stornoway; is concerned that the introduction of car parking charges at these island airports will add still further to the high cost for island residents of using their lifeline internal and external air services and of island life in general; expects the consultation to be thorough and to enable the detail of HIAL’s proposals, as well as the principle of charging, to be robustly challenged, and considers that the delay offers the opportunity for all Orcadians to make their views known and for islanders from Shetland and the Western Isles to add their voices to the campaign against the Kirkwall charges in order to avoid a precedent being set at Kirkwall, which HIAL could use to impose charges at Sumburgh and Stornoway.

That the Parliament congratulates Linkwood Medical, Elgin, on winning the Practice Team Award for developing an innovative strategy for the management of chronic heart disease through the creation of a multidisciplinary clinic providing a one-stop service for patients; notes that this award has been created to recognise the outstanding work of practice teams achieving a high standard of quality patient care; further notes that practice teams from across Scotland were invited to apply for the award, which is given to a team that is able to demonstrate innovations within the practice that have a positive impact on patient care, and commends the hard work and dedication of all the staff at Linkwood Medical.

That the Parliament welcomes the growing success of the Scottish Green Energy Awards with exciting developments in Scotland’s renewable energy industry providing keener competition every year for each award; notes the deserved success of the Westray Development Trust, which won the Best Community Initiative in recognition of its investment in renewable energy including its recently erected 900 kW wind turbine; further notes that the Best New Business Award was won by Smarter Grid Solutions for its work installing the United Kingdom’s first smart grid on Orkney; believes that the example of Westray should be followed by other enterprising communities across Scotland and that, with the help of Smarter Grid Solutions’ smart grid technology, this could lead to a rapid growth in community renewable energy projects, and so congratulates the Westray Development Trust, Smarter Grid Solutions and all other winners of the 2009 awards.

That the Parliament welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to improving availability of broadband as detailed in the Digital Britain report published in June 2009; welcomes the commitment to deliver a Universal Service Broadband Commitment of 2Mbps by 2012; welcomes the proposed public support for the network of tomorrow to allow for access to next generation broadband; considers the Western Isles of Scotland to be the worst area in Scotland in terms of broadband coverage and one of worst in the United Kingdom as a whole; is concerned at the disadvantages that rural areas of Scotland suffer in terms of economic, business and educational development when broadband services are inadequate, and would welcome a positive response to the report and the delivery of improved and reliable broadband services for every Scottish broadband customer.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scout movement on another successful year delivering an exciting and adventurous programme to young people in almost 600 local Scout groups across Scotland; commends the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who support the movement; is greatly encouraged by the increase in membership numbers for a third consecutive year, including a 12% rise in female youth members, and believes that, with almost 37,000 members across the country, Scottish Scouting makes a huge contribution not only to the young people involved but also to communities around Scotland as a whole.

That the Parliament congratulates all of the winners of the 2009 Voscars, ProjectScotland’s annual awards ceremony that showcases and celebrates young volunteers who have made a real contribution to their communities across Scotland; congratulates Ryan Glen on becoming ProjectScotland Volunteer of the Year, Kimby Tosh for her ProjectScotland Outstanding Achievement Award and Elizabeth Baillie, Jason Douglas, Zoe Jones, Jenna MacGregor, Laura Meikle, Euan Reid, Andy Sloss, James Wallace and Toni Walton on their respective awards and commendations, as well as Frank Miller on becoming ProjectScotland Mentor of the Year and Denise Millan for being a Commended Mentor; believes that it is important that our young people have the opportunity to volunteer and develop real skills through their experience as well as giving something back to the community; commends ProjectScotland on its work to connect young people with volunteer organisations, and praises the organisation for holding the Voscars awards to highlight the good work that young volunteers carry out in Scotland’s communities.

That the Parliament notes with concern increasing reports of landowners preventing crofters from buying their land by escalating the cost of the legal process through the Scottish Land Court and asks the Scottish Government to investigate this as a matter of urgency with a view to introducing measures to stop this practice by simplifying the right-to-buy process in the upcoming crofting legislation.

That the Parliament welcomes the decision of Glasgow Caledonian University to award an honorary degree to Neil Kinnock, former European Commissioner and leader of the Labour Party, in recognition of Mr Kinnock’s outstanding contribution as a politician, statesman and champion of increased educational opportunities for those previously denied them.

That the Parliament congratulates the Open University on its 40th year; recognises the key role that Harold Wilson and Jennie Lee played in developing the Open University; supports the positive work that the university does in Scotland as an accessible and innovative way for people to fulfil their ambitions for lifelong learning and social mobility, providing learning opportunities to the widest possible range of people and contributing to Scotland's economic development; notes that it is now the United Kingdom's largest university, teaching almost 200,000 students a year and, since opening in 1969, it has helped over two million people realise their potential; notes the central role that part-time higher education, such as that delivered by the Open University, has to play in supporting upskilling and reskilling in Scotland’s workforce, and considers that appropriately resourced part-time flexible learning has the potential to make an even more significant contribution to supporting Scotland’s skills agenda and to promoting educational opportunity and social justice.

That the Parliament congratulates all those who won prizes and who were nominated for prizes in the 2009 Scottish Traditional Music Awards on Saturday 28 November 2009; notes in particular the success of those winners with Western Isles connections, including The Hebridean Celtic Festival, which won the title of Event of the Year, Christine Primrose, originally from Carloway, Lewis, who was voted Gaelic Singer of the Year, Bodega, whose lead singer, Norrie MacIver, is also from Carloway, Lewis, who won Scottish Folk Band of the Year, legendary, and now reformed, Gaelic folk group Na h-Oganaich, who have been inducted into the Hands up for Trad Hall of Fame, and lastly South Uist performer Rona Lightfoot, who was also inducted into the Hall of Fame, and recognises the breadth of talent that currently exists in Scottish traditional music.

That the Parliament congratulates Portree High School on its victory in the finals of the 2009 BT Scotland National Gaelic Schools Debate competition held in the Scottish Parliament on 25 November 2009; notes that Portree, represented by Anna MacMullan and Eilidh Robertson, prevailed over Bishopbriggs Academy in a competition that featured impressive efforts and talent by all of the competitors, and, finally, commends all participants in the final and preceding heats for their excellent knowledge of the subject and effective delivery of their case in each debate.

The Member has provided the following translation:

Àrdsgoil Port Rìgh a’ Buannachd Deasbad BT Alba

Gu bheil a’ phàrlamaid a cuir meal an naidheachd dhan Àrdsgoil Port Righ air a’ bhuaidh aca anns a’ chuairt mu dheireadh dhen fairpais deasbad BT Alba 2009 a bha air chumail anns Phàrlamaid na h-Alba air 25mh an t-Samhain 2009; a’ dèan nòta gun do rinn Port Rìgh, a bha air riochachadh leis Anna Nic am Muileann agus Eilidh NicDhonnchaidh, a’ bhuaidh air Acadamaidh Drochaid an Easbaig ann am farpais a bha a’ comharradh oidhirpean drùiteach agus comasach bhon co-fharpaiseachan air fad, agus mu dheireach a’ moladh gach com-pàirtiche anns a’ chuairt mu dheireach agus na cuairtean ron sin airson an sar-eòlas aca air gach cuspair agus airson labhairt comasach dhen cùis aca anns gach deasbad.

November 2009

That the Parliament welcomes the new Falcontravel/M-Travel Switzerland (MTCH AG) charter flight service linking the Highlands and Islands with Switzerland, which commences next year for the next three years; notes that Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd have provided funding for the Zurich to Inverness service, which, for 2010, will run between 15 May and 18 September; believes that this new service will bring up to 2,000 tourists to the Highlands and Islands area per year, which will assist with the ongoing economic growth of the region, and hopes that, by introducing this service, better links can be forged between Switzerland and the Highlands and Islands.

That the Parliament congratulates Harris Tweed Hebrides on receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Style award at the Scottish Style Awards 2009, held in Glasgow on 31 October 2009; further congratulates the company’s success earlier in the year at the Scottish Fashion Awards, at which it won the Textile Brand of the Year award; considers that Harris Tweed Hebrides, which was formed in 2007 to ensure that Harris Tweed would continue to be available to its many devotees around the world, has revived the industry by forging connections with designers and companies such as Deryck Walker, Sara Berman, Judy Clarke, Vivienne Westwood, Nike and Glasgow design firm Graven Images, which used Harris Tweed in designing the city’s first five-star hotel, and commends the board of directors and staff at Harris Tweed Hebrides for their outstanding work to produce the finest tweed at the Shawbost mill.

That the Parliament acknowledges that 14 November 2009 is World Diabetes Day, an official United Nations Day, which marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1922; notes that the campaign for 2009 is Understand Diabetes and Take Control, which aims to raise awareness of the disease and the lifelong demands imposed on the 285 million people living with diabetes; further notes with concern that the International Diabetes Federation estimates that over 344 million people worldwide are at risk of type 2 diabetes and believes that this can be easily prevented in many cases by helping and encouraging those at risk to maintain a healthy body weight and take moderate physical activity; further notes that the most recent Scottish Diabetes Survey shows that there were 219,963 people with a diagnosis in Scotland at the end of 2008 and believes that many cases of diabetes remain undiagnosed; urges the Scottish Executive to raise awareness of the symptoms of diabetes to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and looks forward to the publication of the updated Diabetes Action Plan, which will provide strategic priorities for diabetic services in 2010 and beyond.

That the Parliament congratulates the West Highland Free Press (WHFP) on becoming Britain's first employee-owned newspaper; applauds the founders of the WHFP in practising what they preach both in their radical stewardship of the paper for the last 37 years and in their present support for this new form of ownership for the paper; recognises the significance of the WHFP since 1972 in informing and shaping political, cultural, social and community debate on issues close to the hearts of the people of the Highlands and Islands and across Scotland and in sustaining its commitment to its motto, An Tir, An Canan, sna' Daoine - The Land, The Language, The People; wishes its new owners every success, and trusts that it will serve as an example to other businesses to develop employee ownership initiatives where possible.

That the Parliament recognises the importance of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2009 and its aim of highlighting the challenges and consequences of the HIV epidemic around the world, particularly the impact on development in sub-Saharan Africa; acknowledges that UNAIDS estimates that there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children; notes that around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and die before they are 35; congratulates all those individuals and organisations in Scotland that campaign to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and provide practical support to HIV/AIDS victims, wherever they live; congratulates, in particular, Annie Lennox on the continued success of her SING campaign, which will be two years old on 1 December, and believes that positive consideration should be given to her recent offer to support the Scottish Parliament in its international development work, with an ambassadorial role.

That the Parliament notes with great regret the death of Dan Buglass, who, for over three decades, has been a leading Scottish agricultural journalist serving, with distinction, both the print and broadcast sections of the media; recognises the vital role played by agricultural journalists, not only in serving the needs of farmers and others in the industry, but also in educating and informing the general public and so helping to build bridges of understanding between Scotland’s largely urban population and one of its most important industries, a role in which Dan Buglass excelled; believes that Scotland’s agricultural world will be a duller place without his presence at shows and other trade events, and offers its condolences to his family on their loss.

That the Parliament congratulates the pupils of Raigmore Primary School in Inverness, Scotland’s winner at the annual Make IT Happy technology awards, which took place at the Houses of Parliament on 19 October 2009; notes that the pupils’ entry showed how they used technology to keep in touch with their fathers fighting in Afghanistan with the Black Watch 3 Scots; further notes that more than 230 primary schools across the United Kingdom registered for the 2009 competition, which challenged 9 to 11-year-olds to demonstrate how technology can be used creatively to make people in their communities happy, and hopes that the £1,200 prize money will assist the Raigmore pupils to improve creative technologies in the future.

