That the Parliament congratulates the Reverend Aftab Gohar on being chosen to be Falkirk and district Presbytery of the Church of Scotland’s new Moderator for the next 12 months; understands that Rev Gohar will become the first person born and raised in South Asia to be installed as a Presbytery Moderator; notes that he is currently Minister at Abbotsgrange Parish Church in Grangemouth, serving there since 2008 having moved to Scotland from Pakistan after being ordained into the Church of Pakistan in 1995; further notes that the Church of Scotland is divided into presbyteries that have oversight of congregations in their areas and are led by Moderators who, along with ministers, deacons and elders, gather together for fellowship, worship, discussion and decision-making on matters that affect the local parish and communities; acknowledges that Rev Gohar will be installed as Moderator in an online meeting to be broadcast on the Falkirk Presbytery’s website and Facebook page; thanks the Rev Gohar for his continued service to his congregation in Grangemouth, and wishes him success for his term as Moderator for the wider Falkirk Presbytery.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Reverend Aftab Gohar on being chosen to be Falkirk and district Presbytery of the Church of Scotland’s new Moderator for the next 12 months; understands that Rev Gohar will become the first person born and raised in South Asia to be installed as a Presbytery Moderator; notes that he is currently Minister at Abbotsgrange Parish Church in Grangemouth, serving there since 2008 having moved to Scotland from Pakistan after being ordained into the Church of Pakistan in 1995; further notes that the Church of Scotland is divided into presbyteries that have oversight of congregations in their areas and are led by Moderators who, along with ministers, deacons and elders, gather together for fellowship, worship, discussion and decision-making on matters that affect the local parish and communities; acknowledges that Rev Gohar will be installed as Moderator in an online meeting to be broadcast on the Falkirk Presbytery’s website and Facebook page; thanks the Rev Gohar for his continued service to his congregation in Grangemouth, and wishes him success for his term as Moderator for the wider Falkirk Presbytery.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Alison Harris, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Christine Grahame, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Richard Lyle, Willie Coffey, David Torrance, Alex Rowley, Alasdair Allan, Gil Paterson
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That the Parliament congratulates Ashley Nicholson on being named the new president of the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA) at the Executive Council meeting of the association on 10 June 2020; understands that Ashley is the first female to hold the position since the UKHMA was founded in 1993; notes that it is the world’s oldest and largest such professional body, with around 500 professional and commercial members, and that its objectives include exercising and promoting the safe and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports and encouraging and facilitating the qualification, certification and continuing professional development of harbour masters in the UK and other territories; understands that Ashley, who has worked at Forth Ports for nearly 12 years, took on her current role of senior harbour master in 2017; notes that she manages all the ports on the river, focusing on Grangemouth, Rosyth, Kirkcaldy and Burntisland; recognises that Ashley won the Women in Industry title at the 2020 Centre for Engineering, Education and Development Awards and the prestigious Scottish Engineering/Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award for her role in managing marine operations during the construction of the Queensferry Crossing; commends Ashley on her new role, and wishes her continued success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Ashley Nicholson on being named the new president of the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA) at the Executive Council meeting of the association on 10 June 2020; understands that Ashley is the first female to hold the position since the UKHMA was founded in 1993; notes that it is the world’s oldest and largest such professional body, with around 500 professional and commercial members, and that its objectives include exercising and promoting the safe and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports and encouraging and facilitating the qualification, certification and continuing professional development of harbour masters in the UK and other territories; understands that Ashley, who has worked at Forth Ports for nearly 12 years, took on her current role of senior harbour master in 2017; notes that she manages all the ports on the river, focusing on Grangemouth, Rosyth, Kirkcaldy and Burntisland; recognises that Ashley won the Women in Industry title at the 2020 Centre for Engineering, Education and Development Awards and the prestigious Scottish Engineering/Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award for her role in managing marine operations during the construction of the Queensferry Crossing; commends Ashley on her new role, and wishes her continued success.
