That the Parliament congratulates the Lanark-based company, Border Biscuits, on being among the latest graduates of Carbon Trust Scotland’s carbon management programme; understands that the programme helps businesses develop a bespoke carbon management plan to deliver energy and cost savings and improve carbon reduction practices; believes that, through its plan, Border Biscuits is aiming to further reduce the carbon emissions associated with its business; understands that this will build on its previous significant work in areas such as waste reduction, improved recycling and energy efficiency; acknowledges what it sees as the commitment of staff and management at Border Biscuits to ensure that it operates in an environmentally sound manner, and wishes the company every success as it aims to implement its plan.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Lanark-based company, Border Biscuits, on being among the latest graduates of Carbon Trust Scotland’s carbon management programme; understands that the programme helps businesses develop a bespoke carbon management plan to deliver energy and cost savings and improve carbon reduction practices; believes that, through its plan, Border Biscuits is aiming to further reduce the carbon emissions associated with its business; understands that this will build on its previous significant work in areas such as waste reduction, improved recycling and energy efficiency; acknowledges what it sees as the commitment of staff and management at Border Biscuits to ensure that it operates in an environmentally sound manner, and wishes the company every success as it aims to implement its plan.
Supported by: Hanzala Malik, Jim Hume, Iain Gray, Annabelle Ewing, Anne McTaggart, Graeme Pearson, Graeme Dey, Aileen McLeod, Bill Kidd, Margaret McCulloch, Gil Paterson, Mike MacKenzie, Angus MacDonald, Rob Gibson, Jean Urquhart, Richard Lyle, Colin Beattie, Helen Eadie, Kevin Stewart, Sandra White, Jackie Baillie, Maureen Watt, Neil Findlay, Clare Adamson, Sarah Boyack, Jamie Hepburn, Richard Simpson, Elaine Murray, Stuart McMillan, Hugh Henry
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That the Parliament notes that 5 March 2013 marked the 250th anniversary of the death of William Smellie, described as the father of British midwifery and one of the greatest obstetricians in the history of British obstetrics; further notes that Smellie was born near Lesmahagow and raised in Lanark, where he began practising as a surgeon in 1720; understands that Smellie received training in midwifery in Paris before continuing his studies in London and opening a successful practice where he began teaching; further understands that Smellie reportedly waived his fee for attending deliveries if his students were allowed to attend the birth in order to learn from his teachings; acknowledges the achievements attributed to Smellie, including the invention of an obstetrical manikin used to demonstrate the process of childbirth and work to improve the design and safe use of forceps to improve the chances of both mother and baby surviving; notes that Smellie died in 1763 after retiring to Lanark where he is buried in St Kentigern’s Church graveyard, and believes that, given his role in the development of the field of obstetrics, it is fitting that the anniversary of his death continues to be celebrated annually by local people on Mother’s Day.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 5 March 2013 marked the 250th anniversary of the death of William Smellie, described as the father of British midwifery and one of the greatest obstetricians in the history of British obstetrics; further notes that Smellie was born near Lesmahagow and raised in Lanark, where he began practising as a surgeon in 1720; understands that Smellie received training in midwifery in Paris before continuing his studies in London and opening a successful practice where he began teaching; further understands that Smellie reportedly waived his fee for attending deliveries if his students were allowed to attend the birth in order to learn from his teachings; acknowledges the achievements attributed to Smellie, including the invention of an obstetrical manikin used to demonstrate the process of childbirth and work to improve the design and safe use of forceps to improve the chances of both mother and baby surviving; notes that Smellie died in 1763 after retiring to Lanark where he is buried in St Kentigern’s Church graveyard, and believes that, given his role in the development of the field of obstetrics, it is fitting that the anniversary of his death continues to be celebrated annually by local people on Mother’s Day.