Action for Children : That the Parliament welcomes Action for Children’s campaign to raise awareness about the significant impact of neglect in the lives of vulnerable and difficult-to-reach children across the United Kingdom; considers that neglect leaves children without basic needs, from love and support to food and clothing; notes that serious neglect kills children in the UK and that neglect can have long-term effects on the wellbeing of children and their families and on society as a whole; also notes the key findings of the recent joint Action for Children/New Economics Foundation report, Backing the Future, that governments across the UK could do more to invest efficiently in the future of society through children and families and to address preventable social problems such as the breakdown of family relationships, drug misuse and crime, which can all lead to neglect; recognises studies suggesting that up to 10% of all children in the UK could currently be suffering from neglect and supports more of the targeted interventions that are known to work to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and can help tackle the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage, and calls on governments across the UK to give greater priority to tackling neglect through early intervention and to target expenditure on public services that prevent neglect and give children every opportunity to realise their potential.

Bill Spiers

That the Parliament notes with regret the sad death of Bill Speirs, former General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and one of the architects of devolution; celebrates his distinguished career throughout which Mr Speirs always put the interests of Scotland before narrow party or sectoral interests; acknowledges that his role in the campaign for a Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Constitutional Convention was invaluable; believes that he was a committed internationalist and a successful campaigner through connecting culture and politics; salutes his leadership and vision as an inspiration to a generation of Scots while he made a significant personal contribution to Scotland's national life, including representing trade union members in difficult years, and sends condolences to his family at this sad time.

That the Parliament welcomes the decision of Her Majesty’s Government not to proceed with proposals by QuinetiQ to run down the defence-testing establishment on Benbecula; congratulates the local taskforce led by Comraihle nan Eilean Siar and the local community in the Uists for the strong case and representations made to Her Majesty’s Government that helped secure this outcome; welcomes the visits made to the islands and to St Kilda by UK ministers in order to listen to local views during the consultation process and the vital role that the Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP played as Secretary of State for Scotland; congratulates UK ministers for the decision that they have taken, and recognises that this decision will help support the islands, retain jobs for its people, support the economy and maintain a strong defence capability for the nation and its allies.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement of funding for the Glasgow Gaelic School, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, which will help to further the progress that has been made in Gaelic-medium education in Glasgow; further congratulates the staff and parents for their dedication in bringing about that success, and also acknowledges the efforts of Glasgow City Council education department in helping to create the largest school in Scotland covering Gaelic nursery, primary and secondary teaching.

That the Parliament expresses concern at the reported £1 billion worth of food thrown away in Scotland each year, equating to an average of £550 per year thrown out by each household; notes that over two thirds of what is binned could have been used if it had been stored properly and if meals had been better planned; highlights the work of Golspie Recycling and Environmental Action Network, a community-based social enterprise recycling firm in Sutherland, and other good examples around Scotland that set a benchmark to promote positive community awareness on waste minimisation, and encourages Scottish families and households to be wiser with their waste, one of the many simple ways to reduce their carbon footprints and save money.

That the Parliament congratulates the Eday Partnership on its success in being awarded £46,851 from the Climate Change Fund to support the Eday Carbon Reduction Programme; notes that the funding will allow the partnership to appoint a full-time carbon reduction coordinator who will lead the work to increase the sustainability of the Eday community and to reduce the island’s annual carbon emissions by 34 tonnes by 2016; believes that this will build further on the excellent work of the partnership carried out over a number of years and covering a range of innovative projects, which, among other things, are helping to address the population decline, a problem affecting many of Scotland’s small islands, and wishes all those connected with the partnership every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Nevis Bakery, Fort William, on winning the prestigious three-star Gold Great Taste Award and the Scottish Speciality regional award for its Demerara shortbread, in addition to winning one gold star for its Highland oaties and its oatcakes; commends the hard work and dedication shown by Archie and Hazel Paterson and all their staff in producing such high-quality products; notes that Nevis Bakery is one of Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s (HIE) account-managed businesses and is currently working through a development plan with HIE to maximise its growth potential, and wishes Nevis Bakery every success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Sarah Morrison of Stornoway jewellery and accessories business, Rock N’ Retro, for winning the regional awards of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust in the Western Isles; notes that these awards aim to recognise excellence among young businesses; notes also the success and achievements of finalist and runner-up Anna Donachie of Barraheads Salon on the Isle of Barra; looks forward to the future success of Sarah’s and Anna’s businesses, and wishes Sarah all the best in going on to the national final of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust Awards.

Wee W

That the Parliament welcomes the opening of the new WeeW retail outlet on the main street in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, in the autumn of 2009; notes that this will help regenerate the town centre, assist with the economic and social regeneration of the island and create 28 new jobs, following the closure of the local Woolworths store earlier in the year; congratulates all those involved, particularly Terry Ovenstone who will be the manager of the new WeeW store, and wishes the new WeeW every success for the future.

Senator Edward Kennedy

That the Parliament notes with sadness the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy, one of America’s most progressive legislators, and passes on its condolences to the Kennedy family at this sad time.

Arctic Convoys Memorial at Lyness

That the Parliament welcomes the planned unveiling, on the 22 August 2009, of the Arctic Convoys memorial at Lyness; further notes that this will provide long overdue recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of the many people who took part in the convoys which carried vital supplies to Russia and on which some 3,000 British and allied seamen lost their lives; believes that it is fitting that the memorial should be sited at the former naval base at Lyness on the shores of Scapa Flow, the base for the Home Fleet which provided the naval protection for the merchant ships in the convoys; applauds the international co-operation between Orkney and Russia which has resulted in the construction of the memorial, and notes that Orkney and Russia will be represented at the unveiling ceremony by the Convener of Orkney Islands Council, the Chairman of the Parliament of the Province of Ugra and the Consul General of the Russian Federation.

Congratulations to Annie Lennox

That the Parliament congratulates Annie Lennox on the success of her SING campaign and her commitment to campaigning to raise awareness of, and provide practical support to HIV/Aids in Sub-Saharan Africa; welcomes and thanks her for her offer to support the Scottish Parliament in its international development work as an ambassador; hopes that the Parliament, the cross-party groups on Malawi and International Development, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association branch will respond positively to this offer, and further hopes that all Scots, including those in Motherwell and Wishaw, will hear the message conveyed by Annie Lennox that urgent world-wide action is required to stop the HIV/Aids pandemic.

We will Remember Them

That the Parliament mourns the passing of Harry Patch and Henry Allingham, Britain’s last surviving World War I veterans; acknowledges the huge debt of gratitude that we owe both these men and their comrades who fought and died for the freedoms that we enjoy today; encourages young people to learn more about the heroic sacrifices made by British service personnel during the war, and pledges to continue to commemorate the lives and memory of all those who fell during the First World War.

Gold Food Awards for Western Isles Food Producers

That the Parliament congratulates the four Western Isles food producers that won gold star awards at this year’s Great Taste Awards; notes this recognition of excellence for Stag Bakeries Ltd’s coconut biscuits and Charles MacLeod Ltd’s Stornoway black pudding, which each won a one-star gold award, the Uig Lodge, which won two one-star gold awards for its cold and hot smoked organic sea trout, and Salar Smokehouse Ltd, which won a two-star gold award for its Salar flaky smoked salmon for the third year in a row; welcomes this acknowledgment of the quality of these locally-produced products, and wishes their producers every success in the future.

Rag ‘n’ Tag textiles, Social Enterprise

That the Parliament congratulates the work of Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile, based in Balmacara near Kyle of Lochalsh and Broadford, Isle of Skye, as a social enterprise teaching traditional textile skills to people with mental health issues; notes that Rag Tag produces and makes a wide range of items that are designed in-house and created in their workshops using donated fabric and wool; further notes that all fabrics used are recycled, saving waste and looking after the environment, and welcomes the fact that the enterprise allows for a significant number of people with a disability or other disadvantage to work alongside non-disabled people and that it offers equal work opportunities, employment rights and obligations to all employees.

Scottish Education Awards 2009

That the Parliament congratulates the winners of the Scottish Education Awards 2009; celebrates the achievements of each of the schools, pupils and teachers nominated for awards this year and the high standards attained by all; applauds, in particular, the efforts of Shapinsay Primary School, whose commitment to becoming carbon neutral and self-sufficient in energy generation impressed the judges in the Greener Schools Award category; agrees that this achievement is all the more impressive given that the school has only 20 primary and six nursery pupils; hopes that the pupils, staff and parents will soon be rewarded with Green Flag status, and believes that the example set by Shapinsay Primary School and the other nominees for this year’s awards will help inspire schools across Scotland.

That the Parliament acknowledges the benefits that insulin pumps have for people with type 1 diabetes in assisting with the condition; notes that between 4% and 14% of people with type 1 diabetes meet the criteria for eligibility for insulin pump therapy under current clinical guidance; notes the variation in financial provision across NHS boards for insulin pump therapy, whereby in Fife funding has been allocated for 10 pumps per year, whereas in Highland there is no separate budget despite all NHS boards having received funding for access to insulin pumps; further notes the differences in waiting times for eligible patients whereby in Lothian the average waiting time including waiting for training and education is estimated to be around 12 months and in Grampian and Orkney the current waiting time is six months; notes with concern the low level of insulin pump usage in Highland, which, at 0.9%, is the second lowest in Scotland, after Ayrshire and Arran; believes that further steps are required to monitor NHS boards to avoid a postcode lottery for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, and looks forward to renewed commitment to action on diabetes in Scotland in 2010 and beyond.

That the Parliament notes the second bi-monthly Health Protection Scotland Compliance with Hand Hygiene - Audit Report; recognises the 93% compliance rate across the NHS in Scotland; congratulates NHS staff for their consistently high performance in this area; however notes with concern the performance of doctors who, at 86% compliance, are significantly below other staff groups, and believes that the Scottish Government should consider further targeted measures to ensure that medics improve their performance in this area.

That the Parliament supports the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Guide Dogs), Inclusion Scotland, RNIB, RNID, Capability Scotland, Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance and Scottish Disability Equality Forum in calling for a moratorium on new shared surface schemes in towns and cities until the results of the research currently being carried out by the UK Government’s Department for Transport are published; recognises that in these schemes it is not possible for certain groups of vulnerable road users to use such areas independently because they cannot tell where the pavement ends and the road begins; welcomes the research that Guide Dogs has already carried out to highlight the issue and to try to find an effective solution for all disabled people, and also recognises that the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, in responding to the consultation, Designing Streets, requested that no new shared surface areas should be agreed by planners until the research commissioned by the Department for Transport is completed, analysed and commented on.

Motion proposed by Peter Peacock

As an amendment to motion S3M-4433 in the name of Alasdair Allan (Uist Defence Jobs Cuts), leave out from first "expresses" to end and insert "notes with grave concern the impact of the proposals to scale down the missile test range in South Uist and the potential effect on jobs and the economy of the islands; notes the additional potential impact on St Kilda; believes that the strategic defence case for change of the current facilities has not been made and requires to be set out and scrutinised; notes the United Kingdom’s continuing membership of NATO and the importance of that membership in retaining a strategic defence capacity from which the Uists will still benefit; supports Comraihle nan Eilean Siar in the efforts that it is making to coordinate and advance the case for the retention of the defence facilities in South Uist, and urges the Scottish Government to reverse urgently the huge reduction that it has made in the budget of Highlands and Islands Enterprise that is limiting the economic development prospects of areas such as South Uist."

2009 National Samaritan Walk

That the Parliament congratulates the 116 walkers from across the United Kingdom and Ireland who took part in the 2009 National Samaritan Walk in Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, on Saturday 13 June 2009 and walked between 16 and 29 miles to raise funds for their local Samaritans branches; notes that approximately £5,000 was raised for the Inverness branch, which also organised the event; further notes the donations from local businesses, including those from the North British Trust Hotels, Highland Hotel and Inchbae Lodge, which provided free accommodation for the walkers, and commends the work of the Samaritans who provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those experiencing suicidal feelings.

