That the Parliament congratulates Donna Cuthbertson, from Orkney, on being shortlisted for the Top Regional Instructor (Scotland) award at the 2020 Community Fitness Awards; understands that the awards were founded in 2015 to pay tribute to the exceptional work of people in the fitness industry to support the health and wellbeing of their communities; acknowledges that Donna, who is an instructor at Orkney Dance and Fitness, is among nine finalists shortlisted for the award in recognition of her outstanding efforts to help others to improve their health and fitness through her popular fitness classes; recognises that Donna has worked innovatively to keep her classes going during lockdown and continue to support those who have benefited from her teaching and expertise in a fun environment; further recognises that Donna used her online dance and exercise classes to help raise over £1,200 for Orkney Blide Trust as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in May; notes that this also raised awareness of the importance of exercise for looking after mental, as well as physical, health; believes that Donna’s nomination is well-deserved recognition of her inspiring work to motivate and help others to stay fit and healthy all year round, and wishes Donna, and her fellow finalists, the very best for the announcement of the winners in October.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Donna Cuthbertson, from Orkney, on being shortlisted for the Top Regional Instructor (Scotland) award at the 2020 Community Fitness Awards; understands that the awards were founded in 2015 to pay tribute to the exceptional work of people in the fitness industry to support the health and wellbeing of their communities; acknowledges that Donna, who is an instructor at Orkney Dance and Fitness, is among nine finalists shortlisted for the award in recognition of her outstanding efforts to help others to improve their health and fitness through her popular fitness classes; recognises that Donna has worked innovatively to keep her classes going during lockdown and continue to support those who have benefited from her teaching and expertise in a fun environment; further recognises that Donna used her online dance and exercise classes to help raise over £1,200 for Orkney Blide Trust as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in May; notes that this also raised awareness of the importance of exercise for looking after mental, as well as physical, health; believes that Donna’s nomination is well-deserved recognition of her inspiring work to motivate and help others to stay fit and healthy all year round, and wishes Donna, and her fellow finalists, the very best for the announcement of the winners in October.
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of Orkney Pride on showing perseverance and determination and organising a full day of online events, following the postponement of the original event; notes that a range of interactive events were shared online, starting with a "Workout with Pride" delivered by Katie Rafferty, special performances from local artists, including Morgan Geddes Ward’s Pink Foy review, and an online quiz; understands that video messages were posted sharing local support and experiences throughout the day, including contributions from Orkney Youth Café Pride Tribe, Kirkwall BID and Reverend Fraser McNaughton; considers that showing clear support for the LGBT+ community is especially valuable in small communities; notes that the high level of interest and uptake of this online event makes Orkney’s support loud and clear; thanks Diane Curries and all those who helped organise and contribute to this hugely positive experience, and looks forward to next year’s Orkney Pride being enjoyed and celebrated in person rather than virtually.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of Orkney Pride on showing perseverance and determination and organising a full day of online events, following the postponement of the original event; notes that a range of interactive events were shared online, starting with a "Workout with Pride" delivered by Katie Rafferty, special performances from local artists, including Morgan Geddes Ward’s Pink Foy review, and an online quiz; understands that video messages were posted sharing local support and experiences throughout the day, including contributions from Orkney Youth Café Pride Tribe, Kirkwall BID and Reverend Fraser McNaughton; considers that showing clear support for the LGBT+ community is especially valuable in small communities; notes that the high level of interest and uptake of this online event makes Orkney’s support loud and clear; thanks Diane Curries and all those who helped organise and contribute to this hugely positive experience, and looks forward to next year’s Orkney Pride being enjoyed and celebrated in person rather than virtually.
