Welcoming the Start of Book Week Scotland

Motion ref. S6M-02066

Submitted by: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date Lodged: Thursday, November 11, 2021

Supported by: Stephen Kerr, Alexander Stewart, Brian Whittle, Douglas Ross, Russell Findlay, Sharon Dowey, Colin Beattie, Sandesh Gulhane, Meghan Gallacher, Douglas Lumsden R, Bill Kidd, Edward Mountain, Pam Gosal, Annie Wells, Audrey Nicoll, Dean Lockhart, Miles Briggs, Jackie Dunbar, Jackson Carlaw, Donald Cameron, Tess White, Finlay Carson, Karen Adam, Sue Webber, Ruth Maguire, Alexander Burnett, Maurice Golden, Clare Adamson

That the Parliament welcomes the start of Book Week Scotland, the annual celebration of books and reading, being held from 15 to 21 November 2021; commends the work that Aberdeen City Libraries is doing throughout the week hosting events, including an evening with Deborah Masson, Aa aboot Doric, and Stuart MacBride: My life in books; applauds Book Week Scotland, which has been running for 10 years, allowing people to champion a wide range of literature, and wishes all involved the best for the week and future events.

Book Week Scotland 2021

Motion ref. S6M-02084

Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party

Date Lodged: Thursday, November 11, 2021

Supported by: Evelyn Tweed, Bill Kidd, Tess White, Miles Briggs, Kenneth Gibson, Jackie Dunbar, Sarah Boyack, Siobhian Brown, Stephanie Callaghan, Colin Beattie, John Mason, Colin Smyth, Douglas Lumsden, Alasdair Allan, Paul O'Kane, Emma Harper, Mercedes Villalba, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Rona Mackay, Paul Sweeney, Martin Whitfield, Foysol Choudhury, Ariane Burgess, Alex Rowley, Ruth Maguire, Marie McNair, Pam Gosal, Alexander Burnett, Clare Adamson

That the Parliament welcomes the 10th Book Week Scotland, an annual event that takes place from 15 to 21 November 2021; believes that this celebration of authors, poets, playwrights, storytellers and illustrators exemplifies Scottish culture and creativity at its very best; considers that this year's theme of Celebration allows people to embrace each moment, and take stock of what is truly important to them during a year when celebrations have been few and far between; understands that this year will feature a blended programme of community activities, as well as digital and in-person events; further understands that, on 15 November 2021, Buckie library will host a panel event entitled "Fit Ya Saying - Doric in Today's World", focusing on the importance of showing that the culture of Doric is alive, and ensuring that people know that it is a language that is accessible and for everyone; encourages all who are interested in books and Scottish culture to find an online event, or an event near them; wishes everyone involved with Book Week Scotland successful events this year, and passes on its best wishes for every success in the future.

Doric Film Festival

Motion ref. S6M-01681

Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party

Date Lodged: Friday, October 15, 2021

Supported by: Siobhian Brown, Stephanie Callaghan, Kenneth Gibson, Colin Beattie, Mercedes Villalba, Miles Briggs, Annabelle Ewing, Ariane Burgess, Paul Sweeney, Ruth Maguire, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Alexander Burnett, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Jim Fairlie, Finlay Carson, Clare Adamson, Pam Gosal

That the Parliament welcomes the return of the Doric Film Festival in 2022; recognises the vital role that this festival has in promoting talent and culture, allowing creatives to fulfil lifetime dreams in the art of filmmaking; applauds the Doric Film Festival for fostering a sense of community and giving local artists in the north east of Scotland the opportunity to make their vision a reality; encourages filmmakers across the north-east region to consider submitting their own short films, of under five minutes duration, on the theme, A Sense of Time, before the 15 December 2021 deadline; sends its best wishes for every success in 2022, and hopes that the festival will continue to have a significant positive impact on the community for years to come.

