Members' motions supported in the Scottish Parliament by Richard Baker
March 2008
Denis Law and Stop the Cuts Campaign That the Parliament welcomes the comments by Kittybrewster School former pupil, Denis Law, in support of the campaign against the closure of Kittybrewster School; further welcomes his support for the campaign to save Bon Accord baths in Aberdeen; agrees with Denis Law that the administration of Aberdeen City Council should listen to the views of local people; calls on Aberdeen City Council to abandon its closure plans for Kittybrewster School, Bon Accord baths and many other vital services and facilities in the city, and as a matter of urgency further calls on the council to reconsider its plans to reduce revenue expenditure by 27 million in the forthcoming financial year.
Schools of Ambition That the Parliament expresses disappointment over the short-sighted decision of the Scottish Government to end funding for the Schools of Ambition programme; commends the programmes aim of supporting school transformation, allowing both staff and pupils to try out new ideas and undertake a creative and innovative approach to learning, stimulating ambition and opportunity for young people and working with the whole community; recognises the excellent work done by Doon Academy in East Ayrshire, Carrick Academy in South Ayrshire, and the 50 other schools throughout Scotland which are currently participating in the programme, and urges the Scottish Government to reconsider its decision and support the enduring benefits that the Schools of Ambition programme offers.
Solidarity with Shelter Workers That the Parliament acknowledges the excellent record of the housing campaign organisation, Shelter, over its 41-year history in campaigning to highlight the issues of homelessness in Scotland and the United Kingdom; expresses its regret at the actions of Shelters management in seeking to impose cuts in pay, longer working hours and the undermining of conditions of employment on Shelters dedicated staff; expresses its solidarity with Shelters members of Unite the Union which are currently in dispute, and urges the board of directors to work co-operatively with the union to resolve this dispute amicably to enable Shelter to continue to play its invaluable role in our society.
Strengthening of Offshore Workers' Rights That the Parliament welcomes the recent tribunal decision that ruled that offshore workers are entitled to four weeks paid leave which on a pro rata basis equates to 14 days annual paid leave under the European Working Time Directive; notes that previously offshore workers have been unable to claim such a right when working a "two weeks on, two weeks off" shift pattern; recognises that this victory is due to the hard work and campaigning of the trade unions representing offshore workers, Unite, RMT and OILC, and looks forward to this decision being the starting point for the further strengthening of workers rights in the offshore industries.
February 2008
Congratulating Scottish Science (amendment), "under a Labour government at Westminster and the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition in Scotland; expresses concern that underfunding of universities by the SNP government poses a serious threat to the continued success of Scotlands research scientists who were recently placed second in the world behind only Switzerland; recognises that the constitutional changes proposed by the SNP represent an even more serious threat to research excellence, which is why the overwhelming majority of Scotlands scientists and scientific bodies want research in Scotland to remain part of the UK research funding framework within which Scottish-based scientists have been outstandingly successful, and congratulates our scientists for the quality of their research."
January 2008
UCAN (Grampian) -That the Parliament congratulates UCAN (Grampian) on its success in securing 590,096 in Life Transitions grant from the Big Lottery: Investing in Communities fund; notes that good projects supported by strong applications can bring significant sums in funding; commends the work done by others to raise funds for UCAN, and notes that this award will enable patients and their families across Aberdeen and the north east to benefit from treatment and support at Foresterhill.
Dumbarton Academy - That the Parliament acknowledges that, despite the SNP promising to match Labours school regeneration programme "brick for brick" in April 2007, the young people of Dumbarton have been denied a new much-needed school; believes that Dumbarton Academy should become the first priority for rebuilding in West Dunbartonshire, and calls on the Scottish Government to intervene with the local authority to ensure that a new Dumbarton Academy is built by the originally proposed date of Spring 2009 in order that the full curriculum can be delivered.
Winter Break for Scottish Football - That the Parliament supports the recent call from the Scottish Football Association Chief Executive, Gordon Smith, to introduce a winter break into Scottish football; notes that the concept of a winter break has support from respected figures in the game such as Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith and Craig Levein; recognises that European countries such as Germany have had successful winter shutdown periods for a number of years; believes that a winter break would be beneficial for players, protect playing surfaces and would show consideration to the safety of spectators travelling to matches, and hopes that discussions between Scottish footballs governing bodies can find a way forward on this issue.