Supported by: David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Maureen Watt, Willie Coffey, Fulton MacGregor, Clare Adamson, Gil Paterson
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That the Parliament congratulates Stenhousemuir FC on being recognised as a Community Anchor Organisation (CAO) by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that this is in recognition of the club’s leadership and continuing commitment to supporting the local community response to the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that the funding provided will support the club’s Community Help Initiative (CHI), which is providing a vital support service to hundreds of families every week; understands that the club has also secured funding from other local organisations, which will be publicised soon; understands the CHI is in its 10th week of operation supporting over 300 families thanks to an incredible team of 150 volunteers who have helped to achieve 307 families being supported with shopping and prescription collections, 6,000 school meals being delivered to young people qualifying for free school meals, 1,300 home-cooked meals being provided free of charge to vulnerable people, 741 vulnerable families being supported with vital food parcels, a virtual library service providing free books to anyone in the community, a befriending service ensuring regular contact for those socially isolated and free bedding plants being gifted to vulnerable people; further understands that these initiatives have helped to accumulate over 11,500 hours of support to many local people, including some of the most vulnerable in society; notes that Stenhousemuir FC coordinates and manages the CHI through its board of directors and three full-time staff, with support from a team of 150 volunteers; congratulates the collaborative effort, with a number of partners playing a key role, including Keeping Larbert & Stenhousemuir Beautiful, Carron Bathrooms, Larbert Round Table, Larbert High School Charity, Larbert High School, St Mungo’s High School and all Larbert cluster primary schools; wishes everyone involved continued success in the coming weeks and months, and looks forward to the day that phase 4 of lockdown easing is reached.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Stenhousemuir FC on being recognised as a Community Anchor Organisation (CAO) by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that this is in recognition of the club’s leadership and continuing commitment to supporting the local community response to the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that the funding provided will support the club’s Community Help Initiative (CHI), which is providing a vital support service to hundreds of families every week; understands that the club has also secured funding from other local organisations, which will be publicised soon; understands the CHI is in its 10th week of operation supporting over 300 families thanks to an incredible team of 150 volunteers who have helped to achieve 307 families being supported with shopping and prescription collections, 6,000 school meals being delivered to young people qualifying for free school meals, 1,300 home-cooked meals being provided free of charge to vulnerable people, 741 vulnerable families being supported with vital food parcels, a virtual library service providing free books to anyone in the community, a befriending service ensuring regular contact for those socially isolated and free bedding plants being gifted to vulnerable people; further understands that these initiatives have helped to accumulate over 11,500 hours of support to many local people, including some of the most vulnerable in society; notes that Stenhousemuir FC coordinates and manages the CHI through its board of directors and three full-time staff, with support from a team of 150 volunteers; congratulates the collaborative effort, with a number of partners playing a key role, including Keeping Larbert & Stenhousemuir Beautiful, Carron Bathrooms, Larbert Round Table, Larbert High School Charity, Larbert High School, St Mungo’s High School and all Larbert cluster primary schools; wishes everyone involved continued success in the coming weeks and months, and looks forward to the day that phase 4 of lockdown easing is reached.
Supported by: Gail Ross, Clare Adamson, Monica Lennon, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament congratulates Yvonne Manning, Principal Librarian of Children’s Services for Falkirk Council, on winning the 2020 Learning Professional Award from the Scottish Book Trust Awards; understands that Yvonne was nominated for the award by her colleagues, who have described her as an "inspiration to all who work with her,” with her passion and hard work having, it believes, a significant impact on every educational establishment in the Falkirk Council area, despite facing financial challenges; notes that Yvonne manages the Learning Resource Service, which supports schools to develop a reading-for-pleasure culture; recognises the importance of storytelling, and setting aside time to read favourite stories, at a time when people can be overwhelmed with reports, documents and information; considers the positive impact that Yvonne has had on children across Falkirk district in establishing and running the RED Book Awards for Falkirk high schools; notes that RED stands for Read, Enjoy, Debate and that it encourages reading for enjoyment and stimulating lively debate about books: further notes that, as Bookbug Coordinator, Yvonne models Bookbug gifting events for nurseries and trains staff and parents in storytelling; thanks Yvonne for her contribution to children’s learning experiences across the years; congratulates her on winning this award, and looks forward to seeing more of her work in the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Yvonne Manning, Principal Librarian of Children’s Services for Falkirk Council, on winning the 2020 Learning Professional Award from the Scottish Book Trust Awards; understands that Yvonne was nominated for the award by her colleagues, who have described her as an "inspiration to all who work with her,” with her passion and hard work having, it believes, a significant impact on every educational establishment in the Falkirk Council area, despite facing financial challenges; notes that Yvonne manages the Learning Resource Service, which supports schools to develop a reading-for-pleasure culture; recognises the importance of storytelling, and setting aside time to read favourite stories, at a time when people can be overwhelmed with reports, documents and information; considers the positive impact that Yvonne has had on children across Falkirk district in establishing and running the RED Book Awards for Falkirk high schools; notes that RED stands for Read, Enjoy, Debate and that it encourages reading for enjoyment and stimulating lively debate about books: further notes that, as Bookbug Coordinator, Yvonne models Bookbug gifting events for nurseries and trains staff and parents in storytelling; thanks Yvonne for her contribution to children’s learning experiences across the years; congratulates her on winning this award, and looks forward to seeing more of her work in the future.