Troqueer Primary School Scoops Scots Language Award

Motion ref. S6M-01434

Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party

Date Lodged: Friday, October 1, 2021

Supported by: Colin Beattie, Ross Greer, Bill Kidd, Rona Mackay, Christine Grahame, Annabelle Ewing, Stuart McMillan, Elena Whitham, Miles Briggs, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Audrey Nicoll, Stephanie Callaghan, Ruth Maguire, Paul Sweeney, Karen Adam, Clare Adamson

That the Parliament congratulates Troqueer Primary School, in Dumfries, for being named Scots Schuil o the Year at the annual Scots Language Awards, in Broughty Ferry on 25 September 2021; recognises that these awards are voted for by people involved in the Scots Language and members of the public from across Scotland, and celebrate and promote the use of the Scots language as one of Scotland’s three national languages; understands that the teachers and children at Troqueer School won this award thanks to their dedicated efforts and hard work in championing the unique Scots culture, music and words through interactive education; notes the particular efforts of Mr Mackenzie, who was one of the finalists in the Scots Teacher of the Year category; thanks Troqueer Primary for all its work, and encourages all schools across Scotland to consider participating in the awards in the future to promote and preserve the Scots language.

Across the Grain Festival 2021

Motion ref. S6M-01355

Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party

Date Lodged: Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Supported by: Siobhian Brown, Colin Beattie, Annabelle Ewing, Stephanie Callaghan, Rona Mackay, Fulton MacGregor, Liam Kerr, Bill Kidd, Ruth Maguire, Douglas Lumsden, Alexander Burnett, Mercedes Villalba

That the Parliament recognises the Across the Grain Festival 2021, which is taking place in Aberdeenshire on 2-3 October and celebrates the Doric language as well as the traditional music, stories, and cultural heritage of the north east; notes that the festival, which is celebrating its fourth year, is taking place predominantly online, with a mix of film, podcasts, performances, and events suitable for all ages; applauds all of the staff and volunteers who make this annual event possible, and wishes them every success this year and in the future.

Launch of the Doric Board New Year Award 2022

Motion ref. S6M-01356

Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party

Date Lodged: Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Supported by: Stephanie Callaghan, Rona Mackay, Annabelle Ewing, Siobhian Brown, Bob Doris, Sarah Boyack, Jackie Dunbar, Liam Kerr, Bill Kidd, Ruth Maguire, Douglas Lumsden, Alexander Burnett, Mercedes Villalba

That the Parliament celebrates the launch of the Doric Board New Year Awards 2022, which is an awards scheme that it believes will be an invaluable part of the ongoing Scots' renaissance in the north east, in the Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency and beyond; notes that grants of up to £1,000 will be made available to qualifying applicant projects; encourages all who qualify to participate in this project and join this celebration of the north east's heritage of Doric language, music, history and lore, and wishes everyone involved with it continued success.

Fraserburgh Doric Month

Motion ref. S6M-00827

Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party.

Date lodged: Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Supported by: Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Maggie Chapman, Annabelle Ewing, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Gillian Martin, Audrey Nicoll

That the Parliament recognises Doric as a vibrant and living vernacular of the Scots language; understands that the Doric language can be heard across the northeast from Buckie to Aberdeen and everywhere in between; considers that there is currently a Doric and Scots renaissance, and recognises the good people that have brought this about; further recognises that this is down to the hard work of volunteers, musicians, scribes, teachers and the people of the northeast, and considers that the project, Fraserburgh (The Broch) Doric month, is a great example that builds on the good work of individuals and groups, such as Iona Fyfe, Oor Vyce, Banff Academy and many more.

The member has provided the following translation in Doric.

That the Parliament recognises Doric as a vibrant and living vernacular of the Scots language; the mither tongue can be heard across the northeast from Bukie to Aberdein and ah why in atween; we are seeing a Doric and Scots renaissance and recognise the guid foik that has brought this aboot; Parliament recognises this is down to the hard work of volunteers, musicians, scribes, teachers, and the northeast folk; projects like Fraserburgh (The Broch) Doric month is a grand example that builds on the great work of folk and groups like Iona Fyfe, Oor Vyce and far mair tae mention.

Fraserburgh Doric Month

Motion ref: S6M-00776: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date Lodged: Thursday, July 27, 2021

Supported by: Alexander Stewart, Pam Gosal, Annie Wells, Miles Briggs, Colin Beattie, Kenneth Gibson, Douglas Lumsden, Bill Kidd, Douglas Ross, Jamie Greene, Karen Adam, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Brian Whittle, Ruth Maguire, Meghan Gallacher, Alexander Burnett, Paul Sweeney, Tess White, Dean Lockhart, Russell Findlay, Stephen Kerr, Jackie Dunbar, Finlay Carson, David Torrance, Alasdair Allan, Sue Webber, Sharon Dowey, Mercedes Villalba, Clare Adamson
 

