That the Parliament notes proposals, which, it understands, are backed by EventScotland, the Scottish Government, UK Sport and British Cycling to bring the Tour de France to the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh; notes that the start of the Tour de France, le Grand Départ, often begins outside of France; understands that the body that organises the race, Amaury Sports Organisation, was impressed by a recent visit to Edinburgh and that the city is now being considered as the host location for the start; believes that the Scottish Borders is internationally renowned for its scenic beauty and that the area's successful hosting of the Tour of Britain race in past years proves its virtue as an attractive region for the Tour de France; believes that Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Scotland would enjoy significant and long-lasting economic benefits in terms of revenue from the tourism and publicity associated with a high-profile event such as the Tour de France, and, should the proposals come to fruition, would welcome the Tour de France to Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders in 2017.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes proposals, which, it understands, are backed by EventScotland, the Scottish Government, UK Sport and British Cycling to bring the Tour de France to the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh; notes that the start of the Tour de France, le Grand Départ, often begins outside of France; understands that the body that organises the race, Amaury Sports Organisation, was impressed by a recent visit to Edinburgh and that the city is now being considered as the host location for the start; believes that the Scottish Borders is internationally renowned for its scenic beauty and that the area's successful hosting of the Tour of Britain race in past years proves its virtue as an attractive region for the Tour de France; believes that Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Scotland would enjoy significant and long-lasting economic benefits in terms of revenue from the tourism and publicity associated with a high-profile event such as the Tour de France, and, should the proposals come to fruition, would welcome the Tour de France to Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders in 2017.
Supported by: Fiona McLeod, Claudia Beamish, Christine Grahame, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Adam Ingram, Gil Paterson, Kenneth Gibson, Aileen McLeod, John Wilson, Rob Gibson, Dave Thompson, Roderick Campbell, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Stuart McMillan, Joe FitzPatrick, Humza Yousaf, Clare Adamson, Angus MacDonald, John Lamont, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, John Mason, Marco Biagi, Margaret Burgess, Graeme Dey, Kevin Stewart
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That the Parliament condemns the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reintroduction of the right to buy for council houses; understands that, under the SNP, East Lothian Council planned to buy back 200 houses in order to compensate for what it considers the damaging right to buy having contributed to a shortage of social rented housing; considers that, under the new administration, reinstating the right to buy could cause a serious affordable housing shortfall as has been previously experienced due to the right to buy scheme; considers that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 introduced flexibility and more local control over pressurised areas in order to support local authorities in a way that the right to buy did not, thus improving affordable housing stocks; further notes that the then convener of the Local Government and Communities Committee, Duncan McNeil MSP, stated the committee’s support for the general principles of that Bill; believes that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 will not allow the proposed reintroduction of the right to buy to happen, and calls on the Scottish Labour leader, Johann Lamont MSP, to condemn the actions of the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reinstatement of what it sees as the ideologically driven right to buy policy, which, it believes, would have further damaging consequences for council housing supply.
Current Status:
That the Parliament condemns the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reintroduction of the right to buy for council houses; understands that, under the SNP, East Lothian Council planned to buy back 200 houses in order to compensate for what it considers the damaging right to buy having contributed to a shortage of social rented housing; considers that, under the new administration, reinstating the right to buy could cause a serious affordable housing shortfall as has been previously experienced due to the right to buy scheme; considers that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 introduced flexibility and more local control over pressurised areas in order to support local authorities in a way that the right to buy did not, thus improving affordable housing stocks; further notes that the then convener of the Local Government and Communities Committee, Duncan McNeil MSP, stated the committee’s support for the general principles of that Bill; believes that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 will not allow the proposed reintroduction of the right to buy to happen, and calls on the Scottish Labour leader, Johann Lamont MSP, to condemn the actions of the East Lothian Council Labour group for supporting the reinstatement of what it sees as the ideologically driven right to buy policy, which, it believes, would have further damaging consequences for council housing supply.
