That the Parliament welcomes the Orkney Folk Festival: Big 2020 Lockdown Special, which will run online from 21 to 24 May; recognises that this will be the first virtual festival in the event’s 38-year history; understands that it will be streamed on the Orkney Folk Festival Facebook page and will feature a series of performances and highlights from previous years; commends the Festival Committee on adapting to current circumstances and organising the programme to ensure that people in Orkney and around the world will be able to enjoy and stay connected to this popular and internationally-renowned festival; hopes that the virtual festival will also allow new audiences to be reached and generate a wider interest in folk music, paving the way for the festival to continue growing for years to come, and wishes everyone involved a successful virtual festival, full of great entertainment and wonderful nostalgia.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the Orkney Folk Festival: Big 2020 Lockdown Special, which will run online from 21 to 24 May; recognises that this will be the first virtual festival in the event’s 38-year history; understands that it will be streamed on the Orkney Folk Festival Facebook page and will feature a series of performances and highlights from previous years; commends the Festival Committee on adapting to current circumstances and organising the programme to ensure that people in Orkney and around the world will be able to enjoy and stay connected to this popular and internationally-renowned festival; hopes that the virtual festival will also allow new audiences to be reached and generate a wider interest in folk music, paving the way for the festival to continue growing for years to come, and wishes everyone involved a successful virtual festival, full of great entertainment and wonderful nostalgia.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Richard Lyle, Donald Cameron
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That the Parliament congratulates five-year-old Oskar Thompson, from Orkney, on his outstanding fundraising efforts for Orkney Foodbank during the COVD-19 pandemic; understands that Oskar initially set out to raise £20 for the local charity by cycling 20 miles in seven days and has far exceeded his target by raising over £1,400 and counting; acknowledges that Oskar was inspired by his dad, Sam Thompson, who has also raised funds through a similar challenge in the past and that Sam will be joining Oskar on his cycle near their home in Deerness; believes that Oskar’s impressive efforts will ensure that some of the most vulnerable households in Orkney can access essential food during this particularly challenging period; thanks all those who have generously donated; pays tribute to Oskar for his hard work and incredible commitment to supporting others, and wishes him all the best for the completion of his challenge.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates five-year-old Oskar Thompson, from Orkney, on his outstanding fundraising efforts for Orkney Foodbank during the COVD-19 pandemic; understands that Oskar initially set out to raise £20 for the local charity by cycling 20 miles in seven days and has far exceeded his target by raising over £1,400 and counting; acknowledges that Oskar was inspired by his dad, Sam Thompson, who has also raised funds through a similar challenge in the past and that Sam will be joining Oskar on his cycle near their home in Deerness; believes that Oskar’s impressive efforts will ensure that some of the most vulnerable households in Orkney can access essential food during this particularly challenging period; thanks all those who have generously donated; pays tribute to Oskar for his hard work and incredible commitment to supporting others, and wishes him all the best for the completion of his challenge.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle
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That the Parliament congratulates Pam Halliday, who is from Orkney, on being awarded a silver Spring Tides ring in recognition of her work during the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that the award was presented to Pam as part of a campaign launched by the local jewellery maker, Zoe Davidson, to recognise the inspiring efforts of key workers across Orkney; notes that over 200 nominations were made for the award and the winning name was pulled out of a hat; understands that Pam was nominated by her co-worker for her exceptional work as a midwife in the Balfour Hospital; believes that the campaign is an excellent way to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work of those going above and beyond to support their communities and keep everyone connected by sharing positive stories during this uncertain time; thanks Zoe for organising this wonderful initiative; congratulates Pam, and all key workers nominated, on being recognised by their communities for the essential work that they are doing, and hopes that this campaign helps to raise awareness of the appreciation that everyone has for key workers in Orkney and across the country.