Parliamentary Motions 2024
20th Birthday of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
Submitted by: Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: Thursday, 17 October 2024
That the Parliament recognises the 20th birthday of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust; understands that, on 13 October 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world's first UNESCO City of Literature, a permanent title to recognise Edinburgh’s status as a literary capital; welcomes the benefits that it believes the UNESCO City of Literature Trust has brought to Edinburgh, including publishing the first Scots and Gaelic graphic novels, giving away over 93,000 books through schools and community programmes, and creating the world’s first UNESCO Trail; hopes for the continued recognition of Edinburgh as an international city of culture, and wishes all those involved in the UNESCO City of Literature Trust well.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Finlay Carson, Kenneth Gibson, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ben Macpherson, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White
Scots Language Awards 2024
Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party.
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Date lodged: Thursday, 19 September 2024
That the Parliament congratulates the organisers, nominees and winners, as well as all of those involved, in the Scots Language Awards 2024, which took place at Cumnock Town Hall, East Ayrshire, on 14 September; understands that the event, which is organised by Hands Up for Trad and is now in its sixth year, is a celebration of Scots leid, culture, heritage, tradition and creativity and that, this year, it saw 13 talented Scots individuals, projects and organisations come together to protect, support and promote one of Scotland’s native languages, Scots; recognises that many “weel-kent” proponents, writers, poets, singers, teachers, broadcasters and others were present and were nominated for awards for their work in Scots; welcomes that among the winners were Jim Mackintosh from Perth, who took home the Scots Writer o the Year award, Len Pennie, who won the Scots Book o the Year for Poyums, New Cumnock’s Danielle McNulty, who was named Scots Teacher o the Year, the Open University, which won the Scots Education Project o the Year and Cumnock-born Rab Wilson, who won the esteemed Janet Paisley Services to Scots Award; thanks the many event sponsors, including the Scottish Government, the National Library of Scotland, Scottish Book Trust and the Royal Lyceum Theatre; sends its thanks to all involved, and wishes the team behind the Scots Language Awards every success for the future.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Ash Regan, Collette Stevenson, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance
Congratulations to Riverbank Primary School and the Doric Film Festival
Submitted by: Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Wednesday, 18 September 2024
That the Parliament congratulates Riverbank Primary School and the Doric Film Festival on their success in the Scots Language Awards 2024; notes that Riverbank Primary School, based in Tillydrone, Aberdeen, won Scots Bairns Book o the Year for its book, Summer e Magic Scurry, which was written by the pupils themselves about a naughty herring gull who takes the P5F pupils on an adventure; further notes that the Doric Film Festival, which showcases Doric language and culture through film and was created by the Scots Radio director, Frieda Morrison, won the Scots Cultural Project o the Year; understands that the Scots Language Awards, which have been running since 2019, showcase the Scots leid and celebrate the people who champion its use in daily life, education, business, arts and culture; believes that Riverbank Primary School’s book and the Doric Film Festival are fantastic examples of how Scots can be promoted at all age groups through story and film, and wishes the winners all the best with their future endeavours working with Scots.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Clare Haughey, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White
Scottish Languages Bill
Submitted by: Kate Forbes, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Monday, 16 September 2024
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Scottish Languages Bill.
Supported by: Tom Arthur, Richard Lochhead
2024 Scots Language Awards to be Held in Cumnock
Submitted by: Elena Whitham, Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 June 2024
That the Parliament welcomes the news that the 2024 Scots Language Awards will be held in Cumnock Town Hall on 14 September 2024; understands that this will be the first time that the ceremony has been held in Ayrshire; notes the strong links that Ayrshire has to Scots as the birthplace of Robert Burns and the wide use of Lallan Scots in the area; recognises that the awards highlight the importance of the Scots language in daily life, education, business, arts and culture; believes that the ceremony will be a cause of celebration for people in Ayrshire and across Scotland, and wishes all who will be nominated the very best of luck.