That the Parliament notes that 8 June 2009 has been designated by the United Nations as World Oceans Day to encourage international appreciation and celebration of the world’s oceans and seas; further notes that this year’s theme is one ocean, one climate, one future; expresses grave concern about the effect of human behaviour on the health and biodiversity of the oceans, and encourages members to "wear blue and talk to two" to raise public awareness of the need to restore the health of the marine environment.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that Mercedes, the resident polar bear in Edinburgh Zoo since 1984, has, subject to funding, been allocated a new and greatly enlarged home in the Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie, Inverness-shire; agrees that this will both place the bear in a more humane and comfortable environment and be beneficial to the Highlands tourism sector; congratulates the team of soldiers from 75 Engineer Regiment who contributed time, effort and equipment to the construction of the enclosure in order to reduce the cost from £300,000 to £75,000, and hopes that people will donate to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland fund to help make up the remaining £50,000 that is required for the completion of the project.

That the Parliament congratulates Karen Gillan on securing her role in the much-loved BBC series, Doctor Who; notes the wealth of talent that Scotland has in the drama industry; believes that it is important that young Scottish talent is supported, encouraged and given the recognition it deserves, and wishes Karen the best of luck in the future.

That the Parliament welcomes the Bra Nicht Moonlight Walk, which is taking place in Inverness on Saturday 6 June 2009 to raise awareness of and money for breast cancer in the Highlands; notes that the inaugural walk last year raised £14,000, of which £7,000 was donated to the Highland Breast Care Association for the benefit of people with breast cancer and £7,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support, which, along with Citizens Advice, provides support to people with cancer who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of their illness, and congratulates everyone participating in the moonlight walk to help raise awareness of and money for tackling breast cancer.

That the Parliament notes with concern the decline in the number of blood donors in Scotland, a number that has decreased by 30,000 in the last decade; further notes that in the Highlands alone, the service requires 23,000 donors to give blood in 2009; supports the appeal by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service for donors to give blood at least once in 2009 to reverse the decline in the donor base; believes that there would be benefit in employers giving their staff paid time off to donate blood, and hopes that Scots who have not already done so will register to give blood and give the gift of life.

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report, Remember, I’m Still Me, by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and the Care Commission; notes that the report draws on investigations into 30 care homes across Scotland that have residents with dementia; acknowledges that the report has found a number of areas where care homes are failing people with dementia, including more than half of residents not having the opportunity to leave the care home premises; further notes that, out of a total of 182 personal plans, fewer than a quarter had adequate details and a further third contained no life history at all; is concerned by the findings of the report, which suggest the misuse of medication, with a number of residents on more than one antipsychotic medication; believes that it is vital for care homes to have as much information as possible recorded in order that they can provide a high standard of care for residents with dementia; agrees that immediate action should be taken in those cases where bad practice continues to have a detrimental effect on residents; considers that the report is further evidence of the failings in the Scottish care system, and therefore believes that a culture change in Scottish care homes is essential and that the charter of rights currently being developed by the Cross-party Group on Alzheimer’s is one important strand towards improving the quality of care and treatment for people with dementia.

That the Parliament commends the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) for organising Wildlife Week, 6 to 14 June 2009; notes that there are over 230 events and activities taking place throughout Scotland, including the celebration of peatlands, woodlands and marine environments in Dumfries and Galloway, and appreciates the efforts by SWT, its sister charities and non-governmental organisations in Scotland in raising public awareness of the richness of Scotland’s natural environment and the need to preserve and enhance habitats to conserve Scotland’s wildlife and ensure that future generations can also enjoy its diversity.

That the Parliament recognises the cultural and historic importance of the 11 common ridings and festivals across the Scottish Borders, including those at Hawick, Jedburgh, Selkirk, Yetholm, Kelso, Duns and Coldstream; notes both the rich traditions of these events, dating back to the 16th century, and also their modern-day value in bringing communities together; further congratulates this year's principals on their appointment, and wishes organisers and participants every success and enjoyment during the festivities of 2009.

That the Parliament acknowledges and welcomes the campaign for a post bank led by the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union; notes the confidence and trust that the public has in the Post Office compared with the banks, and believes that a post bank, a people’s bank, built on the post office network could make a significant contribution to social inclusion and financial stability as well as consolidate the future of publicly funded post offices in our communities.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scrabster-based Captain’s Galley restaurant, its owners, Jim and Mary Cowie, and its staff for earning the crown of UK’s Best Seafood Restaurant of the Year Award at the 2009 Seafood Awards in London; hails the Cowies for their commitment to local produce, with all of the seafood on their menu coming from sustainable sources within a 50-mile radius of the restaurant; notes that the restaurant already holds a Press and Journal Highland restaurant of the year title, won a top prize in the Taste of Scotland category at the Scottish Thistle Awards and that in 2007 Mr Cowie was named UK Seafood Chef of the Year; applauds the aims of the Seafood Awards, organised by Seafish, which are designed to encourage enterprise, innovation and best practice across all areas of the seafood industry, and finally wishes the Captain’s Galley and all other entrants good luck in the upcoming 2009 Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.

That the Parliament congratulations Professor Donald Meek of Falkirk, originally from Tiree, on becoming the first recipient of Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Sàr Ghàidheal award for outstanding contributions to the Gaelic language; also notes that the bòrd, in conjunction with the Scottish Arts Council, has instituted the Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek (the Donald Meek Literary Award) aimed at young Gaelic writers and scholars; believes that these are appropriate recognitions of Professor Meek’s contributions to Gaelic culture over the years, and hopes that future generations will be encouraged and inspired to develop their skills in the language as a result.

That the Parliament congratulates His Excellency President Dr Bingu wa Mutharika and Hon Joyce Banda on their inauguration as President and Vice President of the Republic of Malawi following the general election held on 19 May 2009; notes that the interim report by the Commonwealth Observer group that the elections, only the fourth multi-party elections in Malawi’s history, were peaceful and well-managed; wishes all new and returning members of parliament every success for the next parliamentary term, and looks forward to Scotland and Malawi continuing to work together to support Malawi’s development.

That the Parliament congratulates Inverness City Football Club on winning the Scotscoup North Division Two junior league in the club’s inaugural season in that league; notes that Inverness City FC is the first amateur club in decades from the Highland capital to be part of the Scottish Junior Football Association, and wishes the club well in finding a suitable ground for next season so that they can build on this success.

That the Parliament commends the significant achievement of ProjectScotland volunteers, mentors and staff in facilitating over 2.2 million hours of volunteering in communities since May 2005 through a programme of structured placements with over 300 non-profit organisations across the country; notes the positive role that ProjectScotland has played in changing young people’s perceptions of volunteering and, indeed, themselves; acknowledges that, during 2008-09, 40% of ProjectScotland volunteers came from the 20% most deprived areas of Scotland; regrets that the Scottish Government decided to withdraw its financial support to the charity as of 1 April 2009; recognises the serious implications that this decision has for the charity, its partner organisations and the hundreds of young people who have been in touch in recent months about placements; contrasts the decision with the bold and ambitious Serve America Act in the United States of America, recently signed into law by President Obama, which will quadruple the number of AmeriCorps volunteers to 250,000, and encourages the Scottish Government to revisit its decision and do all in its power to ensure that ProjectScotland can continue to change lives and communities across our country.

That the Parliament notes that 2009 is the 75th anniversary of the British Council; recognises the impact that it has had in Scotland, including supporting over 1,000 international activities in schools, managing global study and work opportunities for around 900 home and international students each year, showcasing Scottish culture to 300,000 Indian visitors at this year’s Scottish Pavilion of the Kolkata Book Fair and hosting the biennial Performing Arts Showcase at the Edinburgh Fringe, which wins the United Kingdom in excess of £1 million of bookings and has made it possible for Scottish productions to tour the globe, and wishes the British Council well for its 75th celebration reception in the Parliament’s Garden Lobby on the evening of Wednesday 20 May 2009 and for the years to come.

That the Parliament notes with concern that the EU Council of Ministers has voted to press ahead with the introduction of compulsory electronic identification (EID) of sheep across the European Union; recognises that this decision was taken despite outright opposition from some member states and growing unease among others about the cost and practicalities of such a scheme; doubts that a system of EID can be found that is workable on most of Scotland’s sheep farms, particularly those in the Highlands and Islands; further notes that £3 million has been committed to a large-scale pilot to try to find a workable and cost-effective solution, and believes that the European Commission has much to learn from observing the pilot and, should a solution not be identified, that a derogation from a compulsory EID scheme would be in the best interests of Scotland’s sheep farmers.

That the Parliament notes with disappointment the refusal of VisitScotland to promote the country’s new chef of the year, Charles Lockley, on its website and in its brochures; congratulates Mr Lockley, a Michelin-star chef, who was awarded the Scottish Chef of the Year Award on 10 May 2009 and who also has four AA rosettes awarded to his restaurant at the Boath House Hotel in Auldearn; considers that as a public agency VisitScotland should use its public funding to promote properly the Highlands and Scotland, including Mr Lockley and his award-winning organisation, and urges the Scottish Government during this Year of Homecoming to ensure that VisitScotland does all that it can to promote award-winning establishments, such as the Boath House Hotel in Auldearn.

That the Parliament mourns the passing of Jack Jones, former general secretary of the Transport and General Workers’ Union, International Brigader, Liverpool city councillor and president of the National Pensioners’ Convention; applauds his lifetime commitment to improving the lives of working people; recognises that he fought fascism, poverty and inequality with his heart and soul, and extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many comrades around the world.

That the Parliament congratulates James Lillis of Unite the Union on winning the prestigious Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning in recognition of his tireless work in supporting and encouraging others to participate in learning; notes in particular his immense contribution to supporting a learning culture in his own workplace at First Glasgow; celebrates his commitment to integration in the workplace and his key role in helping migrant workers integrate into the broader community; appreciates his efforts in partnership with Unite the Union, First Glasgow, Renfrewshire Buddies, Adam Smith College and the learners themselves in making his workplace learning centre a success; salutes James Lillis as an inspiration in making possible for his fellow workers the reality of learning and community involvement, and congratulates the STUC and trade unionists across Scotland on the priority that they give to learning in the workplace.

That the Parliament congratulates the staff and pupils of Dallas Primary School following their shortlisting for the 2009 Scottish Education Awards in the Homecoming Scotland award category; notes that the nomination recognises the efforts of staff and pupils who have explored Moray’s local history and promoted the Year of Homecoming; further notes that the school has established a homecoming community calendar entitled "365 reasons to come home to Dallas" and a blogging facility for former pupils on the school website encouraging them to leave comments of memories of their time at Dallas Primary School; commends the staff and pupils for investigating the lives of inspiring people in Dallas, which they will present at a special Homecoming Exhibition to be held on 12 July, and wishes them success in the awards, which will be announced on 16 June in Glasgow.

That the Parliament expresses its strong concern at the decision by Trinity Mirror to issue compulsory redundancies to some staff at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail despite a number of voluntary redundancies already having been agreed; notes the strong circulation of both these Scottish titles and their highly profitable contribution to the financial strength of the parent company; notes too the contribution of the Daily Record and Sunday Mail to Scottish public life; worries that drastic cuts in staff to both papers will affect the quality and breadth of their coverage of Scottish affairs, and calls on the management of Trinity Mirror to reinstate those individuals identified for compulsory redundancy, keeping the door open for voluntary agreement instead, and to negotiate constructively with the National Union of Journalists on the future of these vital Scottish newspapers.

