That the Parliament notes that 18 to 24 May 2020 marks Mental Health Awareness Week, which is promoting the theme of kindness; understands that the Awareness Week, which was established in 2001, aims to promote the importance of positive health and wellbeing for everyone and reduce stigma through raising awareness of topics such as stress, body image and relationships; notes that the kindness theme celebrates the unprecedented levels of this, which it believes, have been seen across communities in Scotland and internationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that it aims to encourage people to continue with this approach after the lockdown restrictions are lifted; thanks all across Scotland who have been playing their part in responding to the pandemic and who have observed the lockdown restrictions by staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives; applauds all mental health charities, including SAMH, Support in Mind Scotland, Breathing Space and the Samaritans, for their outstanding effort in helping to support people during these challenging times; wishes all across the country well for the future, and reminds everyone who might be struggling that help and support is available to help maintain positive health and wellbeing and that it is "okay not to be okay".
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 18 to 24 May 2020 marks Mental Health Awareness Week, which is promoting the theme of kindness; understands that the Awareness Week, which was established in 2001, aims to promote the importance of positive health and wellbeing for everyone and reduce stigma through raising awareness of topics such as stress, body image and relationships; notes that the kindness theme celebrates the unprecedented levels of this, which it believes, have been seen across communities in Scotland and internationally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that it aims to encourage people to continue with this approach after the lockdown restrictions are lifted; thanks all across Scotland who have been playing their part in responding to the pandemic and who have observed the lockdown restrictions by staying home, protecting the NHS and saving lives; applauds all mental health charities, including SAMH, Support in Mind Scotland, Breathing Space and the Samaritans, for their outstanding effort in helping to support people during these challenging times; wishes all across the country well for the future, and reminds everyone who might be struggling that help and support is available to help maintain positive health and wellbeing and that it is "okay not to be okay".
Supported by: Alex Neil, James Kelly, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Annabelle Ewing, Rona Mackay, Monica Lennon, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Bob Doris, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, John Mason, Alison Johnstone, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament notes that 5 May 2020 is World Asthma Day; understands that there are 368,000 people in Scotland being treated for the condition, 71,000 of whom are children; notes that the theme of the day is Enough Asthma Deaths; acknowledges that activities have been scaled back to allow people dealing with respiratory issues to concentrate on the impact of COVID-19; congratulates the work of charities such as Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation for the work that they do to inform and advocate for people living with asthma, and encourages everyone to use World Asthma Day to think about the impact of the condition on their friends, families and workmates.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 5 May 2020 is World Asthma Day; understands that there are 368,000 people in Scotland being treated for the condition, 71,000 of whom are children; notes that the theme of the day is Enough Asthma Deaths; acknowledges that activities have been scaled back to allow people dealing with respiratory issues to concentrate on the impact of COVID-19; congratulates the work of charities such as Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation for the work that they do to inform and advocate for people living with asthma, and encourages everyone to use World Asthma Day to think about the impact of the condition on their friends, families and workmates.
Supported by: Alexander Stewart, Edward Mountain, James Kelly, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Liam McArthur, Bill Kidd, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Alex Neil, David Torrance, Monica Lennon, Richard Lyle, Mark McDonald, Finlay Carson, Stewart Stevenson, Pauline McNeill, Jeremy Balfour, Neil Findlay, Annabelle Ewing, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin, Fulton MacGregor, Mary Fee, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament commends the joint efforts of Dumfries and Galloway Police Division, the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard following an incident in Portpatrick where a local scallop dredger picked up unexploded Second World War ordnance; understands that, following the explosive device coming into Portpatrick Harbour, the armed forces bomb disposal unit was contacted and safely carried out a controlled explosion of the device; notes that Beaufort’s Dyke, which is a 300 metre-deep, 3.5 kilometre-wide, 50 kilometre-long Second World War munitions and radioactive dump site, is situated in the Irish Sea between south west Scotland and Ireland, and that the Ministry of Defence estimates that over one million tonnes of surplus conventional and chemical weapons are contained within the trench; expresses concern regarding what it believes are the potential plans of the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland to build a bridge or tunnel connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland, particularly because of what it considers the very real danger presented by the Beaufort’s Dyke dump site; calls on the UK Government to publish plans on how it would deal with the dangers presented by the retained remaining ordnance and on whether or not the area would remain an active route for Royal Navy nuclear submarines if a bridge or tunnel were to be built; thanks Police Scotland, the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard for their swift action in dealing with the explosive device in Portpatrick, and wishes all well for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the joint efforts of Dumfries and Galloway Police Division, the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard following an incident in Portpatrick where a local scallop dredger picked up unexploded Second World War ordnance; understands that, following the explosive device coming into Portpatrick Harbour, the armed forces bomb disposal unit was contacted and safely carried out a controlled explosion of the device; notes that Beaufort’s Dyke, which is a 300 metre-deep, 3.5 kilometre-wide, 50 kilometre-long Second World War munitions and radioactive dump site, is situated in the Irish Sea between south west Scotland and Ireland, and that the Ministry of Defence estimates that over one million tonnes of surplus conventional and chemical weapons are contained within the trench; expresses concern regarding what it believes are the potential plans of the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland to build a bridge or tunnel connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland, particularly because of what it considers the very real danger presented by the Beaufort’s Dyke dump site; calls on the UK Government to publish plans on how it would deal with the dangers presented by the retained remaining ordnance and on whether or not the area would remain an active route for Royal Navy nuclear submarines if a bridge or tunnel were to be built; thanks Police Scotland, the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard for their swift action in dealing with the explosive device in Portpatrick, and wishes all well for the future.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Alex Neil, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Annabelle Ewing, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin, Fulton MacGregor