Supported by: Clare Adamson, Alasdair Allan, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Maggie Chapman, Sharon Dowey, Annabelle Ewing, Joe FitzPatrick, Kenneth Gibson, Christine Grahame, Emma Harper (Registered interest) , Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Audrey Nicoll, Ash Regan, Mark Ruskell, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Tess White
Scottish Book Trust 25th Anniversary
Submitted by: Clare Adamson, Motherwell and Wishaw, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Tuesday, 28 May 2024
That the Scottish Parliament congratulates Scottish Book Trust on its 25th Anniversary; understands that the charity was founded to support people across Scotland at all stages of life, change their lives through encouraging reading and writing; further understands that the Scottish Book Trust has brought some of the best and brightest names in children's literature to schools across every local authority in Scotland; notes that in 2019, the Scots Language Publication grant was launched to create and protect space for new works from contemporary Scots voices, as well as facilitating collections and translations of significant historical works; welcomes what it sees as intergenerational projects such as Bookbug for young families, Reading is Caring for those who care for someone living with dementia, and Live Literature, which supports author visits across Scotland to bring the magic of reading and writing to over 16,000 people each year; believes that reading inspires creativity, boosts family bonding, improves employment opportunities, mental health and wellbeing and is one of the most effective ways to help break the poverty cycle, and commends everyone involved for their dedication and commitment to empowering people through reading and writing.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Neil Bibby, Miles Briggs, Foysol Choudhury, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Gillian Mackay, Ruth Maguire, John Mason, Liam McArthur, Audrey Nicoll, Ash Regan, Emma Roddick, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Tess White, Brian Whittle, Beatrice Wishart
Congratulations to Aberdeen Student Show
Submitted by: Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Thursday, 23 May 2024
That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen Student Show on raising the largest-ever total for charities in the society's 103 year history, beating the previous record by over £31,000; notes that this year's sell-out show, a Doric parody called Mounthoolin Rouge!, based on the film and musical Moulin Rouge!, took place at His Majesty's Theatre between 24 and 27 April 2024, and raised £156,323.96 for charity; understands that the funds raised will be shared between 66 local charities based in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, including Save the Belmont Cinema, Camphill School, Rape Crisis Grampian, UCAN - Urological Cancer Support, and Bridge of Don Men's Shed; recognises what it sees as the hard work and effort of all those involved in bringing the show to stage this year, which, it understands, has brought the total amount raised for charity over the past 10 years to over £1 million, and hopes that next year's show, scheduled for 23 to 26 April 2025, will be an even bigger success.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Alasdair Allan, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Maggie Chapman, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Ruth Maguire, Audrey Nicoll, Paul Sweeney, Michelle Thomson, David Torrance, Tess White, Elena Whitham
Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2024 Awards
Submitted by: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: Monday 13 May 2024
That the Parliament congratulates the finalists of the Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2024 Awards; commends Kai Suleman, from Aboyne, for his nomination for Aberdeenshire’s Future Award for his hard work in his role as an MSYP since he was aged 14, in championing the voices of young people and anti-bullying campaigns; commends Elliott Robertson, from Premnay, for his nomination for Aberdeenshire’s Future Award for his incredible community spirit, which began from the age of eight when he started with the Scouting movement and raised thousands of pounds for local causes; congratulates Jane Veitch and the children at Monymusk Primary for their nomination for the Cultural Award; understands that Jane and her class are truly championing the dialect of Doric, having won Scots School of the Year at the Scots Language Awards and the Bairns Book o’ the Year with their book about local legend, Jock the Giant o’ Bennachie; congratulates Birse Community Trust in Deeside for its nomination for the Cultural Award in recognition of its active championing of local history, heritage and keeping traditions alive; celebrates Kintore Community Response for its nomination for the Local Hero Courage Award; notes the way in which the whole community has pulled together during recent flooding events, and congratulates all the finalists nominated for Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2024 Awards.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Jackson Carlaw, Maggie Chapman, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Roz McCall, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Ash Regan, Emma Roddick, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
Stage 1 Timetable
Submitted by George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 20 March 2024
That the Parliament agrees that consideration of the Scottish Languages Bill at stage 1 be completed by 20 September 2024.