That the Parliament welcomes the opportunity to mark the 40th anniversary of the Parkinson’s Disease Society during Parkinson’s Awareness Week, 20 to 26 April 2009; applauds the all-round support that the society gives to the 10,000 people with Parkinson’s in Scotland and the 120,000 people in the United Kingdom; particularly recognises the society’s £40 million contribution to advances in Parkinson’s research to date; commends the society on opening one of the first brain banks in the world dedicated to Parkinson’s, which undertakes vital research to understand what goes wrong when nerve cells in the brain die; acknowledges that there is a shortage of brain tissue for this essential research and that the brain bank needs donations from people without Parkinson’s as well as from those who have the condition; wishes the society every success in meeting its 2009 target to double the number of people who have committed to donating their brains for research into Parkinson’s, and wholeheartedly supports the society’s vision of continuing to fund research until a cure for Parkinson’s is found.

That the Parliament notes with concern reports of the continuing decline in bee numbers and in the number of other key pollinators; notes the importance of bees for the production of honey and, along with other species, their vital importance in food production and in support of biodiversity; supports measures to research and understand better what may be causing the reported declines as a basis for appropriate further actions; further notes that in some areas, such as Colonsay, the varroa mite, which is known to be responsible for some of the decline in bee numbers, is not present, and considers that the Scottish Government should make every effort to maintain that position and sustain bee and other key pollination numbers.

Motion proposed by Peter Peacock

Congratulations to Gordon and MacPhail

That the Parliament congratulates the Elgin-based and family-owned firm, Gordon and MacPhail, on winning a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2009 following a 94% increase in the value of its total exports over the last five years; notes that this local company, which began in 1895, employs 130 people in Elgin and Forres, stocks around 300 different whisky brands and currently exports around 60% of all its bottled products; further notes that the company has recently expanded its export department and plans to boost international sales, which last year amounted to around £3.6 million across 50 different markets; recognises the dedication and hard work of all the staff who have worked to make the company one of Scotland’s leading independent whisky specialists, and wishes Gordon and MacPhail every success for the future.

Meat Inspection at Abattoirs

That the Parliament deplores the proposed 9% increase in meat inspection charges at abattoirs; calls on the Scottish Government to instruct the Food Standards Agency to drop this proposal; recognises that any increase will have a detrimental effect on the farming industry in the present economic climate; further recognises the work of meat hygiene inspectors and fears that this increase will make it more difficult for them to carry out their work, and urges the Scottish Government to look at ways to develop small local abattoirs in order to promote local food production.

Sheep Electronic Identification

That the Parliament notes the outcome of the Council of Ministers’ negotiations on sheep electronic identification; acknowledges that HM Government and the Scottish Government worked hard to find an alternative; further acknowledges the work undertaken at European level by National Farmers Union Scotland; is disappointed that this alternative was not achieved, while recognising that the EU Commissioner for Health has offered a degree of flexibility regarding the implementation; notes that the United Kingdom has launched a consultation on the implementation, and urges the Scottish Government to consult farmers and crofters in Scotland in order to find ways to implement the legislation that causes the least harm to the industry.

That the Parliament congratulates John Clark and Andrew Kellock of Millburn Academy on their nomination for an Unsung Hero accolade in the Young Scot Awards 2009 for preventing their class minibus from crashing after their teacher collapsed at the wheel; notes that John, aged 13, managed to grab the wheel and steer the bus to safety while Andrew, aged 12, brought the bus to a stop by pulling on the handbrake; commends John and Andrew for their composure and bravery in preventing what could have been a devastating accident, and wishes them both the best of luck at the awards ceremony on 9 April 2009.

That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen Foyer on the work that it has done planting wild flowers, nectar-bearing plants and shrubs that will provide nutrition for bumblebees and butterflies; recognises the bumblebee as the principle pollinating insect in the Scottish countryside, and calls on the Scottish Government to recognise and support the important work being done at the University of Stirling to research and find ways to overcome the threats to bumblebees that have rendered three of Scotland’s 25 bumblebee species extinct and a further seven species severely threatened.

That the Parliament welcomes the bursaries that have been awarded by the Scottish Fishermen’s Trust to four students from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Aberdeen for projects that will enhance knowledge and understanding of the marine environment; notes that the trust will donate £15,000 over the next three years to fund bursaries for the university’s pioneering new MSc degree in applied marine and fisheries ecology, which is designed to produce cutting edge research to help the fisheries managers of the future; considers that these bursary awards underline the commitment of Scottish fishermen to protect the marine environment and ensure a sustainable future for fisheries, and wishes students Laura Clark, Lucine Edwards, Heather McMillan and Emma White every success with their respective projects on deepwater species, small cetaceans, Lamnid sharks and the deepwater fish, orange roughy.

That the Parliament rejects the SNP government’s proposals for a separate quota management and licensing system, which are potentially damaging to the fishing industry; believes that the proposals create new bureaucracy for fishermen; calls on the Scottish Government to publish any legal advice that it has taken on the competence of the proposals; urges the Scottish Government to take a coordinated approach with Her Majesty’s Government and the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland to develop a marine strategy for the benefit of the fishing industry and marine conservation, and calls on the Scottish Government to encourage cooperation across all sectors, including local fishing communities, to enable them to work to develop regional fisheries management and also work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure reform of the Common Fisheries Policy to enable the devolution of decision making to regional management structures.

That the Parliament rejects the SNP government’s proposals for a separate quota management and licensing system, which are potentially damaging to the fishing industry; believes that the proposals create new bureaucracy for fishermen; calls on the Scottish Government to publish any legal advice that it has taken on the competence of the proposals; urges the Scottish Government to take a coordinated approach with Her Majesty’s Government and the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland to develop a marine strategy for the benefit of the fishing industry and marine conservation, and calls on the Scottish Government to encourage cooperation across all sectors, including local fishing communities, to enable them to work to develop regional fisheries management and also work with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure reform of the Common Fisheries Policy to enable the devolution of decision making to regional management structures.

That the Parliament notes that 8 March 2009 is the 25th anniversary of the National Union of Mineworkers National Executive Committee granting special permission to members to take strike action in defence of jobs; recalls that Polmaise in Stirlingshire was one of the first proposed pit closures that prompted the national industrial action; remembers those who died while on picket lines; further remembers the pivotal role of women’s groups in supporting families and mining communities during the strike; recognises the devastating impact that the pit closures and dispute had on communities across Scotland; understands the importance that the miners’ strike plays in the history of trade union relations in the United Kingdom, and welcomes the positive and constructive role that trade unions continue to play in the modern workplace and their vital involvement in areas such as health and safety, equalities and trade union learning.

That the Parliament notes with concern that it is now a full year since the previous Minister for Environment announced his intention not to ban snares but to create further regulations to govern their use; recognises that the proposed regulations have not yet appeared; considers that, even with regulation, the continued use of snaring will subject thousands of Scotland’s animals every year to distress and suffering, including disembowelment, mutilation and death by slow strangulation, which is unacceptable and could not legally be inflicted on domestic animals; also considers that indiscriminate trapping methods such as snares exact a heavy toll on non-target animals, including wildlife, pets and farmed animals; is concerned that snares are still used to catch protected mountain hares; recognises that the Scottish Executive consultation on the future of snaring in 2006 elicited a more than two-to-one majority in favour of an outright ban on snares and that a poll commissioned in October 2008 showed that 79% of the Scottish public thought that snares should be banned, and therefore fully supports the campaign by Advocates for Animals, the League Against Cruel Sports and other wildlife organisations in calling for urgent action including a complete ban on snares in Scotland.

That the Parliament considers that authenticated footage, filmed on Tuesday 24 February 2009 and published by Advocates for Animals, showing a young badger caught in a legal snare has demonstrated that these traps are cruel, distressing and indiscriminate; notes that disturbance of the surrounding area and the fact that the badger had almost chewed through the steel cable of the snare, injuring its mouth in the process, indicated that it had been struggling desperately for many hours before its discovery; believes that had this badger, a protected species, not been found, it might have died a lingering and agonising death; believes that this incident is not isolated but is proof that regulating snares will not work, and therefore urges the Scottish Government to legislate to ban snares without delay.

That the Parliament applauds the selfless commitment of firefighters to their role in what can so often be very dangerous and extreme circumstances; notes with concern the increased number of firefighter deaths as highlighted in the Fire Brigades Union report, In the Line of Duty; further notes the lack of safety-critical operational guidance for fire authorities highlighted in that report and the deficiency of data collection in respect of firefighter deaths and other serious incidents, and calls for greater clarity and standardisation in the recording and investigation of firefighter fatalities and injuries and for more comprehensive safety guidance for fire authorities.

That the Parliament notes with extreme concern the announcement that up to a quarter ofjournalists at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail newspapers are to lose their jobs following the decision by Trinity Mirror to merge the two newsrooms; notes that the Daily Record and Sunday Mail are iconic titles and among Scotland’s most read newspapers and that these job losses are occurring despite the titles representing one of the more profitable parts of the industry; believes that such a reduction in staffing is likely to affect the quality of journalistic output; recognises that this is a turbulent period in the newspaper industry and that a longer-term review of the needs of the media industry should be looked at; welcomes the recent summit facilitated by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism and calls on the Scottish Government to continue to have dialogue with the industry in order to ensure that Scotland has a vibrant newspaper sector; welcomes the BBC’s decision not to proceed with a local online news service as it would have impacted on the newspaper industry and local newspapers in particular, and calls on the industry not simply to respond to new technologies and challenges by cutting jobs but to consider longer-term solutions that maintain quality of output and a diverse newspaper industry.

That the Parliament notes the confidence that the public has in the Post Office, particularly in this period of financial uncertainty; further notes the value of post offices in communities across Scotland; believes that, in providing a further range of financial services, the Post Office could assist many of those whom the banks do not serve, and further believes that, by becoming a people’s bank, the Post Office could make a significant contribution to social inclusion and financial stability in Scotland.

That the Parliament believes that the pension payment to Sir Fred Goodwin is wrong and that failure should not be rewarded and further believes that steps should be taken to have this pension stopped and that any payment to Sir Fred Goodwin should be brought into line with the compensation available to ordinary employees at the Royal Bank of Scotland who face unemployment.

Motion proposed by Peter Peacock

Titian’s Diana and Acteon

That the Parliament welcomes the continuing availability of Titian’s Diana and Actaeon for viewing in Scotland into the future; regrets the manner in which this issue arose and the threat to a Scottish future for this painting brought about by the approach of the Duke of Sutherland; calls on the Duke of Sutherland to remove any similar threat now or into the future to any other painting currently housed in Scotland by donating those paintings to the national galleries of London and Scotland; further urges the Duke of Sutherland to donate the £50 million received for Titian’s Diana and Actaeon to the people of Sutherland, the Highlands and Scotland more widely as one small step toward redeeming a tarnished reputation.

Keep Respite Care at Fyneview

That the Parliament notes the proposal under consideration by Argyll and Bute Council to cut funding to the Fyneview Respite House in Lochgilphead; considers that there has been a lack of consultation with all service users and carers in Argyll and Bute regarding the future of Fyneview; understands that there are no other respite facilities for 18 to 64-year-olds in the area, making Fyneview an invaluable resource for the community; believes that Argyll and Bute Council should not terminate respite care at Fyneview, particularly as the Scottish Government has made an extra £9 million available to enable local authorities to provide additional services for carers and an extra 10,000 respite weeks on top of existing service, and therefore calls on the council to reject the proposal.

Songbird survival

That the Parliament is aware of the concerns of many bird lovers throughout the United Kingdom about the decline of the songbird population; notes research that suggests that over the last 40 years many species of songbird have seen a reduction in numbers of 50% or more with some species declining by over 90%; recognises that a number of factors have led to these declines and that these should be considered by policymakers, and commends individual birdwatchers and bird groups in the Highlands and Islands and elsewhere in Scotland for their role in recording species’ numbers and the work of organisations such as Songbird Survival that campaign to raise awareness of the threat to our songbird species and ensure the creation of a balanced biodiversity.