Supported by: Nigel Don, Kenneth Gibson, Michael McMahon, Bill Walker, Maureen Watt, Jim Hume, James Kelly, Iain Gray, Graeme Dey, Jackie Baillie, Bob Doris, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Christina McKelvie, Duncan McNeil, Patricia Ferguson, Gil Paterson, Colin Beattie, Jean Urquhart, Jamie Hepburn, Bruce Crawford, Siobhan McMahon, Sandra White, Anne McTaggart, Margaret McCulloch, Kevin Stewart, Annabelle Ewing, Sarah Boyack, Hanzala Malik, Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament notes the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at New Lanark to Scotland’s cultural, industrial and natural heritage; believes that it is vital that the integrity of the site and surrounding area should be protected from inappropriate development; understands that, to this end, the site is surrounded by a clearly defined buffer zone that is, for the purposes of planning, considered to be more sensitive to development; further understands that the existence of the buffer zone necessitates the highest scrutiny of planning applications within its boundary but that it does not preclude development taking place; understands that there is a planning application before South Lanarkshire Council for the extension of Hyndford Quarry that would infringe, in part, on the buffer zone; believes that the application has prompted significant opposition from the Save Our Landscapes campaign, highlighting concern on an international level that the hard-won world heritage status of the site must be safeguarded; understands that Historic Scotland has not objected to this application in relation to the buffer zone, although it did so for a previous housing development application due to visual intrusion on the world heritage site; believes that significant questions remain to be answered by the developer, CEMEX, about issues including but not restricted to hydrology, restoration and biodiversity but acknowledges that the developer has worked with consultees such as the Scottish Wildlife Trust to adapt its proposals to address concerns; further believes that the developer must continue to work to address the concerns raised during the application process if it hopes to proceed with its proposals, some of which fall outside the buffer zone; understands that the Scottish Government has issued a notification direction to South Lanarkshire Council requiring the authority to formally notify ministers should it decide to approve the application, and further believes that this is a sensible precaution that adds an additional layer of scrutiny given the national significance of the heritage site.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at New Lanark to Scotland’s cultural, industrial and natural heritage; believes that it is vital that the integrity of the site and surrounding area should be protected from inappropriate development; understands that, to this end, the site is surrounded by a clearly defined buffer zone that is, for the purposes of planning, considered to be more sensitive to development; further understands that the existence of the buffer zone necessitates the highest scrutiny of planning applications within its boundary but that it does not preclude development taking place; understands that there is a planning application before South Lanarkshire Council for the extension of Hyndford Quarry that would infringe, in part, on the buffer zone; believes that the application has prompted significant opposition from the Save Our Landscapes campaign, highlighting concern on an international level that the hard-won world heritage status of the site must be safeguarded; understands that Historic Scotland has not objected to this application in relation to the buffer zone, although it did so for a previous housing development application due to visual intrusion on the world heritage site; believes that significant questions remain to be answered by the developer, CEMEX, about issues including but not restricted to hydrology, restoration and biodiversity but acknowledges that the developer has worked with consultees such as the Scottish Wildlife Trust to adapt its proposals to address concerns; further believes that the developer must continue to work to address the concerns raised during the application process if it hopes to proceed with its proposals, some of which fall outside the buffer zone; understands that the Scottish Government has issued a notification direction to South Lanarkshire Council requiring the authority to formally notify ministers should it decide to approve the application, and further believes that this is a sensible precaution that adds an additional layer of scrutiny given the national significance of the heritage site.
Supported by: Graeme Pearson, Hanzala Malik, Margaret McCulloch, Iain Gray, Neil Findlay, Jackie Baillie, Richard Simpson, Sarah Boyack, Anne McTaggart, Elaine Murray, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Sandra White
Current Status: Fallen on 08/05/2013
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That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2013, its ninth annual guide to Britain’s top gay-friendly employers; understands that the list is compiled from submissions to Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, a free annual survey that assesses employers across eight areas of good practice, supplemented by feedback from entrants’ lesbian, gay and bisexual employees; understands that all of the employers in the top 100 are members of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, membership of which entitles them to a range of support from the organisation to deliver greater equality in the workplace; congratulates the six Scottish employers who made the list by virtue of either operating solely in Scotland or through being entered as a Scottish arm of a wider organisation; notes with regret the absence of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament from the list; congratulates the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service in making the top 100, and calls on the Scottish Government to take a lead in encouraging public bodies and other organisations across Scotland to fully engage with equality issues and to take steps to end discrimination in the workplace on grounds of sexual orientation or any other criteria.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2013, its ninth annual guide to Britain’s top gay-friendly employers; understands that the list is compiled from submissions to Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, a free annual survey that assesses employers across eight areas of good practice, supplemented by feedback from entrants’ lesbian, gay and bisexual employees; understands that all of the employers in the top 100 are members of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, membership of which entitles them to a range of support from the organisation to deliver greater equality in the workplace; congratulates the six Scottish employers who made the list by virtue of either operating solely in Scotland or through being entered as a Scottish arm of a wider organisation; notes with regret the absence of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament from the list; congratulates the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service in making the top 100, and calls on the Scottish Government to take a lead in encouraging public bodies and other organisations across Scotland to fully engage with equality issues and to take steps to end discrimination in the workplace on grounds of sexual orientation or any other criteria.
