Chamber and committees

As an amendment to motion S7M-00109 in the name of John Swinney (First Minister's Appointment of Junior Scottish Ministers), leave out "Jamie Hepburn,".

That the Parliament welcomes the donation of £4,000 from Persimmon Homes to the West-Lothian based charity, RiverKids, through its Community Champions Programme; recognises what it sees as the important work carried out by the charity, which supports disadvantaged children and families across West Lothian through practical support, community initiatives and the West Lothian Toy Appeal; commends the dedication of the charity's staff and volunteers, and welcomes local investment and partnership that seeks to strengthen organisations and communities to deliver positive outcomes for local people.

As an amendment to motion S7M-00128 in the name of Màiri McAllan (Expanding Childcare), leave out from “acknowledges” to end and insert "notes with concern that many families still face limited availability and choice of early learning facilities and high childcare costs, which is a barrier particularly for mothers seeking to return to work; understands that the funded childcare current model has resulted in wage inequalities, a severe decline in childminders and unfair distribution of funding between local authority-run nurseries and the private, voluntary and independent sector; believes that, should the Scottish Government wish to extend childcare policy, it should fix the current funding model and address staff shortages within the sector, and calls on the Scottish Government to publish a clear and properly-funded timetable for expanding childcare support from nine-months-old, with reassurances of working with the sector, detailing any learnings from the pilot scheme they said they would introduce in 2023."

As an amendment to motion S7M-00109 in the name of John Swinney (First Minister's Appointment of Junior Scottish Ministers), leave out "Jamie Hepburn,".

That the Parliament congratulates Carronshore Heritage Forum on its continued commitment to preserving and promoting the rich history of Carronshore; believes that, since its establishment in 2017, the Forum has delivered significant community improvements, including the creation of a new war memorial, annual Christmas celebrations, senior citizens’ events and investment in the village; acknowledges with gratitude the generosity of the wider Carronshore community, whose residents, businesses and supporters have contributed to the funding of the war memorial and the success of numerous community events; recognises the valued support of the Carronshore Bar, the Victoria Inn and the Carronshore Community Centre in hosting charity events and providing spaces that strengthen community engagement; welcomes the installation of historical information boards along the River Carron to educate residents and visitors about Carronshore’s journey from an agricultural hub to a thriving industrial village linked to ironworks, coal mining, docks and railway heritage; commends plans to enhance accessibility through additional seating and community infrastructure along the riverside walk; welcomes the Forum’s December 2025 community-led gardens project, celebrating the area’s heritage and encouraging community participation through a fundraising silent auction initiative, and thanks all volunteers, trustees, local historians and community partners involved for their dedication to strengthening community spirit, heritage education and civic pride in Carronshore.

That the Parliament congratulates North Lanarkshire Council on securing £1,450,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project, Rediscovering Airdrie; recognises that this significant award will support the heritage-led regeneration of Airdrie town centre, centred on the transformation of Airdrie Library, Scotland's first library established under the Public Libraries Act 1850 and home to Airdrie Observatory, one of only four public observatories currently operating in the UK; notes that the redevelopment will create a modern, accessible, cultural hub and new children's library within the town centre; welcomes the provision of grants for the repair and conservation of historic buildings and a shopfront improvement scheme to restore and celebrate original architectural features; welcomes the programme of community heritage activities, including apprenticeship opportunities, a creative youth strand, walking tours, markets for local artists and makers, and an oral history project capturing local voices; acknowledges the role of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which, since 1994 has invested over £1 billion in Scotland's heritage, including over £43 million across 234 projects in Central Scotland, and commends all those involved for supporting regeneration, community pride and cultural opportunity in Airdrie.

That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill.

That the Parliament  congratulates Burger Island on being named the Best of Scotland at the inaugural British Burger Awards, which were held in Birmingham; notes that the British Burger Awards were established to celebrate not only the best burgers in the UK but also the skill, creativity and dedication of the people and businesses behind them; understands that the awards drew entries from both independent operators and high-street chains from across the UK, with Burger Island emerging as the top Scottish winner; notes the remarks from the organisers that the shortlisted businesses represent the very best of the UK’s vibrant burger scene, reflecting innovation, passion and high-quality standards; recognises that Burger Island began as a small family-run takeaway in Burntisland, developing over the years into a valued local institution known for its freshly prepared burgers and strong commitment to customer service, and that it has since expanded to operate an additional outlet in Kirkcaldy; acknowledges the contribution that Burger Island has made to the local economy; commends its owners and staff for their hard work and achievement in securing national recognition, and wishes the business every continued success for the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Dr Michael Arthur on his remarkable 53-year career in dentistry in Wishaw and the surrounding communities of North Lanarkshire; notes that he established his practice on Main Street in Wishaw in 1972, provided dental services to the Scottish Prison Service at Longriggend for 17 years and was among the first appointed dental practice premises inspectors, helping to establish the inspection programme that continues to support high standards across practices today; further notes that Michael played a vital role in training and mentoring younger dentists in Lanarkshire, co-created the Mid Lanarkshire Emergency Dental Service in 1990, served as chair of the British Dental Association Scottish Council from 2003 to 2009 and was awarded a BDA Fellowship in 2012; recognises what it sees as the legacy of excellence, professionalism and deep care for patients which Michael leaves behind, and wishes him a long and happy retirement and every success in the future.

That the Parliament congratulates Lawrence Taylor of Bothwell, Lanarkshire, on achieving his lifelong ambition by graduating with a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing from the Open University at the age of 88; believes that his achievement demonstrates that learning has no age limit and provides inspiration to people of all ages; recognises the value of institutions such as the Open University in supporting mature and lifelong learners, and encourages all Scots to embrace lifelong learning and personal development.