No place for chauvinism in 21^st. century Scotland

That the Parliament calls for Dr Louise Richardson, the new principal of St Andrews University, to be offered honorary membership of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews as were her male predecessors; believes that discrimination on the basis of gender has no place in 21st century Scotland; considers that the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is the home of golf and sets an example for the game to millions of players across the world and millions of visitors to Scotland; believes that the Year of Homecoming 2009 provides an opportunity for the club to drop such an outdated and discriminatory policy, and calls on politicians from across the political spectrum, starting with the First Minister, to support calls for the principal to be offered membership regardless of gender and for the club to drop its policy against allowing women members.

End the Inhumane Long-distance Transportation of Live Horses for Slaughter in Europe

That the Parliament notes with concern the practice of the long-distance transportation of live horses for slaughter into and across the European Union (EU) involving an estimated 100,000 horses each year; believes that such a practice is indefensible in terms of animal welfare; also believes that existing legislation relating to such transportation and its enforcement are inadequate; supports an early review introducing short finite journey limits and space allowances that reflect the welfare needs of horses and, thereafter, rigorous enforcement by all EU member states of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, which governs the transport of live vertebrate animals within the EU in connection with an economic activity, and supports the Make a Noise campaign by World Horse Welfare to end the inhumane transportation of horses within the EU.

Sandwick Junior High Big Energy Challenge

That the Parliament notes that the final of the Big Green Challenge debating competition was held in the Parliament on 30 January 2009, when Sandwick Junior High School, Gairloch High School, Portree High School and Arran High School debated important renewable energy motions; recognises that the hard work all the teams will have put into the competition in researching renewable energy reflects the importance of renewable energy to the Highlands and Islands; congratulates all the teams on their success in reaching the final of this prestigious competition; particularly congratulates Sandwick Junior High School and its team of Joe Christie, Ceidiog Saxelby and Saibh Finlayson for winning the competition, and hopes that they will enjoy their prize, a trip to Iceland, which will include a visit to the Blue Lagoon and to the geothermal area of Geysir.

That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) on its recent event at the Scottish Parliament on 14 January 2009 to highlight its extensive work and success both on and off the field; was pleased to welcome the Scottish national team head coach, Frank Hadden, Scottish internationals Ally Hogg and Thom Evans, and other senior SRU officials to the Parliament; welcomes figures released by the SRU showing a 21% increase in the number of people playing rugby and in particular a 24% increase in the number of young people of both sexes participating in rugby; also welcomes the SRU’s efforts to work together with interested stakeholders in our communities to widen access to rugby for all; supports the SRU and the Scotland national team in their forthcoming Six Nations campaign, set to kick-off at Murrayfield on 8 February 2009 against Wales; wishes them the best of luck in what is set to be an exciting Six Nations given the team’s recent form, and acknowledges the economic benefits that Six Nations games at Murrayfield bring to Edinburgh and the wider Scottish economy.

That the Parliament congratulates the branch of Barnardo’s in Gorgie Road for winning the competition among the 59 Barnardo’s shops in Scotland to raise the most funds from recycling mobile phones; notes that it raised £800; highlights that Barnardo’s receives £3 for every mobile phone and 50p for every ink cartridge that it receives, and encourages people to recycle their old mobile phones and ink cartridges in this way to help the charity continue its valuable contribution in helping disadvantaged children and young people across Scotland.

That the Parliament welcomes the serving of Cockburns’ haggis at the Parliamentary Burns Club supper on 28 January 2009; notes that this is the second year that Cockburns’ haggis, the world’s first champion haggis, was served at the event; further notes the recent success of Cockburns of Dingwall, which won the Haggis Taste-off in a blind tasting competition in Fortrose that included haggis from throughout the country, and encourages all Scottish haggis makers to have their products featured in events that appear on the Parliament’s events calendar.

That the Parliament recognises the impact of the quality of a school’s environment on the effectiveness of the education of its pupils and believes that the dilapidated state of a number of school buildings in the north Highlands impedes the education of many pupils; recognises Highland Council's lack of financial resources to renovate and build schools, and regrets the lack of a funding mechanism that would allow Highland Council to initiate a much-needed schools refurbishment and new-build programme.

That the Parliament notes that 14 October 2009 will be the 70th anniversary of the loss of HMS Royal Oak when the German U-boat, U-47, penetrated the defences protecting Scapa Flow and torpedoed the battleship, sinking her with the loss of 833 lives; notes that many boy sailors aged between 15 and 17 were drowned that night and that, as a result, Churchill ordered that boy sailors were no longer to serve on ships on active service, a point drawn out vividly in the recently published book on the sinking, Last Dawn; further notes that the sinking is remembered every year at a service held over the site of the wreck when Royal Navy divers replace the white ensign that still flies on the submerged wreck, and remembers the sacrifice of those who lost their lives that night in the defence of Britain.

That the Parliament notes with concern Article 47 of draft EU regulation SEC(2008) 2760/61, which would bring recreational sea fishermen under the direct control of the Common Fisheries Policy; understands that it would require recreational fishermen to register their boats, that their catches would be counted against the fisheries quota for that country and that each country would be required to allocate the share of its quota for each fish species that would be available for commercial and recreational fisheries use; believes that these proposals would create enormous administrative problems and would be effectively unworkable in a Scottish context; further believes that they will contribute little to the conservation of fishing stocks, and therefore calls on the Scottish Government to make representations to the European Commission opposing the provisions of Article 47 of the draft EU regulation.

That the Parliament congratulates publisher DC Thomson and Co on the 90th birthday of The Sunday Post; notes that The Sunday Post was created in 1919 from The Post Sunday Special, a newspaper that was originally produced to ensure that lists of World War One casualties, which were released on a Saturday evening, could be available as soon as possible; further recognises that The Sunday Post is a Scottish institution enjoying an impressive readership of 950,000 and is home to Scottish icons The Broons and Oor Wullie; looks forward to its continued longevity and success in future years, and wishes everyone connected with The Sunday Post, both past and present, all the best.

That the Parliament congratulates Lesley Crosfield and Colin Craig of the Albannach Hotel in Lochinver for being awarded a Michelin star; further congratulates Lesley for being the only female holder of a Michelin star in Scotland, and hopes that this will encourage good business for the Albannach Hotel and tourism in north west Sutherland and help to establish the Highlands as a destination for good food.

Support Nil By-Mouth

That the Parliament notes with concern that financial support from the Scottish Government to Nil by Mouth, the country’s foremost anti-sectarian charity, runs out on 31 March 2009; acknowledges the pivotal role that Nil by Mouth has played in challenging sectarian attitudes and behaviour in Scotland through its campaigns, events and educational workshops, and encourages the Scottish Government to end the uncertainty over the charity’s future by making a commitment to continue its funding.

First Minister must set the record straight

That the Parliament notes the answers given by the First Minister to Tavish Scott MSP on Thursday 8 January 2009 in the Chamber (Official Report, c. 13822) regarding funding for the Scottish Inter Faith Council (SIFC); notes that the First Minister stated that funding was "resolved"; notes that the convenor of the SIFC has indicated that the matter was not resolved at the time of the First Minister’s statements; believes that the First Minister therefore misled the Parliament and that he should make a statement clarifying and apologising for this position; believes that the precedent has been set in previous sessions of the Parliament that the correct action for a minister who has, even inadvertently, misled the Parliament is to return to the Parliament as soon as possible to correct the inaccuracy and apologise, and that the Presiding Officer should play a constructive and appropriate role in ensuring that this happens.

Congratulations to the Highland Press—That the Parliament congratulates The Inverness Courier on being chosen as the Newspaper of the Year and the West Word, Arisaig, which has been awarded the Community Newspaper of the Year by the Highlands and Islands Media Awards judging panel; further congratulates the journalists and photographers at The Inverness Courier, the West Highland Free Press, The Orcadian, The Shetland Times, The Oban Times and the Stornoway Gazette who will be awarded prizes at the Highlands and Islands press ball being held at the Newton Hotel, Nairn, on Friday 6 February 2009, and wishes all of the winners every success for the future.

That the Parliament notes that Sunday 21 December 2008 will be the 20th anniversary of the Lockerbie air disaster; remembers with sadness the indiscriminate murder of 270 people from 21 countries and the consequences of this atrocity on their families, the community and the individuals involved in its aftermath, and recalls the courage and kindness of the people of Lockerbie at the time and over the past twenty years.

That the Parliament views as extremely serious the announcement that the Herald and Times Group will make redundant all of its 250 journalists and invite them to re-apply for their jobs; believes that this is a draconian employment practice, especially in light of significant profits recorded last year; acknowledges the importance of the Herald and Times Group to the newspaper industry and that The Herald, being one of the oldest newspapers in the United Kingdom, and The Evening Times have played a significant role in reporting on the daily life of Glasgow and Scotland, and calls on the Herald and Times Group’s management to meet with the National Union of Journalists with a view to withdrawing this plan.

That the Parliament notes the increased vulnerability of homeowners to repossession, particularly those with mortgages from sub-prime lenders; notes with deep concern that Scottish households currently have less protection from repossession than people elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and calls on ministers to act on the recommendations of organisations involved in debt management, and the joint statement by spokespeople from the Scottish Labour Party, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Green Party and Margo Macdonald MSP, by facilitating the introduction of a Scottish equivalent to the pre-court protocol introduced in England to place an enforceable duty on both lenders and courts to ensure that repossession is genuinely a last resort, to introduce licensing of sale and lease-back schemes and to provide vulnerable families facing repossession with an automatic right to legal aid.

That the Parliament congratulates the Barra community on winning both the Scottish Calor Village of the Year title and also the inaugural UK Calor Village of the Year award; commends the work of those campaigners who have brought welcome and deserved plaudits for the island, and recognises the efforts of the community in the initiatives that secured these achievements and will benefit the wider community socially, economically and environmentally for years to come.

That the Parliament congratulates the sculptor Alexander Stoddart on his statue of James Clerk Maxwell, regarded as one of the world’s greatest ever scientific figures; notes that the statue was made at the Black Isle Bronze Ltd foundry in Nairn, and further notes that James Clerk Maxwell’s discovery of the nature of electromagnetic waves led the way to the invention of everyday means of communication such as radio and television and the mobile phone.

That the Parliament notes that 1 January 2009 is the 90th anniversary of the tragic sinking of HMY Iolaire, which sank after hitting the Beasts of Holm rock only a mile away from the safety of Stornoway harbour at 1.55 am on New Year’s Day 1919 and only a few dozen yards from the safety of the shore; notes that the official death toll was 205 of the 284 crew and naval ratings on board who were returning from serving in World War 1; realises that this represented a huge loss of life after the hundreds of islanders who had already been lost in WW1, and recognises that this is one of the most devastating ever losses of life in UK waters in peacetime and that around 40 of the men who survived owed that survival to the courage of John F MacLeod from the Ness area of Lewis who managed to swim ashore carrying a line, which enabled a number of men who might otherwise have perished to drag themselves ashore.

That the Parliament welcomes the European Parliament’s overwhelming vote in favour of providing recovery zones for bee populations; notes how reliant Scottish agriculture is on bees for pollination and food security; expresses its concern over the recent sharp decline in bee numbers, and calls on the Scottish Government to follow the European Parliament’s lead by identifying areas of pollen and nectar-rich land in Scotland that can subsequently attract subsidy or other supports to provide conditions that will allow our vital bee populations to begin to recover.

That the Parliament notes with concern the rising cholera-related death toll in Zimbabwe; expresses its worry that the actual figure may be as high as 3,000, as reported on 27 November 2007 by a senior official in Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry, and, as Oxfam has reported, a further one million Zimbabweans are at risk; expresses further concern that Robert Mugabe’s regime is reportedly silencing health workers and restricting access to the huge number of death certificates that give the cause of death as cholera-related; believes that, with Harare’s Central Hospital officially closed, the situation is dire, and calls on the international community to step up pressure on Zimbabwe’s president to allow international aid and medicine to enter the country.

