Parliamentary Motions 2023
Braw Clan Promotes the Use of Scots
Submitted by Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Ariane Burgess, Stephanie Callaghan, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Clare Haughey, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Michelle Thomson, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed
That the Parliament welcomes the success of the recent production by Braw Clan, a Scots language theatre company based in Clydesdale, which has the aim of bringing the Scots language to everyone who wishes to hear, speak and enjoy Scots, one of Scotland’s three national languages; understands that the production, Secret Wrapped in Lead, written by Martin Travers, is about the memoir of Dorothy Wordsworth, Recollections of a Tour Made in Scotland, AD 1803, and is about Dorothy accompanying her famous brother on a tour of Scotland in which she hopes to collect blood-curdling myths, legends and curiosities; thanks Braw Clan for all its work to promote and further the Scots language and to tell the stories of strong female Scottish characters from Scotland’s history, including, it understands, through its Soup and a Story sessions, where the team work in partnership with lunch clubs for older people to provide a free lunch and Scots story by a professional actor, and wishes Braw Clan every success for the future.
Doric Film Festival 2023
Submitted by: Audrey Nicoll, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 12/10/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Ross Greer, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Mark Ruskell, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Tess White
That the Parliament commends the organisers, nominees and winners of the 2023 Doric Film Festival, which took place on 16 June at Robert Gordon University; understands that the theme for this year’s event was “Dinna Pit Aff”, with respective awards for individuals, groups and schools to participate in; notes that the Primary School category was won by Kirkhill Primary, based in Kincorth, Aberdeen, while Torry Heritage Group won the Smeddum Prize in the Groups category; further understands that “smeddum” has a Doric meaning of “spirit, vigour and resourcefulness”, reflecting the efforts of the Torry Heritage Group to win the award; recognises what it sees as the importance of these events to promote and encourage the continued use of Doric and local Scottish dialects; congratulates all nominees and award winners, and passes on its best wishes for further success in future Doric Film Festival events.
Jackie Ross of Doric Books Wins Cultural Award
Submitted by: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 04/10/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Donald Cameron, Jackson Carlaw, Maggie Chapman, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Russell Findlay, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
That the Parliament congratulates Jackie Ross, of Doric Books, on winning the Cultural Award of the Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards 2023; recognises that, since retiring from her career as a teacher, Jackie has dedicated her time and energy to bringing attention to the Doric language in schools and communities; applauds Doric Books for producing six picture books, with the aim of helping children and young people connect with their linguistic heritage; understands that these books are currently found in over 30 shops across the north east, and can also be sourced from its website; commends Doric Books for the many ways that it connects with the local community, including Doric Rhyme Time for Bairns, as well as Doric Blethers in care homes and community groups, and wishes Jackie success in her efforts to generate appreciation of Doric.
Scots Speaker of the Year
Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 02/10/2023
Supported by: Clare Adamson, Alasdair Allan, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Maggie Chapman, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Christine Grahame, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Sue Webber, Tess White
That the Parliament commends the achievements of Banff Academy teacher, Jamie Fairbairn, on being named Scots Speaker of the Year at the Scots Language Awards 2023; notes that Jamie is the Principal Teacher of the Faculty of Humanities at Banff Academy, and has been at the forefront of what it sees as the school's innovative and leading approach in the field of teaching Scots, and believes that Banff Academy stands as a shining example of best practice in the teaching of the Scots language, setting an example to other schools with its endeavours to promote and preserve this integral part of Scotland's creative culture.
Scots Teacher of the Year
Submitted by: Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 25/09/2023
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Maggie Chapman, Foysol Choudhury, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Pam Gosal, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Sue Webber, Tess White, Martin Whitfield
That the Parliament congratulates Banff Academy teacher, Rebecca Logan, on her remarkable achievement in winning the Scots Teacher of the Year award at the Scots Language Awards 2023; commends the exceptional efforts of Rebecca Logan and the Banff Academy team, who, it believes, have made significant contributions to promoting the use of Scots as a thriving, creative language, and considers that Banff Academy stands as a shining example of best practice in the teaching of the Scots language, offering inspiration to other schools in their endeavours to promote and preserve what it sees as this integral part of Scotland's creative culture.
North East Play, Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning, Tours Country
Submitted by: Jackie Dunbar, Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 22/09/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Maggie Chapman, Annabelle Ewing, Pam Gosal, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Roz McCall, Audrey Nicoll, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed
That the Parliament commends the National Theatre of Scotland and Aberdeen Performing Arts, in association with Belgrade Theatre Coventry, on their newest production Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning; notes that the play is a Scottish re-telling of the Bram Stoker classic, which, it understands, delivers its story through the Doric dialect and features an all-women and non-binary cast; understands that the use of Doric in this play is a reflection of the influence that the north east had on Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, while he spent his summers at Cruden Bay; further understands that the play is centred around the character, Mina Murray, who recounts her encounters with Dracula to the patients of a psychiatric hospital in Aberdeenshire in 1897; recognises that the play made its debut at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen on 7 September 2023 and is currently on tour across Scotland and England until late October 2023; celebrates everyone involved with the play for their hard work, and wishes them all the best on their upcoming shows.
