Chamber and committees

That the Parliament welcomes the report submitted by Dr Hilary Cass on gender identity services for children and young people; recognises the report as a valid scientific document, and calls on the Scottish Government to implement the recommendations of the report that are applicable to NHS services in Scotland.

That the Parliament agrees that the Scottish Government’s approach to funding and resourcing Scotland’s colleges must change in response to the existential threat that its previous approach has created; notes the role that colleges play in powering the regional and national economy, while operating without the necessary flexibility and support that they need, and recognises that colleges are vital to Scotland’s economy and play a crucial role in supporting learners, creating flexible routes into employment, developing a skilled workforce and delivering sustainable economic growth.

That the Economy and Fair Work Committee recommends that the Scottish Pubs Code Regulations 2024 [draft] be approved.

That the Parliament congratulates Underbank, Canonbie and Langholm primary schools on recently joining 11 other schools in the South Scotland region in receiving sportscotland 2024-2026 Gold School Sport Awards; understands that the awards are funded by the National Lottery in a national initiative designed to encourage schools to put young people at the heart of decision-making, planning, and implementation of extra-curricular school sport, and to encourage schools to reflect and continuously improve, recognise and celebrate successful school sport models; further understands that sportscotland School Sport Awards encourage sporting links between schools and their local communities; congratulates Langholm Academy on achieving a Silver Award, and wishes every school involved in the sportscotland scheme continuing success and satisfaction as their pupils, staff, parents, and local communities enjoy what it sees as the thrill of schools sports events.

That the Parliament congratulates the Waverley Steam Navigation Company and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society on their 77-year-old Glasgow-based paddle steamer, Waverley, being awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year 2024 by National Historic Ships UK; applauds the PS Waverley’s crew, which each year works tirelessly to enable the world’s last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer to conduct an extensive sailing programme the length and breadth of the British Isles; notes what it sees as the significant economic benefit that the PS Waverley brings to over 60 ports and piers that it docks at each year, and wishes the PS Waverley and her crew all the best for their ambitious 2024 sailing programme, departing from the River Clyde on 17 May.

That the Parliament congratulates the Edinburgh and Lothian restaurants that won at the 16th Scottish Curry Awards 2024; understands that the Scottish Curry Awards were held in Glasgow on 15 April 2024, attended by 2,000 people, with Edinburgh restaurants Gurkha Bar, Shezan, Bombay Lounge, Sabzi and Marina Takeaway winning awards for Nepalese Restaurant of the Year, Curry King of the Year, Curry Restaurant of the Year for the South East Region, Best of Edinburgh and Takeaway of the Year for the South East Region respectively; recognises that Edinburgh was named as Curry Capital of Scotland, reflecting the city’s diversity and status as a cultural and food hub; notes what it sees as the importance of events such as the Scottish Curry Awards in recognising the contributions of communities to Scotland’s culture and economy, and hopes for the continued success of curry restaurants across the Lothian region and Scotland.

That the Parliament notes NHS Borders' support of the “No Mow May” initiative to support biodiversity, which will see grassy areas within the NHS Borders estate allowed to grow without being cut for the month of May 2024; understands that this initiative aims to help to provide a feast for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, tackle pollution, reduce urban heat extremes and lock away atmospheric carbon below ground by encouraging individuals and organisations to forgo grass-cutting for the month; believes that it is important for organisations such as this to take an interest in supporting the natural environment in whatever way is feasible for them, and hopes that others will follow NHS Borders’ example.

That the Parliament congratulates the Waterside Hotel, in West Kilbride, on winning "Best 4 Star Hotel" in the region at the Prestige Hotel Awards 2024 in Glasgow; acknowledges that these awards were created to showcase and reward outstanding service within the hotel industry in Scotland and are voted for by the public; believes that the Waterside Hotel, run by Ayrshire hospitality group, SimpsInns, has established itself as one of the region’s leading hotels, leisure and wedding venues since opening its doors in 2013; acknowledges that director, Malcolm Simpson, said that this latest national award for the Waterside is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that the entire team puts in every day to look after guests and for them to keep coming back, and wishes Mr Simpson and everyone at the Waterside Hotel all the best in their future endeavours.

That the Parliament congratulates Bishopton Rugby Football Club on winning the West Region League Division 2 (Men’s) 2023-24 after beating Strathendrick RFC 32–15; notes that Bishopton won the title with one game still to play, but has so far achieved 74 points in the season, with 15 wins and only two losses; recognises that winning the title means that Bishopton will progress into the West Region League Division 1, which is the top division of regional Scottish rugby, and wishes the club all the very best for next season.

That the Parliament welcomes the first national Republic Day to be held on 5 May 2024; notes that the day will raise awareness of, and celebrate, what it sees as the growing campaign for a Scottish Republic, with events held across Edinburgh alongside Republic Edinburgh; understands that the asks of the campaign group, Our Republic, highlight the view that, in Scotland, the people should be sovereign with power being democratically accountable, and believes that Scotland should see an end to monarchy rule, with an independent Scotland taking its place on the world stage as a fully democratic nation.