That this House congratulates the charity Blameless on securing £82,500 National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland; commends the group's efforts to support children and families that have been affected by drug or alcohol addiction by providing recreational activities and opportunities for children and families, allowing them to escape from the pressure of their own life; celebrates that this group will use this funding to continue to deliver and expand their addiction support services, as well as providing further opportunities and support for volunteers; and notes that the activities will engage with 250 people, including children and their families, and 45 volunteers from across Lanarkshire .

That this House congratulates the charity Blameless on securing £82,500 National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland; commends the group's efforts to support children and families that have been affected by drug or alcohol addiction by providing recreational activities and opportunities for children and families, allowing them to...

That this House congratulates Lanark Community Development Trust on securing £99,940 in National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland; acknowledges the group's endeavours to develop and deliver community projects which have a social, environmental and economic impact; commends the group on using the funding to deliver a three year community gardening project, providing activities for the local community in Lanark; notes that the project will deliver a wide range of horticultural, educational, training and volunteering opportunities for local people of all ages and backgrounds; and celebrates that the project will help local people take control of their lives, reduce isolation, build resilience and improve wellbeing while also improving community connections.

That this House congratulates Lanark Community Development Trust on securing £99,940 in National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland; acknowledges the group's endeavours to develop and deliver community projects which have a social, environmental and economic impact; commends the group on using the funding to deliver a three...

That this House is concerned that the sale of membership of timeshare schemes and products often involves practices which are psychologically manipulative, use misleading information and unfairly exploit vulnerable, often elderly, consumers, leading to those consumers taking out very expensive borrowing commitments which they cannot afford; notes that the sale of membership of such schemes also ties consumers into very long-term commitments to pay large annual fees to the timeshare companies whether or not these consumers are able to make use of the schemes often leading to financial and emotional crisis and even physical illness; and is further concerned that the present UK legislative framework needs revising and improving to provide adequate protections from these practices and a method by which consumers can leave these schemes and bring their liabilities under them to an end.

That this House is concerned that the sale of membership of timeshare schemes and products often involves practices which are psychologically manipulative, use misleading information and unfairly exploit vulnerable, often elderly, consumers, leading to those consumers taking out very expensive borrowing commitments which they cannot afford; notes that the sale...

That this House congratulates Lanark in Bloom on winning a Gold Medal at the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards; notes that this is the second year running that the organisation has been recognised at the awards and believes this is testament to the hard work of the volunteers; understands that the group supplies and maintains 50 hanging baskets and 60 containers around the town of Lanark and has helped improve the image of the town significantly; wishes the organisation every success in the future; and thanks those people for their hard work and dedication all year round.

That this House congratulates Lanark in Bloom on winning a Gold Medal at the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards; notes that this is the second year running that the organisation has been recognised at the awards and believes this is testament to the hard work of the volunteers; understands that the...

This House notes that pubs are at the heart of communities across the UK; welcomes ongoing cross-party efforts to protect the British pub; acknowledges that an increasing number of pubs are diversifying in order to provide an ever more valuable and enjoyable offer to their customers; further notes that pubs provide employment for over 900,000 people and contribute £23 billion to the economy; however, acknowledges that latest research by the Campaign for Real Ale highlights that 18 pubs are still closing every week; recognises that recent changes in planning law and taxation have helped the industry, but more still needs to be done to help pubs; and therefore calls on the Government to take further steps to support pubs which reduces the tax burden will enshrine the valuable role the great British pub plays in UK society.

This House notes that pubs are at the heart of communities across the UK; welcomes ongoing cross-party efforts to protect the British pub; acknowledges that an increasing number of pubs are diversifying in order to provide an ever more valuable and enjoyable offer to their customers; further notes that pubs...

That this House congratulates the Southside Fringe for winning Best Scottish Festival at the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2017; notes that the festival offers quality opportunities for acts, performers and musicians; recognises that it is the biggest community organised event in Glasgow; understands that the first full Southside Fringe was set up in 2013 by Crawford Smith and Corinna Currie in response to demand for localised music, comedy and cabaret events in local venues; believes that involving as many venues and businesses as possible raises the profile of the Southside on the arts landscape and draws new customers, visitors and audiences to the wonderful facilities the Southside has to offer; and commends and further congratulates the many organisers, volunteers and all those involved in helping make the Southside Fringe a success.

That this House congratulates the Southside Fringe for winning Best Scottish Festival at the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2017; notes that the festival offers quality opportunities for acts, performers and musicians; recognises that it is the biggest community organised event in Glasgow; understands that the first full Southside Fringe was set...

That this House congratulates Rouken Glen Park on being awarded the title of UK's Best Park in the Fields in Trust Awards 2016; understands that over 200 locations were nominated for the award; applauds the tireless work and enthusiasm of those who work so hard to keep Rouken Glen so beautifully for the local community to enjoy; reflects on the variety and diversity of attractions within the park, and the sensitive and imaginative upgrade work which has recently taken place, supported by East Renfrewshire Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund; commends the creative use of the park for events and festivals as well as play, sporting, and environmental activities; and encourages people from far and wide to visit Rouken Glen Park and to enjoy for themselves this lovely green space in the heart of our East Renfrewshire community.