Supported by: Drew Smith, Kezia Dugdale, Patrick Harvie, Mary Fee, Iain Gray, Jackie Baillie, Elaine Murray, Anne McTaggart, John Finnie, Hanzala Malik, Margaret McDougall, Sarah Boyack, Jean Urquhart, Richard Simpson, Rhoda Grant
Current Status: Fallen on 08/05/2013
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That the Parliament notes a report supported by RSPB Scotland demonstrating the impact of the Galloway Kite Trail on the tourism industry in Dumfries and Galloway; understands that the trail provides a route circling Loch Ken near Castle Douglas that provides visitors with the opportunity to view red kites; notes the report’s finding that, since 2004, visitors to the trail have spent over £33 million in the region, with over £4.1 million spent by people who came specifically to see the kites, and that this spend has been to the benefit of local businesses; further notes that over one in four visitors to the site surveyed mentioned it as a major factor in their decision to visit the region; understands that the trail was set up following the reintroduction of red kites to Galloway after a 130-year absence and that the area is now home to a self-sustaining population of between 330 and 380 kites, and believes that, in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013, the Galloway Kite Trail is a prime example of the benefits of environmental and wildlife tourism for local economies, the environment and biodiversity.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes a report supported by RSPB Scotland demonstrating the impact of the Galloway Kite Trail on the tourism industry in Dumfries and Galloway; understands that the trail provides a route circling Loch Ken near Castle Douglas that provides visitors with the opportunity to view red kites; notes the report’s finding that, since 2004, visitors to the trail have spent over £33 million in the region, with over £4.1 million spent by people who came specifically to see the kites, and that this spend has been to the benefit of local businesses; further notes that over one in four visitors to the site surveyed mentioned it as a major factor in their decision to visit the region; understands that the trail was set up following the reintroduction of red kites to Galloway after a 130-year absence and that the area is now home to a self-sustaining population of between 330 and 380 kites, and believes that, in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013, the Galloway Kite Trail is a prime example of the benefits of environmental and wildlife tourism for local economies, the environment and biodiversity.
Supported by: Hugh Henry, Colin Beattie, Liam McArthur, Stewart Stevenson, Jackie Baillie, Chic Brodie, Hanzala Malik, Maureen Watt, Mike MacKenzie, Anne McTaggart, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Patricia Ferguson, Dennis Robertson, Graeme Dey, Sandra White, David Torrance, Jamie Hepburn, Graeme Pearson, Nigel Don, Jean Urquhart, Gil Paterson, Aileen McLeod, Elaine Murray
Current Status: Fallen on 12/03/2013
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That the Parliament welcomes the UN Relief and Works Agency’s progress in building "environmental zero impact" green schools in the Gaza Strip; believes that these will play a crucial role in helping to combat the environmental issues that the region faces, and considers that NGOs and the Scottish Government should support this and other ventures that will lead to Palestine enjoying a greener and more self-sufficient future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the UN Relief and Works Agency’s progress in building "environmental zero impact" green schools in the Gaza Strip; believes that these will play a crucial role in helping to combat the environmental issues that the region faces, and considers that NGOs and the Scottish Government should support this and other ventures that will lead to Palestine enjoying a greener and more self-sufficient future.
Supported by: John Finnie R, Patricia Ferguson, Marco Biagi, Gordon MacDonald, David Torrance, Drew Smith, Neil Findlay, Margaret McCulloch, Mike MacKenzie, Jean Urquhart, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Jackie Baillie, Sarah Boyack, Elaine Smith, Elaine Murray, Richard Simpson, Jamie Hepburn, Gil Paterson, John Mason, Clare Adamson, Liam McArthur
Current Status: Fallen on 12/03/2013
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That the Parliament believes that all forms of domestic abuse are unacceptable; is concerned that the number of incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland increased by 7% between 2010-11 and 2011-12 and that this increase continues a generally rising trend; understands that incidents with a female victim and a male perpetrator represent 77.6% of all incidents of police recorded domestic abuse; notes that, over the festive period, increased financial pressures and increased alcohol consumption among other factors can exacerbate domestic violence incidents, and believes that there can be no complacency in tackling domestic abuse if Scotland is to eradicate a culture in which violence against women is seen as acceptable.
Current Status:
That the Parliament believes that all forms of domestic abuse are unacceptable; is concerned that the number of incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland increased by 7% between 2010-11 and 2011-12 and that this increase continues a generally rising trend; understands that incidents with a female victim and a male perpetrator represent 77.6% of all incidents of police recorded domestic abuse; notes that, over the festive period, increased financial pressures and increased alcohol consumption among other factors can exacerbate domestic violence incidents, and believes that there can be no complacency in tackling domestic abuse if Scotland is to eradicate a culture in which violence against women is seen as acceptable.