Supported by: Monica Lennon, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Bill Kidd, Edward Mountain, Donald Cameron, David Torrance, Mary Fee
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates Orkney’s East Mainland Young Farmers on raising over £1,500 as part of a special fundraising effort for The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI); understands that the group challenged themselves to walk, cycle or horse-ride 600 miles, which is the same distance travelling from Orkney to the Royal Highland Show (RHS) Fairground, to raise funds for the RSABI and to mark what would have been the RHS weekend before it was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that the RHS is typically one of the highlights of the year for young farmers across the country and plays an important role in helping farmers to stay connected; believes that this fundraising effort was therefore an excellent way for the group to celebrate the RHS and to spend time together as they normally would have done at the show; further acknowledges the exceptional work that RSABI does to support rural communities and individuals working in Scotland’s agriculture sector, including providing practical support and financial assistance to those in need, and also offering friendship and companionship to those experiencing isolation or loneliness; recognises that Orkney’s East Mainland Young Farmers reached a combined total of 1,015.7 miles, thereby exceeding its goal of 600 miles, which also more than trebled its fundraising target in the process; thanks and commends all members of group on their impressive contributions and hard work to raise such invaluable funds for RSABI; pays special tribute to Magnus Risbridger who contributed an outstanding 120 miles on his own, and wishes Orkney’s East Mainland Young Farmers another successful year ahead and all the best for the 2021 RHS.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Orkney’s East Mainland Young Farmers on raising over £1,500 as part of a special fundraising effort for The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI); understands that the group challenged themselves to walk, cycle or horse-ride 600 miles, which is the same distance travelling from Orkney to the Royal Highland Show (RHS) Fairground, to raise funds for the RSABI and to mark what would have been the RHS weekend before it was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that the RHS is typically one of the highlights of the year for young farmers across the country and plays an important role in helping farmers to stay connected; believes that this fundraising effort was therefore an excellent way for the group to celebrate the RHS and to spend time together as they normally would have done at the show; further acknowledges the exceptional work that RSABI does to support rural communities and individuals working in Scotland’s agriculture sector, including providing practical support and financial assistance to those in need, and also offering friendship and companionship to those experiencing isolation or loneliness; recognises that Orkney’s East Mainland Young Farmers reached a combined total of 1,015.7 miles, thereby exceeding its goal of 600 miles, which also more than trebled its fundraising target in the process; thanks and commends all members of group on their impressive contributions and hard work to raise such invaluable funds for RSABI; pays special tribute to Magnus Risbridger who contributed an outstanding 120 miles on his own, and wishes Orkney’s East Mainland Young Farmers another successful year ahead and all the best for the 2021 RHS.
Supported by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, John Finnie
|
|
That the Parliament congratulates Stromness Academy S3 students, Daisy Golder and Eileen Reid, on winning a £4,000 grant for the Samaritans of Orkney for their entry to the Wood Foundation’s Your Community Fund competition; recognises that Daisy and Eileen, along with other entrants, had to work as a virtual team to create a digital presentation that highlighted how their community has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and to recognise a local charity that has supported the community during this challenging period; understands that Daisy and Eileen chose to highlight the incredible work of Samaritans of Orkney in helping people in Orkney who are struggling with poor mental health; thanks them both for volunteering their time to research and produce such an impressive presentation in support of Samaritans of Orkney and for securing a funding grant that will be extremely valuable to the charity, particularly in light of the difficulties in raising funds through other routes during the current pandemic; commends Daisy and Eileen for their hard work and dedication to complete the task to such a high standard, despite the challenge of having to work virtually and in addition to their home learning; believes that they have both shown excellent adaptability and teamwork throughout the competition, and thanks them for making such a significant contribution to the ongoing work of such an invaluable local charity.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Stromness Academy S3 students, Daisy Golder and Eileen Reid, on winning a £4,000 grant for the Samaritans of Orkney for their entry to the Wood Foundation’s Your Community Fund competition; recognises that Daisy and Eileen, along with other entrants, had to work as a virtual team to create a digital presentation that highlighted how their community has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and to recognise a local charity that has supported the community during this challenging period; understands that Daisy and Eileen chose to highlight the incredible work of Samaritans of Orkney in helping people in Orkney who are struggling with poor mental health; thanks them both for volunteering their time to research and produce such an impressive presentation in support of Samaritans of Orkney and for securing a funding grant that will be extremely valuable to the charity, particularly in light of the difficulties in raising funds through other routes during the current pandemic; commends Daisy and Eileen for their hard work and dedication to complete the task to such a high standard, despite the challenge of having to work virtually and in addition to their home learning; believes that they have both shown excellent adaptability and teamwork throughout the competition, and thanks them for making such a significant contribution to the ongoing work of such an invaluable local charity.
Supported by: David Stewart, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Bill Kidd
|
|
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, Tom Arthur
|
|
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, Ruth Maguire
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|