Supported by: Mark McDonald, Colin Keir, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Margaret Burgess, John Mason, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Humza Yousaf, Joe FitzPatrick, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Aileen McLeod, Kenneth Gibson, Chic Brodie, Gil Paterson, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing
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As an amendment to motion S4M-02775 in the name of Jackie Baillie (Dystonia Awareness Week), insert at end "; further recognises that diagnosis takes on average 3 to 4 years according to the Dystonia Society, with many people referred erroneously to psychiatrists and physiotherapists in the first instance owing to a lack of awareness about the neurological nature of dystonia; further understands that these factors combined can make dystonia an extremely uncomfortable condition for many, which is little understood by the public and can lead to social exclusion; highlights the British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) online module on dystonia, designed to raise awareness for GPs and other health professionals, which has been in place since October 2010 and has so far reached over 2,000 GPs across these islands, and encourages more medical practitioners to consider completing the BMJ module on dystonia."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-02775 in the name of Jackie Baillie (Dystonia Awareness Week), insert at end "; further recognises that diagnosis takes on average 3 to 4 years according to the Dystonia Society, with many people referred erroneously to psychiatrists and physiotherapists in the first instance owing to a lack of awareness about the neurological nature of dystonia; further understands that these factors combined can make dystonia an extremely uncomfortable condition for many, which is little understood by the public and can lead to social exclusion; highlights the British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) online module on dystonia, designed to raise awareness for GPs and other health professionals, which has been in place since October 2010 and has so far reached over 2,000 GPs across these islands, and encourages more medical practitioners to consider completing the BMJ module on dystonia."
Supported by: Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Maureen Watt, Linda Fabiani, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Roderick Campbell, Aileen McLeod, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Clare Adamson, Stuart McMillan, Joe FitzPatrick, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Humza Yousaf, Joan McAlpine, John Mason, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Borders Council on its plans to celebrate Scottish Borders Biodiversity Week from 19 to 27 May 2012; notes that there are events planned across the Scottish Borders aimed at encouraging people to explore the walks, wildlife and landscapes that the area has to offer; further notes that the week of engagement works alongside the local biodiversity action plan, which recognises the diversity of a region that is characterised by wetland, grassland, heathland and woodland habitats and what is considered to be a magnificent coastal and marine habitat; sends its best wishes to those taking part in the events and hopes that the events will be successful, and encourages other areas to embrace their own biodiversity in a similar way to the Scottish Borders as a means of encouraging individuals and communities to value and protect Scotland's natural heritage.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Borders Council on its plans to celebrate Scottish Borders Biodiversity Week from 19 to 27 May 2012; notes that there are events planned across the Scottish Borders aimed at encouraging people to explore the walks, wildlife and landscapes that the area has to offer; further notes that the week of engagement works alongside the local biodiversity action plan, which recognises the diversity of a region that is characterised by wetland, grassland, heathland and woodland habitats and what is considered to be a magnificent coastal and marine habitat; sends its best wishes to those taking part in the events and hopes that the events will be successful, and encourages other areas to embrace their own biodiversity in a similar way to the Scottish Borders as a means of encouraging individuals and communities to value and protect Scotland's natural heritage.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Jim Eadie, David Torrance, Kevin Stewart, Mark McDonald, Joan McAlpine, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Jim Hume, Stuart McMillan, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Alison Johnstone, Joe FitzPatrick, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Dennis Robertson, Stewart Maxwell, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Aileen McLeod, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Adam Ingram, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Fiona McLeod, Claudia Beamish
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That the Parliament welcomes the filming of The Railway Man taking place in North Berwick on 13 to 18 May 2012; notes that the film’s stars, Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth, will be filming there and in other parts of Scotland for the story, which is based on the book of the same name by the Edinburgh-born prisoner of war, Eric Lomax, telling of his time in Japan’s notorious Changi prisoner of war camp following his capture in Singapore in 1942 and his work on constructing the railway line between Thailand and Burma, known as the Death Railway; believes that Mr Lomax’s memoir acts as a tribute to the other prisoners of war captured and tortured at this time and further believes that the film will support this; considers that Scotland's magnificent landscape and scenery, the longest daylight hours in the UK and talented industry professionals has generated interest by the film industry in using Scotland as a location; acknowledges that such a film could bring a significant boost to tourism in North Berwick and the surrounding areas, and looks forward to welcoming more film crews to Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the filming of The Railway Man taking place in North Berwick on 13 to 18 May 2012; notes that the film’s stars, Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth, will be filming there and in other parts of Scotland for the story, which is based on the book of the same name by the Edinburgh-born prisoner of war, Eric Lomax, telling of his time in Japan’s notorious Changi prisoner of war camp following his capture in Singapore in 1942 and his work on constructing the railway line between Thailand and Burma, known as the Death Railway; believes that Mr Lomax’s memoir acts as a tribute to the other prisoners of war captured and tortured at this time and further believes that the film will support this; considers that Scotland's magnificent landscape and scenery, the longest daylight hours in the UK and talented industry professionals has generated interest by the film industry in using Scotland as a location; acknowledges that such a film could bring a significant boost to tourism in North Berwick and the surrounding areas, and looks forward to welcoming more film crews to Scotland.