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Pam Halliday, who is from Orkney, on being awarded a silver Spring Tides ring in recognition of her work during the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that the award was presented to Pam as part of a campaign launched by the local jewellery maker, Zoe Davidson, to recognise the inspiring efforts of key workers across Orkney; notes that over 200 nominations were made for the award and the winning name was pulled out of a hat; understands that Pam was nominated by her co-worker for her exceptional work as a midwife in the Balfour Hospital; believes that the campaign is an excellent way to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work of those going above and beyond to support their communities and keep everyone connected by sharing positive stories during this uncertain time; thanks Zoe for organising this wonderful initiative; congratulates Pam, and all key workers nominated, on being recognised by their communities for the essential work that they are doing, and hopes that this campaign helps to raise awareness of the appreciation that everyone has for key workers in Orkney and across the country.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament acknowledges the 75th anniversary of the official opening of the Churchill Barriers in Orkney following the end of the Second World War; understands that Churchill ordered work to begin on the barriers in May 1940 after HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank in Scapa Flow in October 1939; acknowledges that the barriers were designed to block off the eastern entrance to Scapa Flow, which was used as a base for the Royal Navy’s Home Fleet between May 1940 and September 1944; further acknowledges that the barriers were officially opened by First Lord of the Admiralty, Albert Victor Alexander, on 12 May 1945; recognises that their construction is widely regarded as one of the most significant and impressive civil engineering achievements of the 20th century and notes that it continues to operate as an essential transport link between the isles and mainland Orkney to this day; notes that the anniversary has been marked by the awarding of the Red Wheel heritage plaque from the Transport Trust, which will be unveiled at a later date, and believes this is an excellent way to pay tribute to one of Orkney’s most iconic and historical landmarks, which also acts as a vital transport structure for modern-day life.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges the 75th anniversary of the official opening of the Churchill Barriers in Orkney following the end of the Second World War; understands that Churchill ordered work to begin on the barriers in May 1940 after HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank in Scapa Flow in October 1939; acknowledges that the barriers were designed to block off the eastern entrance to Scapa Flow, which was used as a base for the Royal Navy’s Home Fleet between May 1940 and September 1944; further acknowledges that the barriers were officially opened by First Lord of the Admiralty, Albert Victor Alexander, on 12 May 1945; recognises that their construction is widely regarded as one of the most significant and impressive civil engineering achievements of the 20th century and notes that it continues to operate as an essential transport link between the isles and mainland Orkney to this day; notes that the anniversary has been marked by the awarding of the Red Wheel heritage plaque from the Transport Trust, which will be unveiled at a later date, and believes this is an excellent way to pay tribute to one of Orkney’s most iconic and historical landmarks, which also acts as a vital transport structure for modern-day life.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Murdo Fraser, Gail Ross, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Sinclair Peace, from Orkney, on winning two categories in the Individual Online Drumming World Championships; understands that the online championships were organised in response to all major pipe band competitions being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions; acknowledges that the prestigious competition attracted 1,650 entries from around the world in 78 events, with competitors recording their performances for a panel of internationally-renowned judges; recognises that Sinclair, who is currently the Lead Drummer for Kirkwall City Pipe Band (KCPB), won the Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig and Grade 4 Side Drumming March Strathspey and Reel categories; believes that these well-deserved achievements are testament to Sinclair’s hard work and dedication over many years, and wishes him, and all the members of the KCPB, which recently celebrated its 100 anniversary, all the best for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Sinclair Peace, from Orkney, on winning two categories in the Individual Online Drumming World Championships; understands that the online championships were organised in response to all major pipe band competitions being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions; acknowledges that the prestigious competition attracted 1,650 entries from around the world in 78 events, with competitors recording their performances for a panel of internationally-renowned judges; recognises that Sinclair, who is currently the Lead Drummer for Kirkwall City Pipe Band (KCPB), won the Grade 3 Side Drumming Jig and Grade 4 Side Drumming March Strathspey and Reel categories; believes that these well-deserved achievements are testament to Sinclair’s hard work and dedication over many years, and wishes him, and all the members of the KCPB, which recently celebrated its 100 anniversary, all the best for the future.