That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the Scottish Government that funding is to be made available for the Holocaust Educational Trust to offer pupils representing all secondary schools the opportunity to participate in visits to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust and encourages the Scottish Government, local government and the Holocaust Educational Trust to work together to ensure participation across as wide a range of schools as possible.

That the Parliament congratulates Janet Allardice of Dalziel High School on being the recent recipient of the Star Award for SQA Champion for her dedication to championing SQA qualifications during her 33-year career and recognises that her inspirational guidance and commitment have touched thousands, allowing her to, amongst other things, lead her co-workers to develop higher standards in business education and prepare her students to achieve their standard grades.

That the Parliament condemns the state of women’s welfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the widespread systematic rape and sexual violence against women and young girls; notes the indiscriminate nature of the crime with rape victims as young as infants or as old as 80-year-old grandmothers, with many being raped by groups of soldiers and others held as sex slaves; highlights the reported 40,000 victims of sexual violence that were treated in UN and partnered medical centres in 2007 and notes that experts believe this to be only a fraction of the actual number of victims; applauds campaigns such as the Enough Project, which aims to empower Congolese women and girls to put an end to assaults of sexual violence; calls for an end to rape being used as a weapon of war by all armed groups, and finally hails the courageous women of the DRC who are making their voices heard by the international community and demonstrating against this ongoing campaign of physical, psychological and social assault.

That the Parliament considers that the Forestry Commission Scotland has a central role with regard to sustainable development and to combating climate change; recognises the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase forest cover from 17% to 25% by 2020; expresses its dismay at the proposal to lease Scottish woodland to commercial companies for up to 75 years, a decision that could, in the long term, threaten productivity, employment, sustainable use of woodland and environmental policy making, and calls on the Scottish Government to withdraw forthwith from any negotiations that may have been started and to renew its commitment to continue to support the Forestry Commission Scotland's important work on both climate change and sustainable development.

That the Parliament welcomes the march to be held in Glasgow on 6 December 2008 to coincide with the UN climate change talks in Poznan, Poland, to call for just solutions to the problem of climate change to be achieved through the UN talks and the Scottish Climate Change Bill; supports the call for urgent and resolute action to prevent the catastrophic effects of a significant increase in global temperature; calls on world leaders to adopt a common approach to tackling climate change including a strong emissions reductions treaty that is both equitable and effective in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and welcomes the wide range of Scottish organisations giving support to the march.

That the Parliament congratulates and commends the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK branch on its timely International Parliamentary Conference which was held between 17 and 21 November 2008 in the Palace of Westminster for 92 colleagues from across the Commonwealth and beyond on the scrutiny of the effectiveness of international aid; notes that, following the Accra High-Level Forum in September 2008, the conference debated the vital role of parliamentarians in donor and partner legislatures in holding their executives to account on international aid effectiveness and commitments made under the Paris Declaration in 2005; further notes that the conference discussed the need to enhance the capacity of partner parliaments to undertake more effective scrutiny; recognises an outreach responsibility in this Parliament to assist in strengthening the capacity of partner parliaments, and calls on the Scottish *Parliamentary Corporate Body* to seek a meeting between representatives of the Scottish Parliament and the Malawi Parliament's International Relations Committee with a view to mutually improving parliamentary scrutiny of the bilateral aid agreements between Scotland and Malawi.

That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award on the eighth anniversary of the event; recognises the work of the award in giving an international platform to organisations and individuals who may not have been previously recognised for their humanitarian work; notes that 2009 represents the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, and therefore welcomes the award, both as a representation of the universal ideals espoused by Robert Burns in his works of universal brotherhood and self-sacrifice and the hard work carried out by people across the world.

That the Parliament expresses its concern that Scottish Water has breached six years of constructive partnership with staff by imposing a 15-month pay rise of 3%, which equates to an annual offer of 2.4%, far short of the current rate of inflation, and as a result of this imposition staff have voted in favour of industrial action; notes that, by stark contrast, the remuneration of Scottish Water’s executive directors has risen from an average of £108,000 in 2002-03 to £172,000 in 2007-08; commends the hard work and commitment of Scottish Water staff and the world-class public service that they provide and fully understands that their decision to strike has not been taken lightly; recognises that Scottish Water is publicly owned and accountable to Scottish ministers who are also responsible for setting the pay remit and approving any pay deal, and believes that the Scottish Government should engage directly and as quickly as possible with both trade unions and Scottish Water to resolve this dispute and ensure that public servants are awarded a fair and negotiated pay settlement.

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling on 4 December 2008; notes that the net proceeds from the sale of the book will be used to support the work of the Children's High Level Group (CHLG); congratulates CHLG on its work so far in helping around 250,000 children in eastern Europe who are growing up in unacceptable conditions, and hopes that fans around the world will enjoy The Tales of Beedle the Bard while helping to benefit institutionalised children in desperate need of a voice.

That the Parliament expresses disappointment at the Scottish Government’s decision not to push ahead with a ban on electric shock training devices until the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs research is completed in 2010; notes that the Welsh Assembly has already announced a ban on their use in Wales and is currently drafting legislation; further notes that a wide range of organisations, including the Kennel Club, veterinary surgeons, respected dog trainers and behaviour experts, call for the sale and use of electric shock collars to be prohibited in Scotland, and urges the Scottish Government to review its decision.

That the Parliament congratulates the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust on being the only finalist from Scotland in NESTA’s £1 million Big Green Challenge; commends the community of Eigg for leading the way towards becoming a zero-carbon-energy community; believes that the project will also allow other communities to reduce their impact by learning from Eigg’s experience through the Build Your Own Green Island scheme when it is launched in early 2009, and congratulates NESTA for running the Big Green Challenge, which will help us all to learn lessons about how to reduce our environmental impact.

That the Parliament welcomes the decision by the UK Labour government to keep the Post Office card account with the Post Office until at least 2015; believes that comments by the SNP candidate in the Glenrothes by-election and the Deputy First Minister, both of whom suggested that the Labour government was set to strip this vital service from post offices, were misleading and deeply irresponsible, causing fear and alarm to the many pensioners across Scotland who use and value the Post Office account service, and further believesmotion S3M-2876 by Aileen Campbell to be hollow and politically motivated.

That the Parliament congratulates the Dance School of Scotland, located within Knightswood Secondary School, on its silver anniversary; notes that the Dance School of Scotland, conceived in 1983 as a result of discussions between the then Strathclyde Regional Council and Scottish Ballet, has developed an excellent reputation over that period as Scotland’s only fully-funded centre of excellence for dance and is a school that, unlike many other establishments, charges no fees; celebrates the 10th anniversary of the musical theatre course at Knightswood, which complements the work of the dance school and has harnessed the talent of young people in Scotland, many of whom are now acclaimed professionals in the world of dance and musical theatre; commends the extraordinary skills and dedication of the staff at the dance school and, in particular, Elaine Holland, artistic director of dance, and Graham Dickie, artistic director of the musical theatre course; wishes all those taking part in a special celebratory showcase, to be held at the Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 16 November 2008, a night to remember, and extends its best wishes to all students and teachers who have created this Scottish success story.

That the Parliament welcomes the Back to a Life survey of stroke survivors report; calls on the Scottish Government to listen to the views of the large number of people in Scotland with communication difficulties following a stroke and who responded to the survey; recognises the impact, following a stroke, of communication difficulties on people’s lives; supports the development of more, improved and better integrated communication support services in hospitals and in communities; further supports the development of accessible public communication services throughout communities and the establishment of accurate data collection processes to better evaluate and inform local communications service planning, and calls on the Scottish Government to make a firm commitment to act on these issues in Scotland’s refreshed Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy.

That the Parliament notes that Scottish learning difficulties charity Mindroom has launched a major campaign aimed at securing more integrated support for children and adults with learning difficulties; notes the research indicating that more than one-in-six children has a recognised learning difficulty and calls for greater medical and statistical research in this area; strongly supports Mindroom’s focus on integrating support for people with learning difficulties under three pillars, namely, assessment and diagnosis, research and development, and education and training; believes that the creation of centres combining these facilities under one roof represents a potentially revolutionary way of supporting people with learning difficulties and their families, and would welcome creation of the world’s first such Mindroom in Scotland, allowing Scotland to take a global lead in promoting integrated support for those with learning difficulties.

- That the Parliament warmly congratulates Barack Obama on his election as 44th President of the United States of America; believes that his election represents, in the words of the Prime Minister, "a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written" and is a watershed event in the history of the USA, parts of which experienced racial segregation within living memory; admires President-elect Obama’s campaign, which placed emphasis on unity over division, and believes that his election is testament not only to himself as an individual, his party and all those who have supported him in his campaign, but also to the achievements of a non-violent civil rights movement, which has inspired other struggles against injustice and helped to transcend divisions in countries around the globe; further believes that President-elect Obama shares the values of progressive politics in Scotland and the United Kingdom, and looks forward to engaging constructively with his administration for the betterment of our respective countries and the wider world.

Carers’ Rights Day

That the Parliament supports Carers’ Rights Day 2008, a campaign run by Carers Scotland; recognises that nearly three quarters of carers in Scotland are financially worse off as a result of caring and supporting family, friends or neighbours, with many falling into poverty and debt while they save the country an estimated £7.6 billion each year, and seeks to increase the uptake of benefits by carers, raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support for which they are eligible.

World Diabetes Day

That the Parliament welcomes the United Nation’s declaration of November 14 as World Diabetes Day; further welcomes the arrival in the Scottish Parliament of Diabetes UK Scotland’s exhibition, which aims to raise awareness of the impact that the condition has on children and young adolescents in Scotland; recognises that Scotland has one of the highest rates in the world for Type 1 diabetes and that more than 90% of young people with diabetes in Scotland are at risk of serious health complications because they lack the information and support to manage their condition properly; congratulates Diabetes UK Scotland on the publication of the Making Connections toolkit, which aims to give young people an improved transition from paediatric to adult services in hospitals and gives them advice on living with diabetes as young adults, and calls on the Scottish Government to support fully children and young people with diabetes.

World Aids Day

That the Parliament recognises the importance of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2008 and its aim of highlighting the challenges and consequences of the HIV epidemic around the world; acknowledges that there are 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide and that countries face a myriad challenges in halting the spread of the virus and improving the lives and experiences of people affected; recognises that HIV diagnoses in Scotland have been increasing in recent years with 2007 seeing the highest annual number on record; acknowledges that it is estimated that there are 5,500 people now living with HIV in Scotland; regrets that a recent poll found that people in Scotland had comparatively poorer rates of HIV knowledge than in other areas of the United Kingdom; considers that this lack of public understanding about the virus and how it is transmitted compounds and exacerbates the stigma and prejudice experienced by many people living with HIV in Scotland, and therefore supports this year’s theme of Respect and Protect, which highlights the responsibility of everyone to transform attitudes to HIV and encourage actions that stop its spread.

EU Council of Ministers Call for Action on Alzheimer’s Disease

That the Parliament welcomes the acknowledgement by the Council of the European Union that Alzheimer’s disease is a European priority; agrees that Alzheimer’s disease is a major challenge for all European societies; notes that the council has acknowledged the importance of better understanding, detecting, preventing and finally combating the mechanisms that trigger neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s; further notes that the council has recognised the value of strengthening co-operation, co-ordination and financial support for research efforts across Europe; acknowledges that the current EU Presidency has also made a commitment to Alzheimer’s, and therefore calls on the Scottish Government to amend its European priorities to include action on Alzheimer’s as a key priority area and to work with key Scottish stakeholders to recognise the contribution that Scotland can make to developing innovative approaches to neurodegenerative disease Europe-wide.