Scots Language Awards 2023
Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 20/09/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Mark Ruskell, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed
That the Parliament congratulates the organisers, nominees and winners of the official 2023 Scots Language Awards, hosted by Alistair Heather, which took place on 16 September 2023 at Johnstone Town Hall, in partnership with Renfrewshire Council; understands that, first started in 2019, the Scots Language Awards showcase the very best of Scots language and culture, while also celebrating the Scots language not only in the arts but, it believes importantly, in daily life, education and business; notes that 13 individuals, projects and businesses received an award on the night, but that there were over 60 worthy nominees; understands that the winners from each category included Scottish playwright and screenwriter, Rona Munro, from Selkirk, who was awarded Scots Writer o the Year, Scots content creator, Lauren Hay, who was named Scots Personality o the Year, Rebecca Logan from Banff Academy, who was named Scots Teacher o the Year, Aberdeenshire teacher, Jamie Fairbairn, who won Scots Speaker o the Year, Monymusk Primary School in Aberdeenshire, which was awarded Scots School o the Year, and Aberdeen Student Show's Ayetanic, which was named Scots Project o the Year; further understands that Thomas Clark from Bellshill won Scots Book o the Year, traditional singer Natalie Chalmers won Scots Performer o the Year, Shane Strachan was named Scots Champion o the Year, and that the Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to esteemed singer, songwriter and broadcaster, Frieda Morrison; considers that, as well as the award presentations, there was incredible entertainment on display, including a recital from Renfrewshire’s poet laureate, Shaun Moore, talks from esteemed Scottish writers, Cat Cochrane and Shane Strachan, and musical performances from celebrated brother duo, Euan and Lewis McLaughlin, and talented singer, Iona Fyfe; welcomes that a new small grant scheme was also announced at the awards ceremony, with Creative Scotland supporting Hands Up for Trad to provide 20 grants to artists and performers to create new work in the Scots language; thanks all involved in the awards ceremony, including the many sponsors such as the National Library of Scotland, Itchy Coo, Black and White Publishing, the Scottish Book Trust, and further thanks the principal organisers, Hands Up for Trad, for all that it does to promote the Scots language.
Aberdeen Student Show Wins Scots Project o the Year at the Scots Language Awards 2023
Submitted by: Jackie Dunbar, Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Maggie Chapman, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Tess White
That the Parliament commends the Aberdeen Student Show, which recently won Scots Project o the Year at the Scots Language Awards for its latest production, Ayetanic; understands that the Aberdeen Student Show first took place in 1921, with students from North East Scotland College (NESCol), Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of Aberdeen creating and performing in the shows, which parody well-known titles from film, theatre and literature, and are mostly written in the local Doric dialect; acknowledges that the Aberdeen Student Show raises money for local charities across the north east through its annual productions, with Ayetanic, raising over £125,000; notes that the 2023 awards ceremony was held on 16 September 2023 at Johnstone Town Hall, in Renfrewshire; further notes that the Scots Language Awards were first started in 2019 to celebrate the importance of the Scots language in arts and culture and also in daily life, education and business; congratulates all winners and nominees for their outstanding work over the past year, and wishes them all the best for the future.
Condolences for Robbie Shepherd MBE
Submitted by: Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 14/09/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Neil Bibby, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Jackson Carlaw, Finlay Carson, Bob Doris, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Michael Marra, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Evelyn Tweed, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle
That the Parliament notes, with great sadness, the death of celebrated Scottish broadcaster, Robbie Shepherd MBE, at the age of 87; acknowledges his broadcasting career, hosting BBC Radio Scotland's Take the Floor for 35 years; recognises that he was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the 2001 New Year Honours List, and was awarded an MBE for services to Scottish Dance Music and to Scottish Culture; notes that, in 1992, he received an award from the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs for services to Scottish music, and in 1998 he was awarded recognition from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society for outstanding service and loyalty to the society; understands that, in 2006, he was again recognised for services to traditional music, receiving the Hamish Henderson Award at the Hands Up For Trad Awards; recognises his work as a compere for the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, performing across the country, including at the prestigious London Albert Hall; acknowledges that, throughout his career, he commentated on the Grampian Games for over 40 years, as well as at the famous Braemar Gathering; further acknowledges his admiration for the north east’s Doric dialect, having been awarded the M.Univ (Master of the University) by the University of Aberdeen for services to Scottish culture and the north east; applauds Robbie's vast contribution to broadcasting services, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Gordon Hay Completes Translation of Bible into Doric
Submitted by: Jackie Dunbar, Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 26/06/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Annabelle Ewing, Murdo Fraser, Pam Gosal, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Rona Mackay, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance
That the Parliament congratulates Gordon Hay for translating the entire Bible into Doric; understands that Mr Hay completed the New Testament in 2012 when he had spare time whilst working as a solicitor; further understands that once Mr Hay retired, he had time to complete the translation of the Old Testament, which is approximately three times longer, with 758 pages and over 570,000 words; applauds what it sees as the impressive dedication required to achieve this scholarly achievement, and welcomes his contribution to promoting the Doric language and making religion more accessible.