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Fraserburgh Doric Month in August 2021 to celebrate the language and encourage customers to visit businesses in the area with events planned throughout the month; notes that these will include contributions from the area's poets, storytellers and musicians as well as online and offline activities for people of all ages; understands that the initiative was spearheaded by the recently-established project, Shop Fraserburgh, and is supported through Aberdeenshire Council’s Town Centres' Phoenix Fund, which is led by three groups in Fraserburgh, Broch Businesses Together, the Fraserburgh Rotary Club and Fraserburgh Community Council, and is managed by the PR and marketing agency, Talented Marketing, which is based in the town; commends everyone involved in the project for their hard work, and wishes them success in inspiring people to use Doric and learn more about Fraserburgh’s history.

Alison Miller Appointed as Orcadian Scots Scriever at National Library of Scotland

Motion ref. S6M-00677

Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Date lodged: Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Ruth Maguire, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Beatrice Wishart

That the Parliament congratulates Alison Miller on her appointment as Orcadian Scots Scriever at the National Library of Scotland; understands that the role will be to champion the use of the Orcadian dialect and celebrate the islands as a stronghold for the Scots language; notes that Alison will work alongside local communities in Orkney as part of the role, which is based at the National Library of Scotland and Orkney Library & Archive, supported by funding from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland; recognises that Alison is an accomplished author who writes in both Orcadian and English; acknowledges that the role will allow Alison to have access to archive documents at the award-winning Orkney Library & Archive and the National Library of Scotland, which will ensure a wide variety of source material to inspire and share with the wider public; wishes Alison well in her new role, and looks forward to her future publications. 

Promoting the Scots Leid

Motion ref. S5M-24447

Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party.

Date lodged: Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Supported by: Clare Adamson, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, John Mason, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, Stuart McMillan, Gil Paterson, David Torrance, Sandra White

That the Parliament supports future government action to promote the use of the Scots language in public and private spheres, both in verbal and written form, including in primary, secondary and tertiary education, television and print media and in this Parliament; recognises that the use of Scots in the media is a key driver of a sense of inclusion for Scots speakers; notes the value of Scots education initiatives such as the Scots Language Award in shrinking the attainment gap; encourages members of the next Parliament to recognise Scots, and all its varieties, as a legitimate living language and to consider the needs of its speakers; further encourages future MSPs to work to raise the language’s profile in their constituencies, the Chamber, parliamentary offices and beyond, and supports, in principle, the idea of exploring legislative action to further protect and promote Scots.

The Member has provided the following translation in Scots:

That the Pairlament gies its support tae futur government muives fir tae promuive the uiss o the Scots leid in Scotland's public an private airts, baith in spaken an screivit forum, forbye in primary, seicontary an tertiary education, televeision an print media an in this pairlament; recognises that the uiss o Scots in the media is a muckle driver o a sense o inclusion for Scots spikkers; taks tent o the value o Scots lairnin initiatives sic as the Scots Language Award in shrinkin the attainment gap; encourages memmers o the neist pairlament tae recognise o Scots an aw its byleids as a legitimate leivin leid an tak tent o the needs o its spikkers; forbye encourages futur MSPs tae ettle at heizin up the leid's profile in their constituencies, the chaummer, pairlamentary offices an ayont, an gies its support in principle tae the idea o looking at legislative muives fir tae protect an promuive it mair.

Scots Language Added to Spotify

Motion ref. S5M-24327

Submitted by: Clare Adamson, Motherwell and Wishaw, Scottish National Party.

Date lodged: Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Supported by: Bob Doris, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, John Mason, Joan McAlpine, Mark McDonald, Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Sandra White, Andy Wightman

That the Parliament welcomes Spotify's decision to add the Scots language to its list of recognised languages; understands that the music streaming company made the change following a public campaign led by award-winning Scots musician Iona Fyfe; acknowledges that the move will mean that the many talented Scots artists will be able to have their work recognised in the correct language on the Spotify platform; commends Ms Fyfe's campaign and the work of other organisations including Oor Vyce, Hands Up For Trad, and the Scots Language Centre in their efforts to preserve and promote the Scots language; believes that language preservation is a celebration of culture and identity and an inherent acceptance of the estimated 1.5 million Scots speakers, and calls on other companies to follow Spotify's decision and include Scots as a recognised language on their platforms in reflection of its unique and valued role in Scotland's cultural heritage and contemporary parlance.