Supported by: David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Gail Ross, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Westray Parish Church in Orkney on winning an Eco Congregation Scotland Gold Award; acknowledges that the award scheme recognises churches of all denominations in Europe, Africa and the USA that have a long term commitment to promoting environmental issues within their communities and respond with practical action as part of their congregational activities; recognises that Westray Parish Church members have recently supported other churches across Orkney to install renewable energy heating and energy conservation measures in their buildings; understands that Westray Parish Church initially applied for a silver award but assessors were so impressed with the inspirational work of the congregation that they presented them with a gold award; notes that the assessors described the church as a case study for others to follow and even believed that they surpassed some of the criteria for the gold award; congratulates the Eco Congregation Co-Ordinator, Alasdair McVicar, Parish Minister, Rev Iain MacDonald, and all members of Westray Parish Church on their tremendous achievement of this well-deserved award, and wishes them all the best as they continue to develop and build on their impressive environmental initiatives and credentials.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Westray Parish Church in Orkney on winning an Eco Congregation Scotland Gold Award; acknowledges that the award scheme recognises churches of all denominations in Europe, Africa and the USA that have a long term commitment to promoting environmental issues within their communities and respond with practical action as part of their congregational activities; recognises that Westray Parish Church members have recently supported other churches across Orkney to install renewable energy heating and energy conservation measures in their buildings; understands that Westray Parish Church initially applied for a silver award but assessors were so impressed with the inspirational work of the congregation that they presented them with a gold award; notes that the assessors described the church as a case study for others to follow and even believed that they surpassed some of the criteria for the gold award; congratulates the Eco Congregation Co-Ordinator, Alasdair McVicar, Parish Minister, Rev Iain MacDonald, and all members of Westray Parish Church on their tremendous achievement of this well-deserved award, and wishes them all the best as they continue to develop and build on their impressive environmental initiatives and credentials.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Lewis Macdonald, David Torrance, Jeremy Balfour, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament welcomes the news that Age Scotland Orkney has secured funding to continue its range of essential services delivered through the Dementia Orkney Project; notes that the organisation has received £120,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, £51,000 from the Robertson Trust and £10,000 from Dementia Friendly Orkney; understands that the funding will support initiatives delivered by the project to support people living with dementia and their carers across the islands; considers that the project has delivered exceptional work since it was established in 2017 to help Orkney to become more dementia-friendly and address the low diagnosis rate of dementia across the islands; welcomes in particular the establishment of a Dementia Hub to provide information and advice to those affected by the condition; pays tribute to Age Scotland Orkney Chief Executive, Gillian Skuse, and Dementia Coordinator, Stephanie Stanger, as well as the outstanding staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the project a success by providing a comprehensive range of essential services that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers across Orkney, and wishes the team at Age Scotland Orkney the very best in their work to further enhance their existing services and develop new ones going forward.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the news that Age Scotland Orkney has secured funding to continue its range of essential services delivered through the Dementia Orkney Project; notes that the organisation has received £120,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, £51,000 from the Robertson Trust and £10,000 from Dementia Friendly Orkney; understands that the funding will support initiatives delivered by the project to support people living with dementia and their carers across the islands; considers that the project has delivered exceptional work since it was established in 2017 to help Orkney to become more dementia-friendly and address the low diagnosis rate of dementia across the islands; welcomes in particular the establishment of a Dementia Hub to provide information and advice to those affected by the condition; pays tribute to Age Scotland Orkney Chief Executive, Gillian Skuse, and Dementia Coordinator, Stephanie Stanger, as well as the outstanding staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the project a success by providing a comprehensive range of essential services that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers across Orkney, and wishes the team at Age Scotland Orkney the very best in their work to further enhance their existing services and develop new ones going forward.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Jeremy Balfour, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Monica Lennon, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Orkney on being recognised at the first EU RESponsible Island Prizes; understands that the contest rewards achievements by islands for innovative renewable energy solutions and achievements in energy production, electricity, heating, cooling and transport; acknowledges that Orkney was awarded the third-place prize of €100,000, which was funded by the EU Research and Innovation programme, Horizon 2020, in recognition of its efforts to overcome energy challenges and become one of the European leaders in the use of novel green technologies for decarbonisation; pays tribute to the many groups and people that have contributed to this success by developing projects and technology, such as the Marinus Tidal Energy Platform and the ReFLEX project, which use renewable energy sources and allow Orkney to realise its green energy potential; thanks the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum in particular for its hard work and dedication in driving forward the islands' successful renewable energy sector; believes that its outstanding efforts have contributed significantly to this prestigious recognition, and hopes that it will inspire other islands and communities across Scotland to the make the most of their renewable energy opportunities.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Orkney on being recognised at the first EU RESponsible Island Prizes; understands that the contest rewards achievements by islands for innovative renewable energy solutions and achievements in energy production, electricity, heating, cooling and transport; acknowledges that Orkney was awarded the third-place prize of €100,000, which was funded by the EU Research and Innovation programme, Horizon 2020, in recognition of its efforts to overcome energy challenges and become one of the European leaders in the use of novel green technologies for decarbonisation; pays tribute to the many groups and people that have contributed to this success by developing projects and technology, such as the Marinus Tidal Energy Platform and the ReFLEX project, which use renewable energy sources and allow Orkney to realise its green energy potential; thanks the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum in particular for its hard work and dedication in driving forward the islands' successful renewable energy sector; believes that its outstanding efforts have contributed significantly to this prestigious recognition, and hopes that it will inspire other islands and communities across Scotland to the make the most of their renewable energy opportunities.