#GiesAScotsPoemDay
Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 19/06/2023
Supported by: Colin Beattie, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Mark Ruskell, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance
That the Parliament congratulates Hands Up for Trad, the founder and principle supporter of the Scots Language Awards, on its recent #GiesAScotsPoemDay, in partnership with the Scots Poetry Library, which took place on 9 June 2023; understands that the event, which has been held over the last two years, encourages people to become involved in Scots through asking entrants to write, record or video themselves reciting a verse of their favourite Scots poem and to post it online using the hashtag, #GiesAScotsPoemDay; understands that many people rose to the challenge, posting an array of fabulous videos online from traditional Scots such as Burns, to modern Scots and to poems that people had written themselves, and that those entering included the Scots proponents, Lenniesaurus, Kathleen Jamie and Alistair Heather, and the Scots writer and advocate, Billy Kay; thanks Stand Up for Trad and the Scots Poetry Library for their brilliant work on this initiative, and encourages all to take a look at the talented poetry videos on social media channels, including Twitter.
Scottish Connections Framework
Submitted by: Angus Robertson, Edinburgh Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Neil Gray, Christina McKelvie
Motions as amended
That the Parliament cherishes Scotland’s global diaspora, which it considers to be an extension of Scotland itself; welcomes the publication of the Scottish Connections Framework, which seeks to build a more vibrant, visible and connected Scottish community around the world; affirms a broad and inclusive definition of "diaspora", embracing those of Scottish heritage, lived diaspora, alumni of Scottish educational institutions, and anyone who has an affinity with Scotland; recognises the importance of including historically marginalised communities, including minority ethnic Scots, women, young people and the LGBTQ community, and of facing uncomfortable chapters in Scotland's history; celebrates the efforts of Scottish community organisations around the world for maintaining and promoting Scotland’s culture and language, including through marking St Andrew’s Day and Burns events; applauds the Scottish Government and Scottish Development International’s international network of offices for their efforts to increase Scotland’s global connections, the valuable contribution of trade and investment envoys, and the 1,200-strong GlobalScot network; stresses the importance of connecting with alumni of Scotland’s world-class educational institutions; expresses its hope that the Scottish Connections Framework will encourage many more people to consider Scotland as a destination in which to work, live, study, do business, or simply visit; recognises the importance of engaging with the Scottish diaspora within the terms of the devolved settlement, and calls on the Scottish Government to provide more details regarding the metrics upon which the delivery of the Scottish Connections Framework will be measured and how its impact will be monitored, measured and reported.
Glasgow Musical Hit Lands Starring Role in New York
Submitted by: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Kenneth Gibson, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Tess White, Martin Whitfield, Brian Whittle
That the Parliament congratulates Noisemaker’s writers, Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, on their acclaimed show, SCOTS, heading to the prestigious Tony award-winning cabaret venue, 54 Below, in New York; understands that the play was first performed in Òran Mór’s lunchtime theatre series, "A Play, A Pie and A Pint"; notes that SCOTS is a musical that retells 1,200 years of Scottish history in 50 minutes; understands that Glasgow audiences will get the chance to see SCOTS again when it returns to Òran Mór on 3 April 2023, and notes that the 2023 cast sees seven of the eight original members return from its debut run in 2022.
Aberdeen-based Illustrator Incorporates Unique Creative Designs to Promote City and Doric Dialect
Submitted by: Audrey Nicoll, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 28/02/2023
Supported by: Jenni Minto, Miles Briggs, Jeremy Balfour, Bill Kidd, Siobhian Brown, Kenneth Gibson, Annabelle Ewing, Emma Harper, Tess White, Mercedes Villalba, Ruth Maguire, Natalie Don, Stuart McMillan, Paul Sweeney, Pam Gosal, Maggie Chapman, Liam Kerr, Jackie Dunbar, Alexander Burnett, Karen Adam, Clare Adamson
That the Parliament congratulates Amy Singer, illustrator and proprietor of the independent gift shop, CloudyBlue, Aberdeen, for her creativity and vision in pursuing her COVID-19 pandemic lockdown project to create a new range of contemporary illustrations of Aberdeen landmarks, seascapes and parks, showcasing the architecture, heritage and natural beauty of the city; notes that Amy’s designs include a unique series of humorous modern stationary incorporating the Doric dialect into the text, thereby celebrating and promoting the Scots language; considers that, by doing so, Amy is cementing her reputation as a talented local artist who has made a huge contribution to the popularity of the Rosemount area of Aberdeen as a destination of choice for those seeking a truly unique and welcoming shopping experience, and wishes her every success in her future creative projects.