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That the Parliament congratulates the Dumfries and Galloway Hard of Hearing Group on achieving the prestigious Investing in Volunteers Award, which is a UK-wide recognised prize that acknowledges excellent standards of good practice in volunteer management; notes that the group, which is chaired by Ann Ferguson, has worked extremely hard over the last 12 months to meet the stringent criteria for the award through holding 363 hearing aid care and maintenance drop in clinics at 20 locations across Dumfries and Galloway, which have helped over 5,000 people by maintaining over 9,000 hearing aids and providing expert advice on their care; acknowledges that it has made almost 400 referrals to NHS audiology services and has recruited over 50 hardworking and highly knowledgeable volunteers; thanks it for all it does every day for people with hearing difficulties, and wishes it every success for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Dumfries and Galloway Hard of Hearing Group on achieving the prestigious Investing in Volunteers Award, which is a UK-wide recognised prize that acknowledges excellent standards of good practice in volunteer management; notes that the group, which is chaired by Ann Ferguson, has worked extremely hard over the last 12 months to meet the stringent criteria for the award through holding 363 hearing aid care and maintenance drop in clinics at 20 locations across Dumfries and Galloway, which have helped over 5,000 people by maintaining over 9,000 hearing aids and providing expert advice on their care; acknowledges that it has made almost 400 referrals to NHS audiology services and has recruited over 50 hardworking and highly knowledgeable volunteers; thanks it for all it does every day for people with hearing difficulties, and wishes it every success for the future.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, David Torrance, Willie Coffey, Jeremy Balfour, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Bruce Crawford, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates James Rhys and his team at Farm Boy Brews (FBB), which is a Dumfries and Galloway-based business that specialises in the production and supply of quality coffee to various food and drink outlets across the south west and beyond; notes that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has teamed up with Support in Mind Scotland (SiMS), which has six support centres across Dumfries and Galloway, to raise funds and awareness to support positive health and wellbeing for people accessing the charity's lifeline services, which have seen an increase of demand since the lockdown restrictions came into force; understands that FBB will be supporting SiMS by donating 10% of the profits from its Depresso Espresso coffee sales, which will allow the charity's essential virtual and telephone services to continue; notes that FBB has an online shop at farmboybrews.square.site and encourages people to consider purchasing what it sees as the company's excellent selection of coffees; thanks FBB for its community spirit and innovative ideas during what is a challenging time for many, and wishes it well for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates James Rhys and his team at Farm Boy Brews (FBB), which is a Dumfries and Galloway-based business that specialises in the production and supply of quality coffee to various food and drink outlets across the south west and beyond; notes that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has teamed up with Support in Mind Scotland (SiMS), which has six support centres across Dumfries and Galloway, to raise funds and awareness to support positive health and wellbeing for people accessing the charity's lifeline services, which have seen an increase of demand since the lockdown restrictions came into force; understands that FBB will be supporting SiMS by donating 10% of the profits from its Depresso Espresso coffee sales, which will allow the charity's essential virtual and telephone services to continue; notes that FBB has an online shop at farmboybrews.square.site and encourages people to consider purchasing what it sees as the company's excellent selection of coffees; thanks FBB for its community spirit and innovative ideas during what is a challenging time for many, and wishes it well for the future.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Willie Coffey, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Bruce Crawford, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament thanks the Dumfries and Galloway Division of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for its outstanding effort in tackling the recent wild forest fire in Galloway; notes that the fire, which blazed over three days from 24 to 26 April 2020, originated in the Mossdale area of Dumfries and Galloway and spread into the Galloway Forest and onto the iconic and world renowned Galloway Hills; understands that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service made use of all available resources, including water pumps, engines and a helicopter, to bring the blaze under control; thanks everyone in the area who provided support; recognises the New Galloway Community Shop for supplying the emergency services with snacks and refreshments free of charge while they worked to tackle the blaze, and wishes all in the community and in the emergency services all the very best for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament thanks the Dumfries and Galloway Division of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for its outstanding effort in tackling the recent wild forest fire in Galloway; notes that the fire, which blazed over three days from 24 to 26 April 2020, originated in the Mossdale area of Dumfries and Galloway and spread into the Galloway Forest and onto the iconic and world renowned Galloway Hills; understands that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service made use of all available resources, including water pumps, engines and a helicopter, to bring the blaze under control; thanks everyone in the area who provided support; recognises the New Galloway Community Shop for supplying the emergency services with snacks and refreshments free of charge while they worked to tackle the blaze, and wishes all in the community and in the emergency services all the very best for the future.
