Chamber and committees

This text has been changed for testing MoP refresh picks it up. That the Parliament notes the legislative consent memorandum lodged by the Scottish Government on 19 July 2023; agrees not to give consent to the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill; believes that the Bill would represent a wholly unnecessary and unwelcome limitation of the Scottish Ministers’ executive competence, and would act to stifle democracy, and calls on the UK Government to amend the Bill to remove the Scottish Ministers from its scope.

That the Parliament notes the legislative consent memorandum lodged by the Scottish Government on 19 July 2023; agrees not to give consent to the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill; believes that the Bill would represent a wholly unnecessary and unwelcome limitation of the Scottish Ministers’ executive competence, and would act to stifle democracy, and calls on the UK Government to amend the Bill to remove the Scottish Ministers from its scope.

That the Parliament test

That the Parliament congratulates Soroptimist International on celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026; notes that the word "soroptimist" is a combination of the Latin words “soror” meaning sister and “optima” meaning best; acknowledges that Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement, which has a mission to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities, with over 62,400 members in 106 countries; understands that it strives to advance gender equality, promote and support access to education, training and healthcare, support economic empowerment opportunities for women, raise awareness of and address violence against women and girls and support and expand digital access and learning opportunities for them; notes that its Scotland South region comprises of nine clubs whose members actively participate in all aspects of Soroptimism, campaigning both locally and nationally and supporting international efforts, which are all directed at fulfilling their pledge to make the world a better place for those who share it, and believes that the Soroptimist organisation is a superb example of women coming together in community groups to foster both a community spirit and fellowship among its membership.

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Kirkcaldy Muslim Scout Group at Kirkcaldy Central Mosque and Community Centre; congratulates the volunteers, families and community partners who have worked to establish this new section of the Scouting movement; notes that the Group will offer children aged four to 10-and-a half  a fun, inclusive and welcoming space to learn new skills, make friends and take part in games, crafts and outdoor-focused activities; recognises that Scouting in Scotland is the largest mixed volunteer-led youth movement in the country, supporting 35,000 young people and delivered by over 10,000 adult volunteers; understands that Scouting in Kirkcaldy, as part of the East Scotland Region, continues to grow and provides thousands of young people with opportunities to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership and communication skills that prepare them for life; acknowledges what it sees as the wider impact of the Scouting movement across Scotland in helping young people develop practical skills, such as first aid, outdoor skills and problem solving, alongside the personal qualities of responsibility and respect for others; commends the work of the Muslim Scout Fellowship and community leaders in supporting the development of Scouting in Scotland’s diverse communities, and wishes the Kirkcaldy Muslim Scout Group every success as it begins its programme of activities and welcomes children and families from across the community.

That the Parliament congratulates Kirkcaldy Parkrun on reaching its landmark 500th event; notes that Kirkcaldy Parkrun, held weekly in Beveridge Park, has been a free, volunteer-led 5k event since its inaugural run on 14 February 2015, which welcomed 264 participants and 15 volunteers; celebrates that, since then, an extraordinary 11,913 participants and 1,166 volunteers have taken part across 498 events; understands that the most recent event on 21 March 2026 saw 282 participants supported by 43 volunteers, including 10 high-energy marshals and seven pacers, whose encouragement and pacing efforts helped many runners achieve new personal bests; acknowledges that Kirkcaldy parkrun will, upon reaching its 500th event, qualify for its official blue milestone merchandise, a symbol of longevity and community commitment across the global parkrun network, and notes that Kirkcaldy Parkrun is part of the wider Parkrun movement, which provides free, fun and friendly weekly 5k runs, which are open to all ages and abilities.

That the Parliament celebrates the exceptional dedication and achievements of Wendy Page, a long standing volunteer and fundraiser for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) in Fife; notes that Wendy has devoted many years to supporting the charity through an extraordinary range of community driven events, including organising craft fayres, leading the annual children’s Christmas party, and providing home-baked goods for the SCAA crew; understands that, through her tireless commitment and infectious enthusiasm, Wendy has raised more than £12,000 to support the life-saving work of Scotland’s air ambulance service; acknowledges that in 2024 she expanded her efforts even further by organising a Ceilidh alongside her craft fayre and Christmas party, strengthening community engagement while raising vital funds; recognises the admiration and gratitude expressed by colleagues, including the community fundraiser for Fife, who, it understands, describes Wendy as an incredible asset to SCAA and an inspiration to all who work with her, and commends Wendy for her unwavering generosity and community spirit.

That the Parliament congratulates The Big Green Market in Burntisland on being awarded £19,216 from the National Lottery Community Fund; recognises that the organisation’s work now extends far beyond its regular events, with substantial activity taking place behind the scenes to promote re-use, sustainability and community wellbeing; understands that this funding will support the market to expand access to pre-loved clothing and homeware across the community, strengthen partnerships with local organisations and further develop its Repair Café initiative to encourage a culture of care, repair and waste reduction; notes that the grant will also help provide new opportunities for its volunteer team, which is now numbering more than 70, to connect, collaborate and build community ties; commends the volunteers whose dedication has made the Big Green Market a valued and impactful community asset, and wishes the team every success as they continue to grow their work for the benefit of Burntisland and the wider area.

That the Parliament congratulates Dysart Colliery Silver Band on securing the keys to the historic Glebe Centre as a major milestone in its journey towards community ownership; recognises this significant step in the band’s aspiration to take ownership of the B-listed building through the Community Asset Transfer process; notes that the band, founded in 1880 and originally known as Dysart Town Band, is one of Scotland’s oldest brass bands, with a proud tradition of serving the local community for over 140 years; acknowledges the band’s continued success under the baton of Robert Fraser, who is currently competing in the Third Section, and its growing profile through performances including for His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their visit to Kirkcaldy; commends the band’s commitment to inclusion and learning through its established Development Band, welcoming players aged from eight to 80, from complete beginners to returning musicians; welcomes plans to restore and improve the Glebe Centre, which was built in 1876, as a vibrant and accessible hub for music, culture and community activity, safeguarding an important local landmark for future generations, and wishes Dysart Colliery Silver Band every success as it begins this exciting new chapter.

That the Parliament congratulates Megan Murrie, founder of Methil based Nakey Bakey, on being named one of six winners of Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition; recognises that this achievement will see her innovative granola products stocked on Scotmid store shelves across Fife during 2026; notes that Megan’s business journey began in her home kitchen, inspired by her personal experience of living with a nut allergy and endometriosis, and her mission to create a granola she could enjoy without compromising her health; further notes that Nakey Bakey has also received national recognition through an award at the Great Taste Awards 2024 for its mixed berry granola; welcomes Scotmid’s continued support for local Scottish food and drink producers by providing routes to retail and raising the profile of innovative brands, and wishes Megan and Nakey Bakey continued success in the future.