Supported by: Claudia Beamish, Christine Grahame, Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Gil Paterson, Chic Brodie, Adam Ingram, Maureen Watt, Kenneth Gibson, George Adam, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Nigel Don, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Joe FitzPatrick, David Stewart, Jim Hume, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Joan McAlpine, Gordon MacDonald, Graeme Pearson, Colin Keir, Kevin Stewart, Bill Walker, David Torrance, Margaret Burgess
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That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race passing from Jedburgh to Dumfries via Hawick, St Mary’s Loch and Moffat on 11 September 2012 and finishing on Dumfries’ Whitesands; understands that over 100 professional cyclists will take part over the eight stages of the race, which is said to be the most difficult yet; further notes that amateur cyclists will have the chance to sample part of the route on 26 August with the Tour Ride Scotland; wishes all cyclists, both amateur and professional, the best of luck with all stages, and hopes that this event will bring a new audience of sporting fans to the south of Scotland for stage three.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race passing from Jedburgh to Dumfries via Hawick, St Mary’s Loch and Moffat on 11 September 2012 and finishing on Dumfries’ Whitesands; understands that over 100 professional cyclists will take part over the eight stages of the race, which is said to be the most difficult yet; further notes that amateur cyclists will have the chance to sample part of the route on 26 August with the Tour Ride Scotland; wishes all cyclists, both amateur and professional, the best of luck with all stages, and hopes that this event will bring a new audience of sporting fans to the south of Scotland for stage three.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Joan McAlpine, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Joe FitzPatrick, Jim Hume, John Lamont, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Angus MacDonald, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell, John Wilson, Aileen McLeod, Gil Paterson, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie McGrigor, Maureen Watt, Sandra White, Adam Ingram, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Annabelle Ewing
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That the Parliament congratulates the Hawick-based "folk'n'roll" band, Scocha, on taking part in Scotland Week in New York; understands that, as well as performing in Central Park, Scocha will participate in the annual Tartan Day Parade and other events throughout the week, including a sold-out gig at the St Andrew's Restaurant; notes that Scotland Week aims to promote and highlight the cultural links between Scotland and the USA; understands that the week aims to encourage the continuation of these links for future generations, particularly among the 4.8 million US citizens who claimed Scottish ancestry in the 2000 census; welcomes what it understands to be the packed programme of events planned for this year, which coincides with the Year of Creative Scotland, and wishes Scocha and all those from Scotland who are participating in the Scotland Week events the best of success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Hawick-based "folk'n'roll" band, Scocha, on taking part in Scotland Week in New York; understands that, as well as performing in Central Park, Scocha will participate in the annual Tartan Day Parade and other events throughout the week, including a sold-out gig at the St Andrew's Restaurant; notes that Scotland Week aims to promote and highlight the cultural links between Scotland and the USA; understands that the week aims to encourage the continuation of these links for future generations, particularly among the 4.8 million US citizens who claimed Scottish ancestry in the 2000 census; welcomes what it understands to be the packed programme of events planned for this year, which coincides with the Year of Creative Scotland, and wishes Scocha and all those from Scotland who are participating in the Scotland Week events the best of success.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Christine Grahame, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Adam Ingram, Jamie McGrigor, Aileen McLeod, Roderick Campbell, Stewart Maxwell, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, James Dornan, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Jim Hume, Humza Yousaf, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Jim Eadie, Joan McAlpine, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart
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That the Parliament welcomes news that North Berwick Law Nature Reserve has been awarded £145,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund; notes that North Berwick Law is labelled a site of special scientific interest by Scottish Natural Heritage; further notes that the restoration and preservation of the wild flowers and lowland meadows in the reserve constitute part of a targeted campaign by the charity, Plantlife, called Saving Our Magnificent Meadows; understands that thriving wild meadows are an essential part of Scotland’s ecosystem, providing a self-sustaining habitat for thousands of species of birds, insects, rodents and other mammals, many of which are found in no other habitats; further understands that species-rich wild meadows have been in steep decline in Scotland and across these islands due to an increasing demand in the post-war economy for food production through agricultural land management, and encourages trustees of other protected wild areas across Scotland to apply for lottery funding to guarantee their survival for the wellbeing of society and the environment.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes news that North Berwick Law Nature Reserve has been awarded £145,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund; notes that North Berwick Law is labelled a site of special scientific interest by Scottish Natural Heritage; further notes that the restoration and preservation of the wild flowers and lowland meadows in the reserve constitute part of a targeted campaign by the charity, Plantlife, called Saving Our Magnificent Meadows; understands that thriving wild meadows are an essential part of Scotland’s ecosystem, providing a self-sustaining habitat for thousands of species of birds, insects, rodents and other mammals, many of which are found in no other habitats; further understands that species-rich wild meadows have been in steep decline in Scotland and across these islands due to an increasing demand in the post-war economy for food production through agricultural land management, and encourages trustees of other protected wild areas across Scotland to apply for lottery funding to guarantee their survival for the wellbeing of society and the environment.