Carers’ Rights Day

That the Parliament welcomes Carers’ Rights Day 2008 on Friday 5 December, aimed at increasing awareness of the invaluable role of carers across Scotland in looking after a disabled or vulnerable loved one, as well as the advice and support available to them; notes with concern research by Carers Scotland that nearly three quarters of the estimated 666,000 carers in Scotland are financially worse-off as a result of caring, with many living in poverty; is further concerned that many carers do not realise the range of financial help and advice that they are entitled to; therefore congratulates Carers Scotland on its work to improve the uptake of available assistance through the publication of its booklet Looking after someone: a guide to carers’ rights and benefits and its website www.carerscotland.org, which also includes details of over 1,000 outreach events in conjunction with similar organisations across the United Kingdom, and further notes the role that MSPs of all parties can play in the Parliament and in their constituencies or regions to help ensure that carers receive the support that they richly deserve.

Support the PCS Strike on 10 November 2008

That the Parliament expresses its solidarity with the members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) in Scottish and UK government departments in their national industrial action over a 2% pay cap; notes that, amid spiralling food, fuel and transport prices, financial insecurity and Retail Price Index and Consumer Price Index inflation rates at 5% and 5.2% respectively, low-paid public sector workers should not be condemned to below inflation effective pay cuts; commends Scotland’s civil servants for the sterling work that they do in providing vital services to the public, and urges Scottish and UK ministers to review pay policies that are penalising their own workforces at this time of unprecedented and significant developments in the economic climate.

Epilepsy Scotland

That the Parliament commends the efforts of Epilepsy Scotland in its work to increase understanding and awareness of epilepsy and ensure that the appropriate services and support are available across Scotland; notes that this serious neurological condition affects one in 130 people of all ages in Scotland and values the Scottish Government’s recognition of the important role that epilepsy specialist nurses (ESN) have in patient care, and, finally, congratulates and applauds Epilepsy Scotland’s efforts in raising £65,000 from its annual Wags dinner events in Edinburgh and Glasgow and £31,000 from the colourful art sale of works from some of Scotland’s finest artists, including Peter Howson.

The Cost of Child Poverty in the UK

As an amendment to motion S3M-2787 in the name of Bill Wilson (The Costs of Child Poverty in the UK), leave out from "commends" to end and insert "considers that the SNP government has decided to reward those who are better-off by offering them tax cuts and penalise the less well-off by cutting local services that many children, disabled and older people depend on; believes that a lack of government funding to local authorities is responsible for cuts to nursery places and a reduction in hours, school kitchen closures, reduced support for one-parent families and funding cuts to respite care services for disabled people as well as cuts to Sure Start funding for vulnerable children and therefore calls on the Scottish Government to use the budget process as an opportunity to revise its settlement with local government; notes, in addition, that the SNP government has delivered a schools settlement described as awful by EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith, and further believes that these cuts have plunged more people into poverty rather than lifted them out, highlighting a stark contradiction to its claim to redistribute wealth."

Non- Native Invasive Species

As an amendment to motion S3M-2777 in the name of Richard Lochhead (Non-Native Invasive Species), insert at end "and asks the Scottish Government to review existing legislation and report back to the Parliament on whether it considers that current legislation requires to be strengthened to ensure that the issue of non-native species is addressed more effectively."

Mental Health in the Workplace

That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives on establishing a pilot project to raise awareness of the overall benefits of healthy inclusive workplaces in relation to mental health and improving support for workers with mental health issues and hopes that the knowledge gained from this pilot will lead to a further reduction in stigma and contribute to a healthier working environment.

Gael Power - BBc Alba, Publication of First Viewing Figures and Freeview

That the Parliament welcomes publication of the first viewing figures for BBC Alba of over 610,000, which is substantially larger than the audience of 250,000 that the BBC wanted to attract; believes that this is a good indication of the future success of the channel and congratulates BBC Alba for its variety and originality in programming, for example showing the Scotland versus Russia women’s football match; is concerned that BBC Alba is only available to those with subscriptions to Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media, but not on Freeview, the most popular digital system; further believes that the exclusion of BBC Alba from Freeview denies many Gaelic speakers, and those with an interest, a chance to view the channel and also to be included in the viewing figures, and calls on the BBC to address access to Freeview sooner than 2010 and to establish how many viewers are unable to view the channel but would if Freeview were available.

Neonatal Care in Scotland

That the Parliament welcomes the 2008 report into neonatal care in Scotland by Bliss, the charity for babies born too soon, too small or too sick; notes with concern that Scotland has a higher rate of premature births than England and Wales and that this rate has been steadily increasing for at least the last 25 years, and further welcomes the commitment of Bliss to Scotland with the opening of a Scottish office.

All Citizens Equal

As an amendment to motion S3M-2762 in the name of Bill Wilson (All Citizens Equal), insert at end "and acknowledges the right of those from ethnic minorities born in Scotland to choose to play international football for countries other than Scotland, free from being singled out for abuse owing to this perfectly legitimate decision."

Shetland Times Petition on Airline charges -

That the Parliament notes that airlines are adding extra charges to their basic ticket prices; further notes that such extra charges often include the use of debit and credit cards and seat reservations; is concerned that such charges often seem to bear very little relationship to the actual costs that the airlines face and that such extra charges have been imposed on the air services between Shetland and the UK mainland; understands the concerns that this has raised and believes that there should be no charge for using a debit card or for reserving a seat and that the charges applied to credit cards should reflect the actual cost to the airline, and congratulates Shetland Times on its petition campaign to see seat reservation and debit card charges dropped and credit card charges lowered.

Lerwick Airport Authority achieves Highest Environmental Certification -

That the Parliament notes that Lerwick Port Authority has been awarded an ISO 14001 certificate, the highest environmental standard certificate in the world, in recognition of the efforts that have been made to improve the environmental practices of the operation of the port; further notes that this has been achieved by introduction of new management procedures with built-in environmental benefits, including the monitoring of all fuel and electricity used in port premises and vehicles and the recycling of all waste; recognises that, as the same standards have been achieved by the Peterson SBS oil service base in the port, Lerwick is now the only UK port capable of decommissioning oil and gas rigs while upholding the same environmental standards as the oil industry, and congratulates the port’s management and staff on the efforts they have made in order to reach the high environmental standards that holders of the ISO 14001 certificate have to achieve.

Bishopbriggs Teacher Best in Britain -

That the Parliament congratulates David Miller from St Ninian’s High School in Bishopbriggs for winning the Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School award at the 2008 Teaching Awards; notes his commitment to children in the area by serving on a children’s panel, prompting his decision to take up teaching; also notes the excellent standard of teaching in Scotland’s schools, and recognises the hard work that teachers in Scotland put in to create a safe and enjoyable learning atmosphere.

Westray Junior High School wins Young Engineer Club of the Year -

That the Parliament congratulates the enthusiastic young scientists and their teachers from Westray Junior High School in Orkney on winning the Young Engineers Club of the Year award at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) Highlands and Islands Annual Dinner and Business Experience Awards in Nairn on Friday 19 September 2008; notes that the island of Westray has one of the longest established clubs in SCDI’s Young Engineers Club network, and urges other schools and local authorities to follow the example of Westray in supporting the engagement of young people with science and engineering through young engineers clubs.

Edinburgh Citizen Advice Bureau -

That the Parliament notes with deep concern the decision of Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE) to close four CAB offices across the city, specifically in Pilton, Leith, Fountainbridge and Portobello; appreciates that CAE both regrets this decision and considers it to be a direct consequence of inadequate funding from the City of Edinburgh Council; understands that the funding settlement has always been tight and believes that relevant constituency and regional MSPs have always supported CAE and the invaluable services that it offers to communities across Edinburgh; is deeply concerned about the impact of centralising these services for individuals who have mobility or financial difficulties believing that an expansion of online facilities automatically excludes a significant proportion of users who are neither computer literate nor have ready access to computer facilities; further believes that this development is an unacceptable alternative to frontline advice services, and resolves to work together to reverse this shocking cut to vital local services.

10^th. Anniversary of Wigtown Book Festival -

That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of the Wigtown Book Festival on its 10th anniversary; notes the impressive line-up of over 150 authors from different fields of literature; welcomes the boost that the festival brings to the local economy and community; believes that the scenic setting adds a great deal to the festival; further notes the important role that the festival plays in the Scottish literary calendar, and looks forward to the festival having a long and bright future ahead of it.

Secondary School Teacher of the Year -

That the Parliament congratulates David Miller from St Ninian’s High School in Bishopbriggs, who was named Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School at the 2008 Teaching Awards; notes the achievement of the English teacher who, even though being in the teaching profession for only five years, is a tutor to trainee English teachers, and also notes the praise given to him by pupils, former pupils and parents of pupils at St Ninian’s for his flexible use of computers in class and his discussion-based teaching style.

Congratulations to Forres in Bloom -

That the Parliament congratulates Forres in Bloom for winning gold in the town category of Britain in Bloom; notes that over 1,000 villages, towns and cities entered this year’s contest and that Forres has a history spanning more than two decades of winning national awards in floral competitions; further notes that the judges were particularly impressed by the involvement of youngsters from Applegrove Primary School, who won the Britain in Bloom Young People’s Award, with both their knowledge of gardening and the school garden impressing the officials, and congratulates the Forres in Bloom team and all their supporters for the tremendous effort they put into the floral displays each year, which bring many visitors to the town.

Energy Saving Week Campaign 2008 -

That the Parliament congratulates the Energy Saving Trust for organising its 12th annual Energy Saving Week from 20 to 26 October 2008; recognises that energy efficiency is the cleanest, safest and cheapest way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions; notes that energy efficiency can play a key role in tackling fuel poverty but acknowledges that the Energy Saving Trust’s independent research shows that people believe that a lack of time is a barrier to them taking energy saving measures; further notes that many actions, such as installing low energy lightbulbs or boiling only the amount of water that you need for a hot drink, actually take very little time; urges all MSPs to show leadership in their constituencies and regions by supporting Energy Saving Week and encouraging constituents to contact their local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012 for free, independent, home energy efficiency advice, and notes that since the Energy Saving Trust was established it has funded or influenced measures giving lifetime savings of over 100 million tonnes of CO2.

Ofcom charges for RNLI -

That the Parliament notes with concern Ofcom’s consultation document, Applying spectrum pricing to the Maritime and Aeronautical sectors, which proposes cost increases for the use of VHF radio frequencies; further notes with particular concern section 1.18 of the consultation, which states that "we are inviting views on whether charities whose objective is the safety of human life in an emergency should receive a discount"; understands that the annual charge to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) could increase from £40,000 to £260,000; recognises that the RNLI is a national charity, supported and financed by volunteers, which provides a vital life-saving service; further recognises that the proposed cost increases will certainly threaten both local and national sea and mountain search and rescue charities across the country; believes that all charities whose objective is the safety of human life should receive a 100% discount on using radio frequencies, and calls on Ofcom to reject its current proposals and enter into a process to introduce a 100% discount for these vital life-saving services.

Class 5b Dunoon primary -

That the Parliament congratulates primary class 5b at Dunoon Primary School on winning the Making a Mint competition organised by innovation agency NESTA; believes that the Mint Magic air fresheners that the pupils designed and made themselves are both practical and imaginative; hopes that they use their prize of £1,000 of Amazon vouchers wisely both for enjoyment and education; thanks NESTA for organising and funding the competition and commends it for its work in encouraging children’s creativity and enterprise skills; further hopes that initiatives like Make a Mint will continue in the future, and looks forward to more winners from Scotland.

Who Cares? Scotland

That the Parliament congratulates Who Cares? Scotland on its 30th anniversary; recognises the valuable role that it has played in improving policy, practice and legislation on residential, foster and throughcare, as well as giving a voice to young people with experience of being looked after; regrets that the planned gala dinner at Kelvingrove Art Gallery has had to be cancelled after the pulling out of RBS and other business and financial organisations feeling unable to support the event due to the impact of the credit crunch; notes that Who Cares? Scotland will now be unable to realise the £75,000 fundraising target it hoped to achieve from the gala dinner; further notes that the loss of this potential income will impact directly on the future service and support available to young people, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that Who Cares? Scotland has adequate core funding to cover all of its planned work in the coming year, including those elements that the proceeds from the Gala Dinner would have financed.

