That the Parliament notes the cancellation of the annual Minden Day celebrations on 1 August 2020; supports the ex-servicemen and women from The Royal Scots Borderers, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as successors to the 25th Regiment of Foot (King's Own Scottish Borderers), who will hold their own parades locally, in line with current COVID-19 requirements, to commemorate the participation of their forerunners and those of other regiments in the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years’ War in 1759; remembers the sacrifices of the service personnel who have served their country in many conflicts and wars over the years, and continues to support international measures, from governments and NGOs, which aim to promote peace, acceptance and tolerance.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the cancellation of the annual Minden Day celebrations on 1 August 2020; supports the ex-servicemen and women from The Royal Scots Borderers, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as successors to the 25th Regiment of Foot (King's Own Scottish Borderers), who will hold their own parades locally, in line with current COVID-19 requirements, to commemorate the participation of their forerunners and those of other regiments in the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years’ War in 1759; remembers the sacrifices of the service personnel who have served their country in many conflicts and wars over the years, and continues to support international measures, from governments and NGOs, which aim to promote peace, acceptance and tolerance.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Fulton MacGregor, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Maureen Watt, Joan McAlpine, Willie Coffey, Maurice Corry, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ on being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; understands that Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+, which aims to ensure that the LGBT+ community across the region feels safe, supported and able to engage more confidently in its local communities, was awarded this prestigious honour for its staff and volunteers' dedication to investing in and supporting local people; acknowledges that the organisation's volunteers across the region deliver activities and events, such as community outreach, education drop-ins, safe spaces for young people, cinema and leisure excursions and that it also attends local events such as agricultural shows to provide support and information to anyone who may need it; wishes all the staff, volunteers and service users at Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ well for the future, and continues to support the value of inclusion across Scotland’s diverse communities.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ on being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; understands that Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+, which aims to ensure that the LGBT+ community across the region feels safe, supported and able to engage more confidently in its local communities, was awarded this prestigious honour for its staff and volunteers' dedication to investing in and supporting local people; acknowledges that the organisation's volunteers across the region deliver activities and events, such as community outreach, education drop-ins, safe spaces for young people, cinema and leisure excursions and that it also attends local events such as agricultural shows to provide support and information to anyone who may need it; wishes all the staff, volunteers and service users at Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+ well for the future, and continues to support the value of inclusion across Scotland’s diverse communities.
Supported by: Sandra White, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, John Finnie, Willie Coffey, Bill Kidd, Clare Adamson, Maureen Watt, Colin Smyth, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Angela Constance, Joan McAlpine
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That the Parliament congratulates the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team on receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; notes that the Rescue Team, which is made up of committed and dedicated volunteers and is based in Newton Stewart, provides search and rescue services in support of partner emergency services and covers a large area of the south west; understands that it has been awarded this title in recognition of its unquestionable commitment to providing voluntary services in, what can often be, harsh weather conditions to rescue and provide first aid; notes that it is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award in 2020, and wishes its members well.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team on receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services; notes that the Rescue Team, which is made up of committed and dedicated volunteers and is based in Newton Stewart, provides search and rescue services in support of partner emergency services and covers a large area of the south west; understands that it has been awarded this title in recognition of its unquestionable commitment to providing voluntary services in, what can often be, harsh weather conditions to rescue and provide first aid; notes that it is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award in 2020, and wishes its members well.
Supported by: David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Joan McAlpine, Stewart Stevenson, Tom Arthur, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Colin Smyth, Gil Paterson
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That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish SPCA for its continued and essential work during the COVID-19 outbreak to help ensure that Scotland’s high standards of animal welfare are maintained; understands that, over the course of the pandemic, its staff across the country, both responders and centre employees, have been working as normal to respond to concerns of animal welfare, to look after stray and unwanted pets and to prevent animal cruelty offences, including incidences of puppy trafficking, from occurring; understands and expresses its concern that, since the lockdown began, there have been puppy trafficking attempts, including through the Port of Cairnryan, and thanks the charity and all others involved in the efforts to stop this cruel and unlawful act, including HMRC, Trading Standards and Police Scotland; reaffirms the combined message of Say No to Puppy Dealers and encourages the public to always check that a potential puppy is with its mum, and, if there is anything suspicious or if something doesn’t seem right, then to walk away and report the incident; understands that, as a result of the pandemic, it is expected that the charity could lose up to 20% of its income, which could have an impact on the vital work that it carries out every day; encourages anyone who is able to do so to make a donation to allow this vital animal welfare work to continue by donating at scottishspca.org; notes that it has developed a guide on looking after pets during the pandemic which can be accessed online or by contacting it; wishes the Scottish SPCA every success for the future, and thanks it, and Scotland’s other animal welfare charities, for their continued hard work.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish SPCA for its continued and essential work during the COVID-19 outbreak to help ensure that Scotland’s high standards of animal welfare are maintained; understands that, over the course of the pandemic, its staff across the country, both responders and centre employees, have been working as normal to respond to concerns of animal welfare, to look after stray and unwanted pets and to prevent animal cruelty offences, including incidences of puppy trafficking, from occurring; understands and expresses its concern that, since the lockdown began, there have been puppy trafficking attempts, including through the Port of Cairnryan, and thanks the charity and all others involved in the efforts to stop this cruel and unlawful act, including HMRC, Trading Standards and Police Scotland; reaffirms the combined message of Say No to Puppy Dealers and encourages the public to always check that a potential puppy is with its mum, and, if there is anything suspicious or if something doesn’t seem right, then to walk away and report the incident; understands that, as a result of the pandemic, it is expected that the charity could lose up to 20% of its income, which could have an impact on the vital work that it carries out every day; encourages anyone who is able to do so to make a donation to allow this vital animal welfare work to continue by donating at scottishspca.org; notes that it has developed a guide on looking after pets during the pandemic which can be accessed online or by contacting it; wishes the Scottish SPCA every success for the future, and thanks it, and Scotland’s other animal welfare charities, for their continued hard work.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Kenneth Gibson, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Alex Neil, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Gail Ross, Pauline McNeill, Clare Adamson, Annabelle Ewing, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire, Joan McAlpine
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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, Willie Coffey, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Richard Lyle, Tom Arthur, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Maureen Watt
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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, Tom Arthur, Colin Smyth, Ruth Maguire
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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, Ruth Maguire
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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, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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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, Tom Arthur
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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, Ruth Maguire
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