Supported by: Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Jim Eadie, Margaret Burgess, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Richard Lyle, Jim Hume, Angus MacDonald, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Rob Gibson, Roderick Campbell, Kenneth Gibson, Iain Gray, Gil Paterson, Adam Ingram, Jean Urquhart, Fiona McLeod, Claudia Beamish, Annabelle Ewing
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As an amendment to motion S4M-02567 in the name of Iain Gray (Cuts to Bus Services and their Impact on Communities), leave out from “regrets” to end and insert “welcomes news that the Minister for Housing and Transport met the leader of East Lothian Council, Paul McLennan, and Neil Barker of First Group shortly after First Group’s announcement; understands that First Group highlighted poor trading conditions over many years and high fuel prices as the principal grounds for its decision to cut back on services; further understands that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have offered support and advice to East Lothian Council and Midlothian Council on future services, including East Lothian Council’s proposals to maintain services on non-commercial routes in East Lothian and to work with Midlothian Council on joint solutions; commends East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government for coming together quickly to discuss potential solutions to the problem; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to bus travel; commends the Scottish Government for maintaining annual funding of £248.5 million for bus travel in each year of the current spending review period, including an increase in concessionary travel to £187 million in the coming year despite what it considers a substantial decline in Scotland’s block grant, and expects the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and First Group to continue in discussion and reach an outcome that is satisfactory for customers and employees alike.”
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-02567 in the name of Iain Gray (Cuts to Bus Services and their Impact on Communities), leave out from “regrets” to end and insert “welcomes news that the Minister for Housing and Transport met the leader of East Lothian Council, Paul McLennan, and Neil Barker of First Group shortly after First Group’s announcement; understands that First Group highlighted poor trading conditions over many years and high fuel prices as the principal grounds for its decision to cut back on services; further understands that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have offered support and advice to East Lothian Council and Midlothian Council on future services, including East Lothian Council’s proposals to maintain services on non-commercial routes in East Lothian and to work with Midlothian Council on joint solutions; commends East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government for coming together quickly to discuss potential solutions to the problem; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to bus travel; commends the Scottish Government for maintaining annual funding of £248.5 million for bus travel in each year of the current spending review period, including an increase in concessionary travel to £187 million in the coming year despite what it considers a substantial decline in Scotland’s block grant, and expects the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and First Group to continue in discussion and reach an outcome that is satisfactory for customers and employees alike.”
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Jean Urquhart, Adam Ingram, Kenneth Gibson, Gil Paterson, Aileen McLeod, James Dornan, Rob Gibson, Bill Kidd, Dennis Robertson, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Richard Lyle, Humza Yousaf, Mike MacKenzie, Joan McAlpine, Margaret Burgess, Mark McDonald, David Torrance, Gordon MacDonald, Kevin Stewart
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That the Parliament congratulates Kelso-born Alistair Moffat on his appointment as Rector of the University of St Andrews; notes what it considers Mr Moffat’s distinguished career as an author of educational, social and historical texts on subjects including Scottish education, genealogy, the Borders, Arthurian legend and Dark Age Scotland, as a director of respected cultural events including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Lennoxlove Book Festival and the Borders Book Festival and as a journalist, producer and chairman of STV, and wishes Alistair Moffat a successful and enjoyable term at Scotland’s oldest university.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Kelso-born Alistair Moffat on his appointment as Rector of the University of St Andrews; notes what it considers Mr Moffat’s distinguished career as an author of educational, social and historical texts on subjects including Scottish education, genealogy, the Borders, Arthurian legend and Dark Age Scotland, as a director of respected cultural events including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Lennoxlove Book Festival and the Borders Book Festival and as a journalist, producer and chairman of STV, and wishes Alistair Moffat a successful and enjoyable term at Scotland’s oldest university.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Kevin Stewart, David Torrance, Mark McDonald, Jim Eadie, Joan McAlpine, Mike MacKenzie, Humza Yousaf, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Jim Hume, John Lamont, Joe FitzPatrick, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Dennis Robertson, Bill Kidd, Hanzala Malik, Rob Gibson, Roderick Campbell, Gil Paterson, Chic Brodie, Adam Ingram, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Christine Grahame, Annabelle Ewing
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