Oil Prices -

That the Parliament calls on the oil companies to pass on to consumers immediately decreases in the price of oil; notes how quickly increases in prices are passed on to consumers as the world price of oil goes up, and believes that consumers should benefit as soon as possible as a result of the drop in price of oil.

Funding for Gaelic Medium Schools -

That the Parliament welcomes the continuation of support for Gaelic medium education, building on the work of the previous administration in securing the status of the Gaelic language and in funding the expansion of learning and teaching through the medium of Gaelic; believes that support for Gaelic medium education is the key to ensuring the survival of the language; recognises the campaigning efforts of parents across the country and the desire of those in Edinburgh, Fort William, Portree, Barra and elsewhere for stand-alone Gaelic medium schools to expand on the success of the existing Gaelic medium units; welcomes any additional capital funding to help build or refurbish these new schools but believes that recent announcements are insufficient and that the Scottish Government should match the example of the previous administration in the £3.5 million of support given to Glasgow to establish an all Gaelic school, and believes that any funding commitment should last longer than just two or three years if it is to help secure the long-term future of the Gaelic language.

Congratulations on Scottish University World rankings -

That the Parliament notes the publication of the 2008 Times Higher Education QS World University Rankings; congratulates the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow and University of St Andrews for being ranked in the top 100; further congratulates the University of Aberdeen for being ranked in the top 200 universities in the world; recognises that Scottish universities make up four of the 29 UK universities in the top 200; notes the improved ranking of the University of Glasgow and the drop in ranking for the University of St Andrews and University of Aberdeen; notes the drop in ranking of the University of Dundee out of the top 200 world universities; further notes the delay in publishing the final report of the Joint Future Thinking Taskforce on Universities; highlights the serious financial concerns expressed by many leaders across the university sector in Scotland over the last few weeks, and calls on the Scottish Government to come forward with concrete and substantive proposals to ensure Scotland’s universities maintain and build on their current international position over the coming years.

Tackling Wildlife Crime -

That the Parliament congratulates Lothian and Borders Police on appointing a full-time serving officer as Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer to work alongside the existing Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator; notes that the Lothian and Borders force now joins the Grampian force in employing a full-time serving officer as a wildlife crime officer; commends the Grampian model for providing strong support from senior officers; hopes that other police forces will follow suit; calls on the Scottish Government to urge other police forces to employ a serving officer as a wildlife and environmental crime officer, as recommended by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland in Natural Justice: A joint thematic inspection of the arrangements in Scotland for preventing, investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime and highlighted as an important step by all parties during the debate on that report on 22 May 2008, and further calls on the Scottish Government to report to the Parliament its progress on implementing the recommendations of the report.

A Taste of Orkney -

That the Parliament notes that leading food producers from Orkney, working with the Orkney Marketing initiative, have combined with Country Channel TV to make A Taste of Orkney, a film available worldwide on internet TV; considers that the film promotes Orkney and its high quality produce in a new and exciting way, highlighting Orkney’s food heritage, its pristine environment, its superb raw materials harvested from the sea and land, and the commitment of its food producers to quality; believes that anyone who is attracted by the film to try Orkney produce will not be disappointed, and congratulates all those involved in this innovative marketing project.

West Harris Estates Buyout -

That the Parliament welcomes the news that on Friday 3 October 2008 the people of the west side of Harris voted to progress towards a community buyout of their estate; notes that tenants of the West Harris estates in the townships of Luskentyre, Scarasta Mhor and Borve, which includes the villages of Seilibost and Horgabost, voted to proceed with the buyout of these estates, which would be the first community buyout of a government-owned estate in the history of land reform legislation, with 77% in favour of a buyout and all three estates voting yes on a turnout of 95%; hopes that this is the first step towards a better future for people in the west of Harris; believes that, like other examples throughout the Highlands and Islands, community ownership will provide a great incentive for these communities to develop economically and to retain and grow their population, and wishes the communities every success with the venture they have embarked on.

Fare deal -

That the Parliament congratulates the 12 charities which, on UK Older People’s Day, 1 October 2008, launched a Fare Deal campaign for the concessionary travel scheme to be extended to cover special transport schemes used by elderly and disabled people, such as Dial-a-Journey in Forth Valley; considers that thousands of people who have or are entitled to a free bus pass are missing out because they cannot use regular scheduled services, and believes that an extension to the national concessionary travel scheme to include demand-responsive community transport should be considered.

Connage Crowdie Wins OK -

That the Parliament congratulates Connage Highland Dairy at Milton of Connage, Ardersier, on the achievement of its crowdie cheese winning the Best Cheese in Scotland category at the British Cheese Awards; recognises the scale of this achievement considering that the Clark family have only been making the hand-crafted organic cheeses for three years; wishes them the best of luck in the future, and recognises the quality and variety of food and drink that is produced in the Highlands and Islands.

Congratulations to Alness for Fifth Britain in Bloom Gold Award -

That the Parliament congratulates the volunteers and businesses whose efforts and contributions have resulted in Alness winning a gold award in the 2008 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition and notes that this latest success is the town’s fifth gold award in Britain in Bloom and its 39th award in different competitions, putting Alness once again firmly on Britain’s floral map.

Supermarkets in the Highlands -

That the Parliament notes that Highland consumers have a limited choice of supermarkets to shop at; regrets the impact that the dominance of a few supermarkets has on consumers, both in terms of choice and value for money, and believes that local authorities and government, when considering applications for new supermarkets, should take into consideration consumer choice as well as the negative impact they may have on the sustainability of small and independent outlets before granting applications.

Congratulations to Action for Children -

That the Parliament notes the launch of Action for Children and Action for Children in Scotland, formerly NCH and NCH Scotland; notes the publication of As long as it takes: a new politics for children to coincide with the launch; congratulates NCH and its predecessor organisations for all their work on behalf of children since 1869; welcomes Action for Children’s commitment to building on all of that work, and wishes it well as it continues its work for children and young people for as long

Black Pudding Makers of Stornoway—

That the Parliament commends the black pudding makers of Stornoway for their distinctive and high quality product, which is enjoying a growing reputation; welcomes the increased export of Stornoway black pudding from the islands; regrets the marketing of black pudding not made in Stornoway but which uses the name of Stornoway on its labelling; supports the possibility of securing protected origin or geographical status for genuine Stornoway black pudding, and encourages all Scots and others to sample the delights of real Stornoway black pudding.

A Year of Sport for Scotland

That the Parliament recognises that 2014 will be a significant year for Scottish sport; notes that, in addition to the annual sporting events taking place that year, Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles; acknowledges that each event will bring international athletes to this country and will focus worldwide attention on Scotland; welcomes the variety of sporting opportunities that 2014 will present to Scotland, and believes that 2014 should be designated "Scotland’s Year of Sport" in order to highlight the benefits that sport and physical activity bring to the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

Congratulations to Team GB, especially Scotland’s athletes

That the Parliament congratulates the athletes from Team GB who have performed incredibly well in the 2008 Beijing Olympics; recognises the commitment and togetherness of Team GB in its pursuit of sporting excellence; commends the achievement of 47 medals, including 19 gold medals; congratulates Chris Hoy on his achievement of three gold medals and on being the first British Olympian in 100 years to win three gold medals in a single games; considers that calls for a separate Scottish Olympics team from the First Minister are divisive and unnecessary, and calls on the First Minister to spend more of his time finding resources to invest in sport and facilities in Scotland rather than depending on the legacy of the previous Labour/Liberal Democrat administration and to listen to the Scottish Olympians, such as Chris Hoy and Allan Wells, on how best to support Scottish athletes in the future.

Insulin Pump Therapy

That the Parliament welcomes the recent decision by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland to approve the new NICE guidelines on insulin pumps for use in Scotland; notes that more people will now be eligible for continuous insulin infusion pump therapy thereby improving the quality of lives for those with insulin-dependant diabetes, and urges the Scottish Executive and local NHS boards to monitor closely the insulin pump programme availability throughout Scotland to ensure that people with type 1 diabetes who meet the criteria have access to these insulin pumps that deliver therapy.

Impact of the Thatcher Government’s Economic Policies on Scotland

That the Parliament notes the comments by the First Minister suggesting that Scotland "didn’t mind" the Thatcher Conservative government’s economic policies; remembers with concern the misery experienced by the three million unemployed in the 1980s when the economic consequences of Thatcherism reached their nadir; understands the devastating impact that the Thatcher government’s policies had on mining, the steel industry, dockyards and communities across Scotland; further notes that the First Minister has also expressed support for Reaganomics; worries that supply-side economics, a largely discredited economic theory, could become a model for the Scottish economy, and hopes that the Scottish Government will not pursue a right-wing economic agenda at the expense of Scotland’s working people and their families.

Save West Lothian Pensioners’ and Disabled People’s Concessionary Travel

That the Parliament condemns the decision of the SNP and hospital councillor-led administration on West Lothian Council to withdraw the budget of a concessionary travel scheme providing subsidised rail travel for pensioners and disabled people by April 2009; notes that this scheme, started by the previous Labour administration, provides for 130,000 journeys each year at an annual cost to the council of only £110,000, and contributes to meeting targets in the Scottish Government national outcomes document, and calls on the SNP-led administration of West Lothian Council to think again about its rejection of the Labour councillors’ call to retain this valued concessionary travel scheme and to listen to the many voices in West Lothian that have expressed outrage and disgust at what is seen as a mean-spirited attack on pensioners and disabled people.

Award-Winning Social Enterprises

That the Parliament recognises the ongoing achievements of social enterprises in Scotland in the delivery of high quality services across the country; in particular, celebrates the success of the Wise Group in being named Third Force News’s Charity of the Year, Spruce Carpets on being named Scottish Business in the Community Social Enterprise of the Year 2008 and Forth Sector on being named Edge Upstarts Social Enterprise of the Year; congratulates these organisations on winning such prestigious awards, and wishes them every success for the future.

Migrant workers in Scotland

That the Parliament notes with concern recent newspaper reports highlighting the plight of many migrant workers involved in Scotland’s soft fruit industry; further notes a report by Amnesty International suggesting evidence of human trafficking into Scotland for domestic and agricultural labour; understands that many farmers in the fruit and vegetable sectors are reliant on migrant labour but expresses concern that many migrant workers have to endure squalid living and working conditions; recognises that Scottish produce can be among the best in the world but worries that this reputation for excellence could be tainted by the exploitative practices of a minority of employers; welcomes investigations by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and other bodies into rogue employers; believes that there should be greater public emphasis placed by representative bodies on the high employment standards the majority of fruit and vegetable producers adhere to and hopes that this will restore public confidence in the industry; applauds the work undertaken by trade unions to promote migrant workers’ rights, and hopes that the industry, supermarkets and others involved in the sector will work more closely with trade unions to protect vulnerable workers.

Proposal for a Glasgow Museum of Industry, Science and Technology

That the Parliament welcomes the proposal by the Clyde Heritage Trust to set up a museum of industry, science and technology in Glasgow based in the former Howden engineering works in Scotland Street, incorporating the world’s only Subway power station, built in 1886; agrees that such a museum would complement the existing museums in the Glasgow area by concentrating on Scotland’s rich history of industry, engineering and technology and focusing on large-scale working exhibits; recognises that the two unique listed buildings comprising the works would be an excellent site for this enterprise, requiring no major structural alterations and providing ease of access to disabled visitors, and notes that Scotland Street School Museum would benefit from the location of such a museum nearby and that this excellent project has the potential to create employment and provide a unique opportunity for Scotland to celebrate and preserve its industrial heritage.