That the Parliament notes with sadness the sudden passing of Kristin Linklater, from Orkney, on 5 June 2020 at the age of 84; understands that Kristin was a world-renowned teacher of voice production who has supported and taught hundreds of people to discover the potential of their voices; recognises that she worked with a range of internationally-acclaimed actors and performers, most notably Bill Murray and Sir Patrick Stewart; notes that Kristin combined both her successful academic and theatrical careers in Europe and the United States, including as an author of two books and various articles on the use of the voice, and as an actor in many Shakespearean productions; acknowledges that her love and knowledge of Shakespeare led to her co-founding the Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Massachusetts in 1978 where she taught and acted the work of Shakespeare; further acknowledges that Kristin was appointed as Professor of Theatre Arts at Columbia University in 1997 and continued to provide workshops across the United States until her return to Orkney in 2013 to found the Kristin Linklater Voice Centre; recognises that the Centre, situated adjacent to her house in Quoyloo, has provided catered, residential workshops for students looking to improve their verbal communication skills and, in her words, "free their voice"; notes that Kristin was also made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Highlands and Islands in 2017; believes that her extraordinary career has had a powerful impact on the lives of many people around the world, through both her critically acclaimed teaching and her passion for theatre; thanks Kristin for her many years of hard work and commitment to helping others, and believes that her legacy and work will continue to have a profound influence into the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with sadness the sudden passing of Kristin Linklater, from Orkney, on 5 June 2020 at the age of 84; understands that Kristin was a world-renowned teacher of voice production who has supported and taught hundreds of people to discover the potential of their voices; recognises that she worked with a range of internationally-acclaimed actors and performers, most notably Bill Murray and Sir Patrick Stewart; notes that Kristin combined both her successful academic and theatrical careers in Europe and the United States, including as an author of two books and various articles on the use of the voice, and as an actor in many Shakespearean productions; acknowledges that her love and knowledge of Shakespeare led to her co-founding the Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Massachusetts in 1978 where she taught and acted the work of Shakespeare; further acknowledges that Kristin was appointed as Professor of Theatre Arts at Columbia University in 1997 and continued to provide workshops across the United States until her return to Orkney in 2013 to found the Kristin Linklater Voice Centre; recognises that the Centre, situated adjacent to her house in Quoyloo, has provided catered, residential workshops for students looking to improve their verbal communication skills and, in her words, "free their voice"; notes that Kristin was also made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Highlands and Islands in 2017; believes that her extraordinary career has had a powerful impact on the lives of many people around the world, through both her critically acclaimed teaching and her passion for theatre; thanks Kristin for her many years of hard work and commitment to helping others, and believes that her legacy and work will continue to have a profound influence into the future.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Bill Kidd, Clare Adamson, Annabelle Ewing, Maureen Watt, Fulton MacGregor
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That the Parliament recognises the work of over 25,000 members of the public who have signed up as Community Reserve Volunteers with the British Red Cross to provide essential support to communities across Scotland in response to COVID-19; acknowledges that their efforts are part of the Scotland Cares campaign, which encourages people who are healthy and not at risk to volunteer to provide practical or emotional support in their communities; recognises that 14 Community Reserve Volunteers have been working with the British Red Cross in Orkney to support out-of-hours GP services and, in May 2020 alone, provided 461 hours of voluntary support to NHS Orkney as on-call drivers to transport GPs to calls and help them with the application and removal of their PPE; believes that the contribution of volunteers in a number of essential roles across Scotland is a vital part of the overall response to COVID-19, including for keeping communities safe and protecting the most vulnerable; thanks all Community Reserve Volunteers for their exceptional acts of kindness and willingness to go above and beyond in order to put the needs of others first during this challenging time; pays tribute to these efforts as part of Volunteers Week 2020, which celebrates the invaluable role that volunteers play in all aspects of daily life, and wishes all volunteers the very best as they continue to make a real difference to the lives of others.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the work of over 25,000 members of the public who have signed up as Community Reserve Volunteers with the British Red Cross to provide essential support to communities across Scotland in response to COVID-19; acknowledges that their efforts are part of the Scotland Cares campaign, which encourages people who are healthy and not at risk to volunteer to provide practical or emotional support in their communities; recognises that 14 Community Reserve Volunteers have been working with the British Red Cross in Orkney to support out-of-hours GP services and, in May 2020 alone, provided 461 hours of voluntary support to NHS Orkney as on-call drivers to transport GPs to calls and help them with the application and removal of their PPE; believes that the contribution of volunteers in a number of essential roles across Scotland is a vital part of the overall response to COVID-19, including for keeping communities safe and protecting the most vulnerable; thanks all Community Reserve Volunteers for their exceptional acts of kindness and willingness to go above and beyond in order to put the needs of others first during this challenging time; pays tribute to these efforts as part of Volunteers Week 2020, which celebrates the invaluable role that volunteers play in all aspects of daily life, and wishes all volunteers the very best as they continue to make a real difference to the lives of others.
Supported by: Gail Ross, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, John Mason, Richard Lyle, Mark McDonald, Bill Kidd, Clare Adamson, Fulton MacGregor, Neil Bibby, Tom Arthur, John Finnie, Alex Cole-Hamilton
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That the Parliament congratulates Jean Leonard MBE, who is from Orkney, on her induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame for services to her community; understands that Jean is one of six new inductees from across Scotland to the Hall of Fame in recognition of their selfless work to support their communities and enrich the lives of others through music; recognises that Jean, who was Head of Music at Stromness Academy for 30 years, has worked tirelessly to make music more accessible and inclusive for young people across Orkney by providing free individual tuition to hundreds of young musicians through the Orkney Traditional Music Project, which she established in 1998, and by organising prominent and popular events such as the Stromness Christmas Music Pageant; acknowledges that Jean has also worked hard to raise the profile of traditional music to all audiences in Orkney though her roles on the Orkney Arts Society Committee for 40 years, alongside other extracurricular and community groups; believes that Jean’s induction into the Hall of Fame is well deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to music in Orkney and countless hours of dedicated work to inspire and create opportunities for younger generations to get involved in music; thanks Jean for her many years of commitment and passion in teaching music, and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Jean Leonard MBE, who is from Orkney, on her induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame for services to her community; understands that Jean is one of six new inductees from across Scotland to the Hall of Fame in recognition of their selfless work to support their communities and enrich the lives of others through music; recognises that Jean, who was Head of Music at Stromness Academy for 30 years, has worked tirelessly to make music more accessible and inclusive for young people across Orkney by providing free individual tuition to hundreds of young musicians through the Orkney Traditional Music Project, which she established in 1998, and by organising prominent and popular events such as the Stromness Christmas Music Pageant; acknowledges that Jean has also worked hard to raise the profile of traditional music to all audiences in Orkney though her roles on the Orkney Arts Society Committee for 40 years, alongside other extracurricular and community groups; believes that Jean’s induction into the Hall of Fame is well deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to music in Orkney and countless hours of dedicated work to inspire and create opportunities for younger generations to get involved in music; thanks Jean for her many years of commitment and passion in teaching music, and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Jeremy Balfour, Tom Arthur, Gail Ross, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire
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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, Bill Kidd, Tom Arthur, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Jamie Halcro Johnston
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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, Tom Arthur, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Jamie Halcro Johnston
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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, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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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, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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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, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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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, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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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, Ruth Maguire
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