Supported by: Rob Gibson, Lewis Macdonald, Angus MacDonald, Roderick Campbell, Patricia Ferguson, Iain Gray, John Finnie, Jean Urquhart, John Mason, Graeme Dey, Elaine Murray, Jackie Baillie, Patrick Harvie, Dennis Robertson, Jenny Marra, Hugh Henry, David Torrance, Margaret Mitchell, Mike MacKenzie, Christina McKelvie, Malcolm Chisholm, Drew Smith, Alison McInnes, Clare Adamson, Sandra White, Colin Beattie, Maureen Watt, Jamie Hepburn, Gil Paterson, Fiona McLeod, Annabel Goldie, Stewart Maxwell, Rhoda Grant
Current Status: Fallen on 12/03/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-05186 in the name of Paul Wheelhouse (United Nations Climate Change Negotiations), insert at end "; commends the actions taken so far by many in this regard; calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that sufficient remedial action is taken in the next report on proposals and policies to compensate for missing its first annual emissions reduction targets under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, and calls on the Scottish Government to work closely with local authorities to help them translate Scotland's Climate Change Declaration into robust and accountable action."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-05186 in the name of Paul Wheelhouse (United Nations Climate Change Negotiations), insert at end "; commends the actions taken so far by many in this regard; calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that sufficient remedial action is taken in the next report on proposals and policies to compensate for missing its first annual emissions reduction targets under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, and calls on the Scottish Government to work closely with local authorities to help them translate Scotland's Climate Change Declaration into robust and accountable action."
Supported by: Claire Baker
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 13/12/2012
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That the Parliament welcomes the news that Egyptian-led negotiations have led to a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas administration in Gaza; condemns both the firing of rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip and the response of Israel, which it considers to be disproportionate; expresses its hope that, to prevent further loss of life on both sides, the ceasefire will hold; supports negotiations over a viable two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, and believes that there is an extreme humanitarian crisis in Gaza and that further work is needed to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people living under the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the news that Egyptian-led negotiations have led to a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas administration in Gaza; condemns both the firing of rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip and the response of Israel, which it considers to be disproportionate; expresses its hope that, to prevent further loss of life on both sides, the ceasefire will hold; supports negotiations over a viable two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, and believes that there is an extreme humanitarian crisis in Gaza and that further work is needed to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people living under the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Supported by: Drew Smith, David Torrance, Jackie Baillie, Iain Gray, John Finnie, Hugh Henry, Bill Kidd, Sarah Boyack, Jean Urquhart, Mike MacKenzie, Anne McTaggart, Richard Lyle, Richard Simpson, Gil Paterson, Elaine Murray, Patricia Ferguson, Jamie Hepburn, David Stewart, Linda Fabiani, Joan McAlpine, Kevin Stewart, Margaret McDougall
Current Status: Fallen on 29/01/2013
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That the Parliament congratulates Robert and Jacqueline Neill of Upper Nisbet Farm near Jedburgh on being named the winners of the first Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award; understands that this new award, which is organised by AgriScot and Quality Meat Scotland, showcases excellence in the production of cattle in Scotland and raises the profile of the dedication and skill of Scotch beef farmers; believes that the judges assessed shortlisted farms on a range of factors, including technical and financial performance, innovation, health and welfare standards and evidence of passion and enthusiasm by the farmer, and described the Neills as "ticking every box"; considers that the award can help to promote Scotch beef to consumers, and congratulates the other high-calibre entrants to the competition and finalists, Netherton Farm, Perthshire, and Cairndinnis Farm, East Lothian, on their dedication to producing top-quality Scotch beef.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Robert and Jacqueline Neill of Upper Nisbet Farm near Jedburgh on being named the winners of the first Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award; understands that this new award, which is organised by AgriScot and Quality Meat Scotland, showcases excellence in the production of cattle in Scotland and raises the profile of the dedication and skill of Scotch beef farmers; believes that the judges assessed shortlisted farms on a range of factors, including technical and financial performance, innovation, health and welfare standards and evidence of passion and enthusiasm by the farmer, and described the Neills as "ticking every box"; considers that the award can help to promote Scotch beef to consumers, and congratulates the other high-calibre entrants to the competition and finalists, Netherton Farm, Perthshire, and Cairndinnis Farm, East Lothian, on their dedication to producing top-quality Scotch beef.
Supported by: Patricia Ferguson, Angus MacDonald, Graeme Pearson, Jamie McGrigor, Aileen McLeod, Iain Gray, Chic Brodie, Bill Kidd, John Lamont, David Stewart, Jim Hume, Mike MacKenzie, Jackie Baillie, Dennis Robertson, Mark McDonald, Jean Urquhart, Annabelle Ewing, Helen Eadie, Maureen Watt, Margaret McDougall, David Torrance, Gil Paterson, Elaine Murray, Jamie Hepburn, Nigel Don, Colin Beattie, Joan McAlpine, Kevin Stewart, Sarah Boyack
Current Status: Fallen on 29/01/2013
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