Supported by: David Torrance, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Rona Mackay, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Bruce Crawford, Willie Coffey, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Crafty Distillery, in Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, on diversifying its business in light of COVID-19 to make hand sanitiser for frontline NHS and health and social care staff, as well as for essential businesses, including local farms, which are still operational; understands that Crafty Distillery, which is world renowned for its award-winning Hills and Harbour Gin, wanted to play its part in the fight against COVID-19 and created the hand sanitiser product, which has already been ordered by care homes the length and breadth of Scotland; notes that the minimum order accepted by the team at Crafty Distillery is 10 litres, which will then need to be decanted into smaller containers; thanks all at Crafty Distillery for their commitment to support the fight against COVID-19, and notes that Crafty is still taking online orders for its high-quality Hills and Harbour Gin.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Crafty Distillery, in Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, on diversifying its business in light of COVID-19 to make hand sanitiser for frontline NHS and health and social care staff, as well as for essential businesses, including local farms, which are still operational; understands that Crafty Distillery, which is world renowned for its award-winning Hills and Harbour Gin, wanted to play its part in the fight against COVID-19 and created the hand sanitiser product, which has already been ordered by care homes the length and breadth of Scotland; notes that the minimum order accepted by the team at Crafty Distillery is 10 litres, which will then need to be decanted into smaller containers; thanks all at Crafty Distillery for their commitment to support the fight against COVID-19, and notes that Crafty is still taking online orders for its high-quality Hills and Harbour Gin.
Supported by: David Torrance, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Adamson, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament expresses concern regarding a reported increase in levels of fly-tipping across communities in Scotland since restrictions have been put in place in order to limit the spread of COVID-19; understands that Scottish local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, over the last five weeks, have reported an increase in the illegal dumping of unwanted items and rubbish on farmland, in outdoor spaces, in parks and on local authority property; notes that the reports of items dumped include, but are not exclusive to, ripped-out house interiors and appliances, oil containers, gas cylinders, bin bags full of rotting food and also discarded gloves, masks of different forms and single-use plastics; recognises the comments of COSLA, the body that represents Scottish local authorities, that “Unfortunately, we are aware of an increase in fly-tipping reports in some areas, but having to deal with this takes resources away from essential and life-saving frontline services.”; notes that fly-tipping in Scotland is a criminal offence and that those who are caught can be fined up to £200 and can receive a criminal conviction, but believes that only one in every 3,000 people who commit the offence are prosecuted; calls on the public to be responsible when disposing of their waste, not to fly-tip or dispose of waste inappropriately, and to contact their local authority should they have any questions or concerns about waste collections or the disposal of other waste while many council-run recycling centres are closed; thanks communities across Scotland for all they are doing during this challenging time, and repeats the Scottish Government’s advice to stay at home where possible, protect the NHS and save lives.