Supported by: Bruce Crawford, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, John Finnie, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament commends staff at Clan Cancer Support for organising and running weekly online quizzes to raise funds to support the charity’s ongoing services; recognises that Clan supports people and families affected by cancer throughout the Northern Isles and North East; acknowledges that this is a particularly challenging and worrying time for those affected by cancer, which highlights the importance of this lifeline service, but notes with regret that Clan has unfortunately had to cancel several planned fundraising events due to the lockdown measures in response to COVID-19; believes that the Sunday Sofa Quiz, which is hosted by the fundraising manager, Steph McCann, and her husband, Lee, every Sunday evening from their own home, is an excellent idea to ensure that fundraising can continue for Clan during this period; understands that players donate £3 to take part in the quiz and, with over 200 teams involved each weekend, hundreds of pounds have been raised to help continue the operation of Clan’s resource centre and its bed and breakfast facility, Can Haven, for those attending cancer treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; encourages everyone to enter the Sunday Sofa Quiz by accessing the Clan Facebook page, noting that the quizzes not only raise important funds but also provide people with fun, entertainment and a social outlet during this difficult period; thanks all of the staff at Clan for organising and running these innovative and successful events, and hopes that they continue to raise vital funds over the coming weeks ahead.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends staff at Clan Cancer Support for organising and running weekly online quizzes to raise funds to support the charity’s ongoing services; recognises that Clan supports people and families affected by cancer throughout the Northern Isles and North East; acknowledges that this is a particularly challenging and worrying time for those affected by cancer, which highlights the importance of this lifeline service, but notes with regret that Clan has unfortunately had to cancel several planned fundraising events due to the lockdown measures in response to COVID-19; believes that the Sunday Sofa Quiz, which is hosted by the fundraising manager, Steph McCann, and her husband, Lee, every Sunday evening from their own home, is an excellent idea to ensure that fundraising can continue for Clan during this period; understands that players donate £3 to take part in the quiz and, with over 200 teams involved each weekend, hundreds of pounds have been raised to help continue the operation of Clan’s resource centre and its bed and breakfast facility, Can Haven, for those attending cancer treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; encourages everyone to enter the Sunday Sofa Quiz by accessing the Clan Facebook page, noting that the quizzes not only raise important funds but also provide people with fun, entertainment and a social outlet during this difficult period; thanks all of the staff at Clan for organising and running these innovative and successful events, and hopes that they continue to raise vital funds over the coming weeks ahead.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Stewart Stevenson, Clare Adamson, Fulton MacGregor
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That the Parliament marks the 75th anniversary of a US liberator bomber crashing on the outskirts of Kirkwall during the Second World War; understands that the aircraft was returning to the UK from an abortive mission in Norway when it crashed in the early hours of 31 March 1945; notes that the disaster resulted in all but one of the eight American crew and six Norwegian servicemen on board being tragically killed, making it one of the worst aviation disasters in Orkney’s history; acknowledges that a stone plaque was presented in 2015 by the family of Gjerulf Ottersland, one of the victims in the crash, in memory of all those who sadly lost their lives; recognises that the scene of the crash is now known as Liberator Drive, with a memorial built by Orkney builders consisting of a stone wall with plaque inset, a cross of paving slabs, outlying slabs to mark the size of the aircraft and fourteen trees planted to represent each person on board the aircraft; acknowledges that, while the COVID-19 crisis curtailed plans for a more significant gathering, the 75th anniversary was thankfully marked by the Norwegian Consul, Leslie Burgher, who placed flowers at the memorial; pays tribute to all those who sadly passed away in this disaster, and hopes that this poignant event is continued to be remembered each year so that their memories are never forgotten.
Current Status:
That the Parliament marks the 75th anniversary of a US liberator bomber crashing on the outskirts of Kirkwall during the Second World War; understands that the aircraft was returning to the UK from an abortive mission in Norway when it crashed in the early hours of 31 March 1945; notes that the disaster resulted in all but one of the eight American crew and six Norwegian servicemen on board being tragically killed, making it one of the worst aviation disasters in Orkney’s history; acknowledges that a stone plaque was presented in 2015 by the family of Gjerulf Ottersland, one of the victims in the crash, in memory of all those who sadly lost their lives; recognises that the scene of the crash is now known as Liberator Drive, with a memorial built by Orkney builders consisting of a stone wall with plaque inset, a cross of paving slabs, outlying slabs to mark the size of the aircraft and fourteen trees planted to represent each person on board the aircraft; acknowledges that, while the COVID-19 crisis curtailed plans for a more significant gathering, the 75th anniversary was thankfully marked by the Norwegian Consul, Leslie Burgher, who placed flowers at the memorial; pays tribute to all those who sadly passed away in this disaster, and hopes that this poignant event is continued to be remembered each year so that their memories are never forgotten.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Edward Mountain, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, John Finnie, Stewart Stevenson, Jeremy Balfour, Kenneth Gibson, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire
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