Supported by: Angela Constance, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Stewart Stevenson, Fulton MacGregor, Sandra White, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates Falkirk Junior Bike Club on raising £10,000 for Strathcarron Hospice; understands that it decided to raise this as many of the hospice's traditional fundraising routes have closed because of the COVID-19 lockdown; notes that the club's members held an initial 12-hour virtual relay with riders cycling with their families, or on their own, and posting their progress online; commends these efforts to continue operating as a club while raising money for a great cause; notes that the initial target of £10,000 has been hit before the next virtual relay, which is due to take place on 2 May 2020; congratulates each member of the club on these tremendous fundraising efforts; looks forward to seeing the results from the upcoming relay, and wishes the club and its members continued success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Falkirk Junior Bike Club on raising £10,000 for Strathcarron Hospice; understands that it decided to raise this as many of the hospice's traditional fundraising routes have closed because of the COVID-19 lockdown; notes that the club's members held an initial 12-hour virtual relay with riders cycling with their families, or on their own, and posting their progress online; commends these efforts to continue operating as a club while raising money for a great cause; notes that the initial target of £10,000 has been hit before the next virtual relay, which is due to take place on 2 May 2020; congratulates each member of the club on these tremendous fundraising efforts; looks forward to seeing the results from the upcoming relay, and wishes the club and its members continued success.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament welcomes the production of 20,000 litres of hand sanitiser for use by Scotland’s key health workers in a partnership between CalaChem in Grangemouth and Whyte & Mackay, with the product being bottled by Macphie’s in Stonehaven; understands that denatured alcohol from Whyte & Mackay’s grain distillery in Invergordon will be supplied to CalaChem to produce around 560,000 litres of sanitiser over the next four weeks; notes that that the companies have answered the call of the Scottish Government for businesses around the country to help in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak; congratulates everyone involved with this at CalaChem, Whyte & Mackay and Macphie’s for helping to support health workers in these unprecedented times, and looks forward to seeing the work being completed in the coming weeks.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the production of 20,000 litres of hand sanitiser for use by Scotland’s key health workers in a partnership between CalaChem in Grangemouth and Whyte & Mackay, with the product being bottled by Macphie’s in Stonehaven; understands that denatured alcohol from Whyte & Mackay’s grain distillery in Invergordon will be supplied to CalaChem to produce around 560,000 litres of sanitiser over the next four weeks; notes that that the companies have answered the call of the Scottish Government for businesses around the country to help in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak; congratulates everyone involved with this at CalaChem, Whyte & Mackay and Macphie’s for helping to support health workers in these unprecedented times, and looks forward to seeing the work being completed in the coming weeks.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Ruth Maguire, Bill Kidd, Annabelle Ewing, Bruce Crawford, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament commends the actions of Asiyah Javed and her husband, Jawad, who operate the Day-Today express store in Stenhousemuir, on their action to distribute bags that contain a facemask, anti-bacterial hand gel and cleaning wipes to people aged over 65 and vulnerable others for free in light of the COVID-19 outbreak; notes that Asiyah and Jawad are also offering to deliver the bags for free; recognises this as an incredible act of community spirit in a time of significant uncertainty; encourages people in the Falkirk East constituency, and across Scotland, to continue engaging in acts of kindness across communities by looking out for others who might need assistance; welcomes engagement in #ViralKindness, which is a postcard that can be downloaded and posted through the doors of older, disabled and vulnerable neighbours that provide contact details for assistance; congratulates Asiyah and Jawad on their incredible sense of community spirit, and encourages everyone to help where they can and to stay safe as far as possible.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the actions of Asiyah Javed and her husband, Jawad, who operate the Day-Today express store in Stenhousemuir, on their action to distribute bags that contain a facemask, anti-bacterial hand gel and cleaning wipes to people aged over 65 and vulnerable others for free in light of the COVID-19 outbreak; notes that Asiyah and Jawad are also offering to deliver the bags for free; recognises this as an incredible act of community spirit in a time of significant uncertainty; encourages people in the Falkirk East constituency, and across Scotland, to continue engaging in acts of kindness across communities by looking out for others who might need assistance; welcomes engagement in #ViralKindness, which is a postcard that can be downloaded and posted through the doors of older, disabled and vulnerable neighbours that provide contact details for assistance; congratulates Asiyah and Jawad on their incredible sense of community spirit, and encourages everyone to help where they can and to stay safe as far as possible.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Joan McAlpine, Annie Wells, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Kenneth Gibson, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson, Neil Findlay