Current Status:
That the Parliament expresses concern regarding a reported increase in levels of fly-tipping across communities in Scotland since restrictions have been put in place in order to limit the spread of COVID-19; understands that Scottish local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, over the last five weeks, have reported an increase in the illegal dumping of unwanted items and rubbish on farmland, in outdoor spaces, in parks and on local authority property; notes that the reports of items dumped include, but are not exclusive to, ripped-out house interiors and appliances, oil containers, gas cylinders, bin bags full of rotting food and also discarded gloves, masks of different forms and single-use plastics; recognises the comments of COSLA, the body that represents Scottish local authorities, that “Unfortunately, we are aware of an increase in fly-tipping reports in some areas, but having to deal with this takes resources away from essential and life-saving frontline services.”; notes that fly-tipping in Scotland is a criminal offence and that those who are caught can be fined up to £200 and can receive a criminal conviction, but believes that only one in every 3,000 people who commit the offence are prosecuted; calls on the public to be responsible when disposing of their waste, not to fly-tip or dispose of waste inappropriately, and to contact their local authority should they have any questions or concerns about waste collections or the disposal of other waste while many council-run recycling centres are closed; thanks communities across Scotland for all they are doing during this challenging time, and repeats the Scottish Government’s advice to stay at home where possible, protect the NHS and save lives.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, John Mason, Sandra White, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Kenneth Gibson, Mark McDonald, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey
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That the Parliament welcomes a series of events that will take place on 13-14 March 2020 in Parton, Dumfries and Galloway, to honour the life of the renowned scientist, James Clerk Maxwell; notes that Maxwell, often described as "Scotland’s Einstein", was born in Edinburgh in 1831 and moved to Parton as a very young child; understands that he attended university in Edinburgh and Cambridge where his scientific talent was soon recognised, particularly in the field of physics; notes that he is credited with proposing the concept of electromagnetic radiation, bringing together for the first time electricity, magnetism and light as different manifestations of the same phenomenon; acknowledges that Einstein held Maxwell in high esteem, giving his photo pride of place in his study, and that his work helped with the development of the theory of relativity; recognises that Maxwell returned to Parton when retired; notes that he died in the village in 1879 and was buried in the local kirkyard, where many of the celebratory events are set to take place, and wishes Dumfries and Galloway Council, Galloway Glens Partnership and all others involved with the events and workshops every success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes a series of events that will take place on 13-14 March 2020 in Parton, Dumfries and Galloway, to honour the life of the renowned scientist, James Clerk Maxwell; notes that Maxwell, often described as "Scotland’s Einstein", was born in Edinburgh in 1831 and moved to Parton as a very young child; understands that he attended university in Edinburgh and Cambridge where his scientific talent was soon recognised, particularly in the field of physics; notes that he is credited with proposing the concept of electromagnetic radiation, bringing together for the first time electricity, magnetism and light as different manifestations of the same phenomenon; acknowledges that Einstein held Maxwell in high esteem, giving his photo pride of place in his study, and that his work helped with the development of the theory of relativity; recognises that Maxwell returned to Parton when retired; notes that he died in the village in 1879 and was buried in the local kirkyard, where many of the celebratory events are set to take place, and wishes Dumfries and Galloway Council, Galloway Glens Partnership and all others involved with the events and workshops every success.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, John Mason, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Andy Wightman, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Adamson, David Torrance, Colin Smyth, Tom Arthur, Willie Coffey, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival on its programme launch for Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival, which takes place from 22 to 31 May 2020; notes that the festival consists of 41 performances taking place across 29 venues across the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway; congratulates the community engagement team on bringing Vision Mechanic’s STORM, which is a 10-metre mythical goddess who tells the story of the oceans in crisis and who initiates a battle on the climate emergency, to a free public event in Dumfries; notes that the launch saw talented performances from Galloway Violin Studio, Liv McDougall and Craig Carruthers as well as poetry from Daniel Gillespie; acknowledges the high quality of performances brought to the region, including The National Theatre of Scotland’s sell-out show, The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil at Annan Academy; congratulates the team at DG Arts on positively engaging with local schools and acknowledges the significant contribution made by the region’s young people and the festival’s Young Promoters Group, who have all played a key role in delivering the fantastic series of events; acknowledges the economic contribution of Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, which injects a £9 return on every £1 invested, and wishes all involved every success for 2020 and beyond.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival on its programme launch for Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival, which takes place from 22 to 31 May 2020; notes that the festival consists of 41 performances taking place across 29 venues across the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway; congratulates the community engagement team on bringing Vision Mechanic’s STORM, which is a 10-metre mythical goddess who tells the story of the oceans in crisis and who initiates a battle on the climate emergency, to a free public event in Dumfries; notes that the launch saw talented performances from Galloway Violin Studio, Liv McDougall and Craig Carruthers as well as poetry from Daniel Gillespie; acknowledges the high quality of performances brought to the region, including The National Theatre of Scotland’s sell-out show, The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil at Annan Academy; congratulates the team at DG Arts on positively engaging with local schools and acknowledges the significant contribution made by the region’s young people and the festival’s Young Promoters Group, who have all played a key role in delivering the fantastic series of events; acknowledges the economic contribution of Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, which injects a £9 return on every £1 invested, and wishes all involved every success for 2020 and beyond.
Supported by: Andy Wightman, Rona Mackay, Stewart Stevenson, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Clare Adamson, Joan McAlpine, David Torrance, Tom Arthur, Willie Coffey, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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