That this House congratulates Rouken Glen Park on being awarded the title of UK's Best Park in the Fields in Trust Awards 2016; understands that over 200 locations were nominated for the award; applauds the tireless work and enthusiasm of those who work so hard to keep Rouken Glen so...

That this House expresses concerns over proposals to build flats on Elephant Park near Shakespeare Street in the Maryhill area of Glasgow; recognises that this park is a protected greenspace and the distinctive elephant statues which inhabit it are longstanding and much loved local amenities; is aware that the park is enjoyed by school and nursery groups, community organisations and local residents; will never forget that this land has been a park for over 40 years; notes that the proposal is contrary to the Maryhill Town Centre Action Plan, which was adopted in 2012 and calls for the space to be sensitively developed into a local park and growing space; welcomes the formation of the Elephant Park Association by concerned local residents and the ongoing petition to protect the park which has already attracted over 1,700 signatures; and believes that Elephant Park must be retained for the enjoyment of the people of Maryhill and the wider community in the future.

That this House expresses concerns over proposals to build flats on Elephant Park near Shakespeare Street in the Maryhill area of Glasgow; recognises that this park is a protected greenspace and the distinctive elephant statues which inhabit it are longstanding and much loved local amenities; is aware that the park...

That this House congratulates Stewarton Academy for receiving an Awards for All Scotland grant of £7,470 from the Big Lottery Fund; understands that through this grant S3-S4 pupils will be able to participate in the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Awards; wishes the pupils of Stewarton Academy every success in their expedition; recognises the opportunities for personal development, teamwork and valuable experience for our young people that the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards provides; celebrates the many personal successes realised through the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards since its start in 1956; notes that 2016 is the 60th year and Diamond Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards; warmly offers a friendly suggestion to all hon. Members to mark the anniversary by taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Diamond Challenge.

That this House congratulates Stewarton Academy for receiving an Awards for All Scotland grant of £7,470 from the Big Lottery Fund; understands that through this grant S3-S4 pupils will be able to participate in the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Awards; wishes the pupils of Stewarton Academy...

That this House congratulates the success of Miss Holly Sutherland of Kilbirnie in achieving a hard-won place as one of 13 finalists in the Miss Scotland 2016 competition; recognises that the Miss Scotland competition gives the opportunity for people to represent their country on the national stage, and project all about Scotland that they love, care about, and wish to voice to the world; commends the opportunities that the Miss Scotland competition gives to entrants to exercise and showcase their unique talents and skills; welcomes the diversity of the Miss Scotland 2016 finalists and how it enables people from different backgrounds to showcase their talents and experiences; wishes Miss Holly Sutherland every success as she progresses to the final stages of the Miss Scotland 2016 competition.

That this House congratulates the success of Miss Holly Sutherland of Kilbirnie in achieving a hard-won place as one of 13 finalists in the Miss Scotland 2016 competition; recognises that the Miss Scotland competition gives the opportunity for people to represent their country on the national stage, and project all...

That this House marks the centenary of Balloch Park in West Dunbartonshire; observes that the park has served as a popular location for generations of families in West Dunbartonshire, as well as an attractive destination for tourists; notes the cultural significance of the park's contribution to the area, having played host to the Balloch Highland Games as well as to bands such as Runrig, REM and The Sex Pistols; acknowledges the important restoration work to the park and to Balloch Castle; and further notes that it is the only registered historic designed landscape within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

That this House marks the centenary of Balloch Park in West Dunbartonshire; observes that the park has served as a popular location for generations of families in West Dunbartonshire, as well as an attractive destination for tourists; notes the cultural significance of the park's contribution to the area, having played...

That this House congratulates the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland on its 176th show and another successful year holding the event in lngliston; notes that the show generates over £46 million for the Scottish economy every year and brings a significant number of jobs and tourists to Edinburgh West; further congratulates the organisers on attracting over 187,000 guests to 2016's event, including 30,000 children who attended for free; recognises this year's focus on the successful and still-expanding Scottish gin industry which is currently worth over £1 billion a year to the Scottish economy; and congratulates the winners of the many competitions held during the show.

That this House congratulates the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland on its 176th show and another successful year holding the event in lngliston; notes that the show generates over £46 million for the Scottish economy every year and brings a significant number of jobs and tourists to Edinburgh...

That this House congratulates Scourie Village Hall on its recent grant of £10,000 from Awards for All Scotland; recognises that Awards for All is a joint awards programme from the Big Lottery Fund and SportScotland that focuses on awarding funding to smaller organisations with less than £250,000 annual turnover; notes that the hall is utilised by the local community to provide facilities and activities to all ages; recognises that the grant will be used by the hall’s committee to develop and improve its car parking facilities, rewire the hall and refurnish the facilities; and commends the members of the hall committee on their hard work and efforts to provide and maintain a hub for facilities and activities to be used by the local community.

That this House congratulates Scourie Village Hall on its recent grant of £10,000 from Awards for All Scotland; recognises that Awards for All is a joint awards programme from the Big Lottery Fund and SportScotland that focuses on awarding funding to smaller organisations with less than £250,000 annual turnover; notes...

That this House congratulates the Kinlochbervie Planning for Play Association on its recent Awards for All grant of £10,000; notes that the association works towards improving the area for the benefit of families in the village and the surrounding area, and specifically children and young people; recognises that the funding will be used for improvements to the existing village playpark, including new play equipment for younger children; and commends those in the group for their hard work and efforts to improve the area for the whole community.

That this House congratulates the Kinlochbervie Planning for Play Association on its recent Awards for All grant of £10,000; notes that the association works towards improving the area for the benefit of families in the village and the surrounding area, and specifically children and young people; recognises that the funding...

That this House congratulates Paradventures in Lanark on securing a £8,800 Awards For All Scotland grant from the Big Lottery Fund; applauds the group's efforts to assist and enable disabled adults and children to access and experience outdoor activities; and understands that the funding will be used to provide mountain leader training, cycle trail leader training, outdoor first aid training and health and safety operational training to staff, as well as 11 days of outdoor activities for young people with additional support needs.

That this House congratulates Paradventures in Lanark on securing a £8,800 Awards For All Scotland grant from the Big Lottery Fund; applauds the group's efforts to assist and enable disabled adults and children to access and experience outdoor activities; and understands that the funding will be used to provide mountain...

That this House congratulates Sportworx Entertainment on securing £9,967 from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards For All Scotland grant; acknowledges the work this group has done through their Prospects programme to provide free sport and dance classes to aid young people seeking employment within the leisure industry; celebrates the endeavours of Sportworx over the past decade to help 15 to 20-year-olds gain nationally accredited sports and coaching qualifications; and commends the group on using their grant to fund qualifications, uniforms, hall hire and equipment to increase the availability of their services and outreach.

That this House congratulates Sportworx Entertainment on securing £9,967 from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards For All Scotland grant; acknowledges the work this group has done through their Prospects programme to provide free sport and dance classes to aid young people seeking employment within the leisure industry; celebrates the endeavours...

That this House congratulates the independent charity Fife Coast and Countryside Trust on the successful twinning of the 117-mile long Fife Coastal path with the Skåneleden Coastal Trail, Sweden; and recognises the opportunity this arrangement between two great coastal trails offers to foster greater links between Fife and Sweden, for visitors to explore new cultures, and to celebrate the similarities between both stunning coastal areas.

That this House congratulates the independent charity Fife Coast and Countryside Trust on the successful twinning of the 117-mile long Fife Coastal path with the Skåneleden Coastal Trail, Sweden; and recognises the opportunity this arrangement between two great coastal trails offers to foster greater links between Fife and Sweden, for...

That this House congratulates Community Open Gardens Shortlees in Kilmarnock on its successful Awards for All Scotland grant of £8,415 from the Big Lottery Fund; commends the effort to bring a community garden to life in an urban environment; recognises the benefit and skills such a project can bring to the local community; notes there has been a general decline in interest for gardening; and hopes that this can help inspire local people from the younger generation.

That this House congratulates Community Open Gardens Shortlees in Kilmarnock on its successful Awards for All Scotland grant of £8,415 from the Big Lottery Fund; commends the effort to bring a community garden to life in an urban environment; recognises the benefit and skills such a project can bring to...

That this House notes with concern the sale of Park Quadrant by Glasgow City Council to Expresso Properties, who intend to build 98 new flats on the site; understands that over 160 objections to the proposed development have been received by Glasgow City Council's Planning Department; further understands that an objection to the proposals was lodged on behalf of the German government due to the potential negative impact of the proposed development on the cultural activities of the Goethe-Institut, which is located in nearby Park Circus; believes that heritage sites such as Park Quadrant should be preserved for the benefit of the local community; and calls on Glasgow City Council to consider alternative development options for the Park Quadrant site.

That this House notes with concern the sale of Park Quadrant by Glasgow City Council to Expresso Properties, who intend to build 98 new flats on the site; understands that over 160 objections to the proposed development have been received by Glasgow City Council's Planning Department; further understands that an...

That this House recognises and celebrates Bookbug Week 2016, which runs from 16 to 22 May 2016; notes that the theme of the week is Around the World with Bookbug; encourages families to attend the range of events happening across Scotland; further notes the significant impact that reading can have on life chances; and commends the Scottish Government on the Bookbug scheme, which provides free books to every young child in Scotland, contributing to the aim of making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

That this House recognises and celebrates Bookbug Week 2016, which runs from 16 to 22 May 2016; notes that the theme of the week is Around the World with Bookbug; encourages families to attend the range of events happening across Scotland; further notes the significant impact that reading can have...