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That the Parliament congratulates Braes High Breakfast Club, which is based in Reddingmuirhead in the Falkirk East constituency, on being named Kellogg’s Best Breakfast Club in the UK, after it finished ahead of 11 other regional winners; notes that the club's committee, along with two teaching staff from the school, was presented with the award at the House of Commons; understands that it has been running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for over a year, with pupils from S1 to S6 encouraged to choose their own ingredients sourced from Balquhatstone Mains Farm in Slamannan and their own equipment to prepare meals; acknowledges what it sees as the positive impact that having a healthy breakfast has on a child’s learning; commends the efforts of all involved with the club in working to poverty-proof the school day, and wishes the club continued success in its efforts.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Braes High Breakfast Club, which is based in Reddingmuirhead in the Falkirk East constituency, on being named Kellogg’s Best Breakfast Club in the UK, after it finished ahead of 11 other regional winners; notes that the club's committee, along with two teaching staff from the school, was presented with the award at the House of Commons; understands that it has been running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for over a year, with pupils from S1 to S6 encouraged to choose their own ingredients sourced from Balquhatstone Mains Farm in Slamannan and their own equipment to prepare meals; acknowledges what it sees as the positive impact that having a healthy breakfast has on a child’s learning; commends the efforts of all involved with the club in working to poverty-proof the school day, and wishes the club continued success in its efforts.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Joan McAlpine, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Ashley Nicholson on winning the Women in Industry Award 2020 at the recent Centre for Engineering, Education and Development (CEED) industry awards; notes that Ashley is Senior Harbour Master with Forth Ports and is also the first woman to hold the position of Vice President of the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA), helping to drive change to ensure a more gender-diverse workforce within the maritime sector; understands that, along with two Forth Ports colleagues, Ashley has committed to supporting the Maritime and Me campaign, which was launched recently by Maritime UK, which aims to encourage more women to join the industry; recognises that the Marine Team within Forth Ports manages and operates an area of 280 square miles of navigable waters on the Forth and Tay rivers, including two specialised marine terminals for oil and gas export; understands that Forth Ports at Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container port, and the only port in the UK that exports more than it imports, facilitating the flow of £6 billion of goods each year; further congratulates Ashley on her prestigious award, and looks forward to hearing more of her, and Forth Ports' successes, in the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Ashley Nicholson on winning the Women in Industry Award 2020 at the recent Centre for Engineering, Education and Development (CEED) industry awards; notes that Ashley is Senior Harbour Master with Forth Ports and is also the first woman to hold the position of Vice President of the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA), helping to drive change to ensure a more gender-diverse workforce within the maritime sector; understands that, along with two Forth Ports colleagues, Ashley has committed to supporting the Maritime and Me campaign, which was launched recently by Maritime UK, which aims to encourage more women to join the industry; recognises that the Marine Team within Forth Ports manages and operates an area of 280 square miles of navigable waters on the Forth and Tay rivers, including two specialised marine terminals for oil and gas export; understands that Forth Ports at Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container port, and the only port in the UK that exports more than it imports, facilitating the flow of £6 billion of goods each year; further congratulates Ashley on her prestigious award, and looks forward to hearing more of her, and Forth Ports' successes, in the future.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Joan McAlpine, Alexander Burnett, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Kenneth Gibson, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Shieldhill Gala Day on securing £4,740 from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland programme; acknowledges that the funding will enable the group to organise a summer gala day for the village of Shieldhill; applauds the group for supporting other community initiatives to receive funding such as Reopen the California Community Hub, Safe Path Network to Link Communities, Improve the Butterfly Garden, Friday Lunch Club and Rendezvous Club, Braes Greenspace and Improve the Welfare Hall Facilities; notes the group’s commendable activity in organising community events such as the Kids' Christmas Party in December 2019, and wishes the group the very best with holding successful gala days for many years to come.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Shieldhill Gala Day on securing £4,740 from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland programme; acknowledges that the funding will enable the group to organise a summer gala day for the village of Shieldhill; applauds the group for supporting other community initiatives to receive funding such as Reopen the California Community Hub, Safe Path Network to Link Communities, Improve the Butterfly Garden, Friday Lunch Club and Rendezvous Club, Braes Greenspace and Improve the Welfare Hall Facilities; notes the group’s commendable activity in organising community events such as the Kids' Christmas Party in December 2019, and wishes the group the very best with holding successful gala days for many years to come.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Richard Lyle, Clare Adamson, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Maureen Watt, Tom Arthur
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