Farmhouse Breakfast Week - That the Parliament congratulates the Home-Grown Cereals Authority for organising the ninth annual Farmhouse Breakfast Week from 20 to 26 January 2008; notes that over 1,600 events are expected to take place across the United Kingdom; further notes that a healthy breakfast can boost concentration and mental performance, help prevent colds and flu and is an important source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, and supports the call for an increase in the number of subsidised places at breakfast clubs to ensure that children are ready for school.
No Excuse for Elder Abuse - That the Parliament expresses concern that an estimated 7% to 9% of older people in Scotland are victims of at least one form of abuse; recognises that over 40% of victims suffer more than one kind of abuse; notes that abuse can occur in an older persons own home, in care homes or in hospitals or through any service an older person receives; is aware that abuse is perpetrated by family members, neighbours and friends, professional care workers, informal carers, those who provide financial and legal services and others; seeks to reduce the level of abuse of older people and ensure that victims of elder abuse have access to appropriate support and legal resources, and continues to support and work with agencies to help raise awareness of this issue, remove the fear of abuse currently felt by older people and fulfil our obligation to do everything we can to protect those most vulnerable in society.
Trade Union Democracy (amendment) - "recognises that trade unions play a
vital role in representing members views in the workplace and wider society;
further recognises that trade union members are required by law to participate
in political fund ballots every 10 years; supports the wholly democratic
structures of trade unions which enable members biannually to determine all
areas of policy, including which political parties should receive political
donations; promotes increased membership activity within trade unions, and
encourages all mainstream political parties to engage with trade unions as
social partners in an effective and constructive manner."
Council Cuts to Home Help Services - That the Parliament rejects moves to reduce and remove home help services from elderly people across Edinburgh; recognises the vital support that the home helps offer to elderly and vulnerable people across the city; notes that on 12 November 2007 the city council began a review of the 4,000 people in the city who receive home helps; further notes that 140 were reviewed and 40% of these have had their services reduced, with 21% having had their support completely stopped, and believes that we should continue supporting our most vulnerable people in society and prevent moves to abandon this responsibility, recognising that targeting those who cannot take to the streets and protest is both underhand and unacceptable.
Sacking of Chairs of Sportscotland and the Scottish Institute of Sport - That the Parliament condemns the Scottish Government for its peremptory sacking of Julia Bracewell, Chair of sportscotland, and Dougie Donnelly, Chair of the Scottish Institute of Sport, as a cynical and vindictive move motivated not by a recognition of the qualities that the current chairs, as individuals, have brought and can bring to the development of their respective organisations and to sport in Scotland, but by revenge at having been forced to perform a u-turn and retain sportscotland.
Phil ODonnell - That the Parliament expresses its sadness and shock at the sudden death of Phil ODonnell, captain of Motherwell Football Club, on Saturday 29 December 2007; pays tribute to his record as a true ambassador for football, both on and off the pitch, and sends its sincere condolences to his family and to Motherwell FC at this time.
December 2007
STUC Memorandum of Understanding
That the Parliament welcomes the re-signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Scottish Government and the STUC; recognises the valuable role that the MoU has played in developing government and trade union relations since being signed in 2002 by then First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP, and STUC President, David Bleiman; recognises that the strategic dialogue undertaken through the MoU enabled achievements such as the two-tier workforce protocol, the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 and the extension of the Union Learning Fund, and welcomes the continued involvement of trade unions as social partners with government.Fife Pies are the Best Pies! That the Parliament congratulates WF Stark butchers in Buckhaven on winning the annual World Scotch Pie Championships; notes that, with last years winners Stuarts of Buckhaven also based in Fife, the Kingdom now has two world champion pie makers; congratulates the organisers of the championships; notes that Fifes butchers and bakers obviously have a clear aptitude for making a tasty pie, and suggests that Members visit the Kingdom of Fife to sample a pie, as part of a balanced diet, at the earliest opportunity.
November 2007
Failure to Invest in Higher Education
That the Parliament recognises the vitally important contribution made by Scottish universities in equipping our people with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world; expresses disappointment that as a result of the spending review statement universities will face a real-terms cut in their funding in the coming year; notes that this is the first such cut in the history of devolution; believes that this will place Scottish universities at a competitive disadvantage to other universities in the United Kingdom and abroad; supports a full review of the long-term future of the higher education sector and its contribution to Scotland; considers the proposed higher education budget to be inadequate, and pledges to work for a more equitable funding settlement to ensure that our university sector remains world class.Welcoming Siphiwe Hlophe of SWAPOL to the Scottish Parliament That the Parliament welcomes Siphiwe Hlophe, co-founder of Swaziland for Positive Living (SWAPOL), to the Parliament on the evening of 26 November 2007; pays tribute to her outstanding work in providing care and support for many of the thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS in the African state as well as vulnerable children including those orphaned by AIDS; notes that, although SWAPOL now offers a wide range of support to both male and female victims of HIV and AIDS, it was originally founded to support women who were disowned by their families and ostracised by society as "infidels" due to being diagnosed as HIV positive despite often having contracted the virus from their husbands, and congratulates the NUS Scotland Womens Campaign for highlighting issues of gender discrimination related to HIV/AIDS and affording Members of the Parliament the opportunity to hear from Ms Hlophe in person by arranging her visit to Scotland.
Maryhill Housing Association That the Parliament notes that Glasgow Housing Association has decided not to invite Maryhill Housing Association to submit a business plan to allow progress towards second stage transfer; acknowledges that the clear desire of the tenants of Maryhill and Ruchill is for their properties to be managed by Maryhill Housing Association, and urges Glasgow Housing Association to meet Maryhill Housing Association as a matter of urgency to resolve any outstanding issues that there may be.
Bog Myrtle (Sweet Gale) Industry That the Parliament recognises the potential for the bog myrtle (sweet gale) industry in the Highlands and Scotland; considers that support should be accelerated for the industry, which sees bog myrtle grow wild and be cultivated on plantations across the Highlands, and is soon to be expanded to other regions including Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Borders; notes that immediate support is necessary to establish development, planting and research study which will ensure that the industry develops quickly and that crofters, farmers and landowners involved in the production of bog myrtle see an immediate effect, and believes that support should be given to the commercial planting programme to help mitigate the risk undertaken by initial growers to establish crops in order to see the production of bog myrtle increase in the Highlands and establish the crop in other parts of Scotland in an effort to meet the anticipated global demand for this plant from the healthcare industry and drinks manufacturers and ensure that the subsequent planting by growers continues on a sustained basis.
Mordechai Vanunu That the Parliament notes that Mordechai Vanunu completed 18 years in prison in Israel in 2004 following his revelations about Israels nuclear weapons programme; further notes that since 2004 he has been subject to severe restrictions, including a ban on overseas travel; is astonished that he has been sentenced to a new term of six months in prison for speaking to foreign nationals, and calls on the government to ask the Israeli Government to lift all restrictions on Mordechai Vanunu and allow him the freedom to travel.
October 2007
Alcohol and Pregnancy: A Dangerous Cocktail As an amendment to motion S3M-561 in the name of Kenneth Gibson (Alcohol and Pregnancy: A Dangerous Cocktail), leave out from first pregnancy to end and insert some pregnancies, with miscarriage, stillbirth and pre-term delivery among many possible effects; welcomes the recent publication of the British Medical Association (BMA) report, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, A Guide for Healthcare Professionals; notes that foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a severe condition that permanently impairs brain and nervous system functions and can lead to physical abnormalities among children; supports BMA recommendations for further research into FASD; believes that the Scottish Government should consider the implementation of guidance and further training of healthcare professionals on the prevention, diagnosis and management of FASD at the earliest practical opportunity; is aware that six out of 10 mothers drink alcohol while pregnant, many of whom are unaware of the danger to their unborn child; asks the Scottish Government to raise public awareness of this issue and to promote the Chief Medical Officers health advice that alcohol should not be consumed during pregnancy, while ensuring that any revision of guidance on alcohol consumption should contain specific advice on the risk of FASD and other side effects during pregnancy, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with Scottish-based alcohol producers to encourage them to provide information to consumers about the associated risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy following the example set by alcohol producers in both France and America.
Employment Legislation and the Council of
Economic Advisers That the Parliament is concerned by the recent comments
from Sir George Mathewson, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA),
regarding the impact of employment legislation on the Scottish economy;
recognises that while there have been significant improvements in workers
rights, such as the national minimum wage, new entitlements to paid holidays and
increased maternity leave, employment in Scotland is at record levels; is
further concerned that, while the World Bank ranks Scotland, in the United
Kingdom, as sixth of 178 countries for ease of doing business, the chair of the
CEA chooses to attack rights at work, and calls on the CEA to base all of its
future advice to the First Minister on independent evidence and to concentrate
on real issues facing the Scottish economy, such as skill shortages, low levels
of business research and development investment and security of energy supplies.
Removing the Barriers to Microgeneration That the Parliament notes that
most Scottish householders installing microgeneration technologies, including
solar panels, heat pumps and mini-wind vanes, are currently required to apply
for planning permission; notes research commissioned by the previous
administration and published on 30 March 2007 which recommended that the
requirement to apply for planning permission should be removed from most
microgeneration technologies in specific circumstances; agrees that
microgeneration can make a significant contribution to tackling climate change,
ensuring reliable energy supplies and helping to tackle fuel poverty, and
therefore calls on the Scottish Government to bring forward a public
consultation on removing the requirement for planning permission for
microgeneration at the earliest practical opportunity and thereafter to act
promptly on the findings of that consultation.
One Workplace Equal Rights That the Parliament commends the invaluable
work of the STUCs One Workplace Equal Rights project in advancing equality and
fighting discrimination in the workplace; notes that the project, part-funded by
the Scottish Executive, is working with employers to promote equality and fair
working practices; further notes that the project has trained 100 equality
representatives in partnership with TUC Education; recognises the projects
continuing support to trade unionists and employers with learning programmes and
other resources, and welcomes the one-day conference, Scottish Trade Unions and
Equality: The Way Forward, on Thursday 30 October 2007 which will showcase the
work of the project that is contributing towards the creation of a more equal
Scottish society.
Aberdeen Football ClubThat the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen Football Club on qualifying for the group stages of the UEFA Cup; looks forward to the economic and sporting benefits that will follow, and calls on the Scottish Ministers and sportscotland to ensure continued support for sports development in Aberdeen and the north east to the benefit of Scotland as a whole.
September 2007
Scottish Football Success That the Parliament congratulates Alex McLeish and the rest of the Scottish football team on their historic victory over France; commends Scotland and Everton striker, James McFadden, on an excellent goal, and wishes Scotland every success in qualifying for the finals of the European championship in 2008.
Peacock Visual Arts That the Parliament congratulates Peacock Visual Arts on the proposal for a new centre for contemporary arts in Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen; believes that the proposed new centre will have a positive impact on Aberdeens cultural life, bringing significant cultural and economic benefits to Aberdeen and the north east as well as breathing new life into Union Terrace Gardens; recognises that the imaginative design by architects Brisac Gonzalez is of world-class standard and will strengthen Aberdeens standing on the international cultural map, and looks forward to the early completion of the project and opening of Aberdeen Contemporary Arts Centre.
Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route That the Parliament notes with concern the pledge given in writing by the First Minister on 15 June 2007 to abide by the findings of the public inquiry into the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) and ensure that the project is not financed by PPP/PFI funding; further notes with concern reports that the Scottish Government will make no statement on its intended method of financing the AWPR until after the public inquiry is completed; expresses its concern at the years delay for the estimated completion of the project that was announced in June 2007 by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change; recognises the importance of the AWPR to the economy of the north east, and believes that clarification should be given as a matter of urgency on how the project will be financed.
Advice Week That the Parliament notes that Advice Week runs from 10 to 16 September 2007; recognises the tremendous impact that citizens advice bureaux (CABx) and other advice agencies have across Scotland; notes the particular efforts of Citizens Advice and Rights Fife in its offices in Cowdenbeath, Cupar, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Methil and across Fife; fully supports the free, confidential, impartial and independent service that bureaux provide to those who are often the most vulnerable people in society; notes that in the last year alone CABx in Scotland dealt with over 211 million of debt, and calls on government and all relevant organisations, whether public, private or voluntary sector, to work together to urgently reduce levels of unmanageable debt across all parts of Scotland.
July 2007
Retiral of Richard Chester, Director of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland
That the Parliament notes the retiral of Richard Chester, Director of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS), after 20 years of service; recognises his tremendous work and achievements in running NYOS during this time; acknowledges his contribution to developing and nurturing the talents of young Scottish musicians, and wishes him well for the future.Aberdeen's Bid for the UK Energy Technology Institute That the Parliament recognises Aberdeens position as Europes energy capital; considers that Aberdeen would be the prime site for the United Kingdoms Energy Technology Institute and believes that the best prospect for Scottish success is with Aberdeen as the hub; notes the support of CBI Scotland, Oil and Gas UK, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and a significant number of major UK energy companies for locating this institute in Aberdeen, and calls on the First Minister to take immediate action to intervene to ensure that Aberdeen goes forward as the hub for the Scottish bid and on Scottish ministers to make the appropriate representations to the UK Government in order to push for this institute to be sited in Aberdeen.
MacMillan Cancer Support's Recovered but not Covered Campaign That the Parliament condemns the extortionate premiums charged by many travel insurance firms to cancer patients or persons with a history of cancer treatment, which often lead to their travel insurance prices being considerably higher than journey costs; acknowledges that this problem will worsen with growing numbers of people diagnosed with cancer and living longer who want or need to travel; recognises its impact on patients and their families in Aberdeen North and elsewhere in Scotland; furthermore supports MacMillan Cancer Supports Recovered but not Covered campaign which seeks to make it easier for people affected by cancer to get fair travel insurance prices, and welcomes joint research between MacMillan and the Royal Bank of Scotland to investigate how cancer sufferers can obtain fairer travel insurance, but considers that these discriminatory and insensitive charges should be ended by other insurance companies.
1st Methil Girls Brigade Success and Gift Aid That the Parliament warmly congratulates Kirsten Wilson, Shereen Petrie, Jade Turner and Danielle Scobie from 1st Methil Girls Brigade for their great achievement in winning a national competition to design t-shirts for the Glasgow 10K road race that took place on 13 May 2007; further congratulates over 400 girls and women who ran the race representing the Girls Brigade for their efforts; praises the fundraising efforts of the Girls Brigade with over 30,000 already raised through sponsorship and more to be counted; commends the Girls Brigade for giving 50% of the proceeds to Cancer Research and for their use of HM Treasurys Gift Aid Scheme which will see an extra 22% over and above the amounts raised go to both charities, and calls on the Scottish Executive to encourage the take-up of Gift Aid among donors and charities in Scotland.
Fife Schools' Success in Scottish Education Awards That the Parliament congratulates the five Fife schools recognised in this years Scottish Education Awards, otherwise known as the education Oscars, and celebrates the exceptional achievements of Fife schools, teachers and pupils; commends Kirkcaldy High School for winning the Best Employer Partnership Award and, in particular, Iain Hirschseld from Inverkeithing High School for winning Teacher of the Year; further commends Yvonne Allan of Foulford Primary School, Cowdenbeath, on being shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year, Gina Clifford of Kirkland High School, Methil and Sean Duffy from Kirkcaldy High School on being shortlisted for Probationary Teacher of the Year, Kirkland High for being shortlisted for the Ambition Award and Tulliallan Primary for being shortlisted for the Better Behaviour and Attendance Award; recognises the significant achievement of Fife Council in winning the Making a Difference award, and calls on the new administration at Fife Council to continue to build on the excellent legacy of previous administrations.
June 2007
Save the Land Reform Act and Restore the Will of Parliament That the Parliament is concerned about the decision by Perth Sheriff Court to grant a declarator to Ann Gloag, owner of the Kinfauns Castle estate, which has the effect of denying the statutory right to roam over parts of the estate that was previously allowed under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003; notes that Perth and Kinross Council and the Ramblers Association opposed the declarator and gave evidence to the court that such a declarator would be contrary to the intention of the Act; believes that this decision undermines the clear will of the Parliament which legislated for the widest possible access to the countryside and that the court judgement ignores the significance of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code approved by MSPs to accompany and inform the operation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, and considers that the judgement should be examined and appropriate action taken to give proper effect to the land reform legislation and, if necessary, guidance issued to the courts on the status of the access code.
Council of Economic Advisers Representation That the Parliament supports the important role that constructive industrial relations plays in improving workplace productivity and competitiveness; welcomes the central role that trade unions in partnership with employers can play in ensuring world-class employment standards; recognises the strategic input of trade unions in economic matters in countries such as Ireland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden; believes that trade unions bring expertise and balance to economic debate, and calls on the Scottish Executive to ensure there is a workplace perspective in the shape of trade union representation in the proposed council of economic advisers or any similar body advising government.
Supported by: Malcolm Chisholm, Margo MacDonald, Duncan McNeil, Ms Wendy Alexander, Jackie Baillie, Bill Butler, Cathie Craigie, George Foulkes, Karen Gillon, Marlyn Glen, Trish Godman, Charlie Gordon, Hugh Henry, Paul Martin, Mr Frank McAveety, Michael McMahon, Pauline McNeill, Des McNulty, Mary Mulligan, Dr Elaine Murray, Elaine Smith, David Whitton, Dr Bill Wilson, Andy Kerr, Alex Neil, Sarah Boyack, Dr Richard Simpson, Cathy Peattie, Claire Baker, Richard Baker
Appointment of Gordon Smith as SFA Chief Executive
That the Parliament congratulates Gordon Smith on his appointment as Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association; wishes Mr Smith and the SFA well in their efforts to improve football in Scotland; hopes that his tenure will see continued improvement in the national teams results, and further hopes that one of the issues he will pursue will be continuing the reform of footballs governing structures so that they are best placed to support national and local strategies to improve access to football and sports facilities and participation in sport.May 2007
Continuing the Campaign to Beat Bowel Cancer That the Parliament congratulates all those involved in the fundraising event being held on 28 July 2007, in the Richard Donald suite at Pittodrie Stadium, in aid of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; hopes that local businesses will support the occasion and the ongoing efforts to improve bowel cancer care and treatment; recognises the contribution of events such as this, and campaigns such as the annual Loud Tie campaign run by Beating Bowel Cancer, in raising awareness of bowel cancer; notes that more than 3,500 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed each year in Scotland; welcomes the progress that has been made in treating the disease, in particular the roll-out from March 2007 of a national screening programme that will see over 650,000 potentially vulnerable people being screened by 2009, and supports further efforts to improve bowel cancer care.
Aberdeen Shortlisted to be Hub of UK Energy Technologies Institute That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that Aberdeen has been shortlisted under the Scottish consortium bid to host the hub of the proposed UK Energy Technologies Institute; congratulates local agencies and academic institutions on working together to make the case for Aberdeen; believes that, as the energy capital of Europe and home to over 900 energy-based companies, Aberdeen is the natural choice for the hub; notes that Aberdeens bid is supported by CBI Scotland and Oil and Gas UK; notes that the Scottish Executives own Intermediary Technology Institute for Energy is already based in the city; further notes the work of the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group in developing and promoting renewable energy technology, and calls on the Executive to promote Aberdeen as its preferred location for the hub.
Recognising Success in the Voluntary SectorThat the Parliament congratulates CVS Fife and Adam Smith College on being awarded the Partnership Award at the inaugural annual Third Force News (TFN) Charity Awards; recognises their huge contribution to the voluntary sector in Fife through the promotion of a programme of free training; notes their successful partnership with local public and private sector organisations to achieve this and believes that they should be supported in building on this excellent work in the future; further recognises that the awards highlight the significant contribution that the voluntary sector makes to Scottish society, and believes that the sector should receive continued support and investment.
Roman Antonine Guard That the Parliament commends the work carried out by the charity, The Antonine Guard, to educate people and inspire them to learn more about Scotlands Roman history; notes that our Roman heritage has helped shape todays Scotland; believes that more must be done to safeguard Roman remains and sites in Scotland, such as Ardoch Roman Fort in Perthshire; further believes that Scotlands Roman history should not just be preserved but be used as an educational tool to get children interested in Scotlands past and to learn about conservation; supports the application to see the Antonine Wall gain World Heritage status, and believes that the Scottish Executive should consider the creation of a national Roman centre in an area of Scotland that has strong links to Scotlands Roman past.
Congratulations to Dundee's Grove Academy That the Parliament congratulates Dundees Grove Academy on its recent success in winning the English-Speaking Union Schools Mace; acknowledges that this is the first time a Scottish state school has won the prestigious event; hopes that this is the first of many victories for the school, and wishes it every success in the future.
Fife Teams in Scottish Cup Finals That the Parliament congratulates Dunfermline Athletic FC and Kelty Hearts JFC on reaching their respective Scottish cup finals; recognises the achievement of Dunfermline in reaching three national finals since 2004 in difficult circumstances for the club; acknowledges Keltys achievement in reaching its first Scottish Junior Cup Final since 1999 while overcoming high quality opposition to reach the final, and hopes that the supporters of all the clubs participating in the finals enjoy two good games of football.