Aberdeen Student Show Select Bridge of Don Men Shed as Charity Partner
Submitted by Jackie Dunbar, Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Thursday, 14 March 2024
That the Parliament welcomes the Aberdeen Student Show’s decision to select the Bridge of Don Men’s Shed as its gold charity partner for 2024; notes that the Aberdeen Student Show will raise money from its latest performance, Mounthoolin Rouge!, which will be performed in Doric at His Majesty’s Theatre, in Aberdeen, from 24 to 27 April 2024; understands that the Aberdonian adaption of Moulin Rouge! depicts the tale of a young loon who moves to the bright lights of Aberdeen and goes on a mission with his pals to save their beloved Mounthoolin Rouge!, a new club next to the well-known Mounthooly roundabout; recognises that the Aberdeen Student Show began working on Mounthoolin Rogue! shortly after wrapping up its last success, Ayetanic, which, it understands, raised over £125,000 for 50 local charities, and for which it was recently awarded Scots Project O’ The Year at the Scots Language Awards; congratulates the Aberdeen Student Show on its previous success, and wishes it all the best in its upcoming show, which, it believes, will entertain audiences whilst raising crucial funds for what it sees as worthy causes.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Elena Whitham
Congratulations to St Peter's RC Primary School on the Publication, A Unicorn's Guide to Aul Aiberdeen
Submitted by Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 06 March 2024
That the Parliament congratulates the P7 pupils of St Peter's RC Primary School on the publication of the book, A Unicorn's Guide to Aul Aiberdeen; commends the St Peter's staff, Aberdeen City Council, the University of Aberdeen, St Machar's Cathedral, the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Doric Books for their support for the project; applauds Abigail, Aurelia, Aurelia, Ayprel, Daniel, Faith, Filip, Iliana, Ini, Jeffery, Josef, Joshua, Lena, Libby, Lolia, Maja, Michelle, Mikayeel, Mikolaj, Nadia, Nathan, Nina, Nmesoma, Nubaid, Oliwia, Sophia, Ugne, Ugo, Valerio and Yoonjae for their research, their wonderful Doric prose and fantastic illustrations, and hopes that their book will become a bestseller.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Alasdair Allan, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Sue Webber, Tess White, Elena Whitham
The Doric Board 2024
Submitted by Karen Adam, Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Monday, 26 February 2024
That the Parliament welcomes the fifth round of annual funding awarded by the Doric Board, which, it understands, is supported by the Scottish Government to develop and support a sustainable, dynamic future for Doric as a vibrant language; understands that 19 projects have benefited from Doric Board funding in 2024, with over £10,000 going to community projects across the north east, and commends the Doric Board on what it sees as its tireless efforts to promote and preserve the language and culture of the north east.
Supported by: Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Maggie Chapman, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Annabelle Ewing, Liam Kerr, Bill Kidd, Marie McNair, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Tess White, Elena Whitham
International Mother Language Day 2024
Submitted by Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: Friday, 02 February 2024
That the Parliament celebrates the annual International Mother Language Day, on 21 February 2024, as a global initiative to celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity; recognises what it sees as the importance of preserving and protecting all languages used by peoples of the world, as, it understands, an estimated 43% of the world’s over 6,000 languages are endangered; appreciates the continued work of the initiative since it was started in Bangladesh and first announced by UNESCO in 1999; understands that this year’s celebration will highlight the importance of implementing multilingual education policies and practices as a pillar to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive, quality education and lifelong learning for all; hopes that the initiative will bring awareness of the cultural significance of preserving the heritage and existence of world languages; believes that the initiative will further encourage individuals to take pride in their mother language and encourage the learning of different languages, and hopes for the continued success of International Mother Language Day.
Supported by: Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan, Jeremy Balfour, Neil Bibby, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, John Mason, Ivan McKee, Stuart McMillan, Paul O'Kane, Alex Rowley, Mark Ruskell, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Tess White
BBC School Broadcasting Celebrates Centenary
Submitted by Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: Tuesday, 30 January 2024
That the Parliament celebrates 100 years of BBC school broadcasting and recognises that the BBC’s original purpose to inform, educate and entertain continues to be central to the BBC’s mission; understands that the first custom-built schools broadcast by the BBC was in Scotland on 26 February 1924 with a violin recital, a talk on the ballad, a lesson in music and a short reading in French, and was broadcast in Garnetbank School in Glasgow; recognises the development of learning and education services over the century with formal and informal content, including Bitesize, the educational resource for children and young people, teachers, parents and carers, which contains content bespoke to Scotland’s curriculum in English and Gaelic, as well as stories and content in English and Scots, The LAB (Learn at BBC Scotland) outreach project, which delivers free creative workshops to young people across Scotland, and Authors Live, in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust, which delivers what it sees as world-class author events streamed directly into classrooms; believes that the services provided by BBC learning and education with Bitesize content, online lessons and dedicated TV education programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were invaluable, and wishes the BBC a successful future educating, entertaining and informing the nation.
Supported by: Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Donald Cameron, Jackson Carlaw, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Stuart McMillan, Pauline McNeill, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Colin Smyth, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle