That this House congratulates Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing of Cupar, North East Fife, on securing four nominations in the prestigious 2026 Salon Awards; notes that the salon has been shortlisted in the categories of Best Salon, Best Colour Salon, Creative Image of the Year, and Stylist of the Year; recognises the Salon Awards as an important industry-led celebration of excellence, creativity and customer experience within the UK hairdressing profession; commends Alex Thaddeus and the entire team for their talent, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit in building a successful and highly regarded business in North East Fife; welcomes the positive recognition these nominations bring to the wider Scottish hair and beauty sector; and wishes Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing every success at the Salon Awards ceremony in London on 16 November 2026.

That this House congratulates Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing of Cupar, North East Fife, on securing four nominations in the prestigious 2026 Salon Awards; notes that the salon has been shortlisted in the categories of Best Salon, Best Colour Salon, Creative Image of the Year, and Stylist of the Year; recognises the...

That this House notes with concern that across the country, fewer than 2% of advertised private rented homes are affordable based on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates; recognises that this has become significantly worse due the LHA freeze since April 2024 with research by Crisis and Zoopla suggesting that in 2021/22, 11.2% of listings for two-bed homes in England were affordable, compared to only 1.1% in 2025/26; expresses deep concern that LHA rates have remained frozen while rents have continued to rise, leaving many households unable to meet housing costs; further notes evidence from a coalition of homelessness, housing, health and advice organisations, including Citizens Advice, Crisis, Shelter, Centrepoint, St Mungo’s, Independent Age, Justlife, Shared Health and the National Residential Landlords Association, that the freeze is contributing to poverty, hardship and homelessness; understands that recent polling commissioned by Citizens Advice found that 48% of renters receiving Universal Credit have cut back on essentials such as food, energy and transport costs to cover housing expenses; and calls on the Government to restore Local Housing Allowance rates so that they once again cover at least the lowest 30% of local rents and to ensure that support keeps pace with changes in the rental market.

That this House notes with concern that across the country, fewer than 2% of advertised private rented homes are affordable based on Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates; recognises that this has become significantly worse due the LHA freeze since April 2024 with research by Crisis and Zoopla suggesting that in...

That this House congratulates The Boar’s Head in Auchtermuchty on being named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland 2026; recognises this outstanding achievement for the historic 300-year-old coaching inn, which reopened in 2021 following extensive renovation by owners David and Justina Jonikaite; notes that the award comes only a year after the introduction of its four boutique guest rooms and follows the establishment receiving a four-star AA rating; commends the owners and staff for their commitment to excellence in hospitality, customer service and the promotion of high-quality Scottish food and drink; further notes the positive contribution the business makes to the local economy and tourism sector in North East Fife; and wishes The Boar’s Head every success as it goes on to represent Scotland at the AA Hospitality Awards in London, where it will compete for the overall UK title.

That this House congratulates The Boar’s Head in Auchtermuchty on being named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland 2026; recognises this outstanding achievement for the historic 300-year-old coaching inn, which reopened in 2021 following extensive renovation by owners David and Justina Jonikaite; notes that the award comes only...

That this House commends Donald MacDonald on his outstanding contribution to Scotland’s cultural life and to the success of the East Neuk Festival following his decision to step away after 22 years; recognises his role in co-founding the festival in 2004 alongside his wife Louise MacDonald and Svend McEwan-Brown; notes that the festival has attracted internationally renowned musicians and audiences from around the world, contributing significantly to the cultural, social and economic vitality of the East Neuk of Fife; further recognises his long-standing commitment to music and the arts, including his service to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and wider support for musical excellence across Scotland; welcomes his appointment as Honorary President for Life of the East Neuk Festival; pays tribute to his enthusiasm, leadership, generosity and dedication over more than two decades; thanks him for the lasting legacy he has created for performers, audiences and communities alike; and wishes him every success, happiness and good health in the years ahead as he continues his association with the festival he helped to create.

That this House commends Donald MacDonald on his outstanding contribution to Scotland’s cultural life and to the success of the East Neuk Festival following his decision to step away after 22 years; recognises his role in co-founding the festival in 2004 alongside his wife Louise MacDonald and Svend McEwan-Brown; notes...

That this House congratulates The Albert Tavern in Freuchie on receiving the Scottish Cider Pub of the Year 2026 by the Scottish Campaign for Real Ale; understands that the pub also won the Fife-wide Cider Pub of the Year Award earlier this year; notes that this award is a recognition of its outstanding contribution to the local pub and real ale community; further notes the important role that community pubs play in bringing people together, supporting local economies, and promoting Scotland’s rich heritage of brewing and hospitality; commends the dedication and hard work of the staff and management in creating a welcoming and high-quality environment for patrons; recognises the value of such establishments in rural and village life across North East Fife; and wishes The Albert Tavern every continued success in the future.

That this House congratulates The Albert Tavern in Freuchie on receiving the Scottish Cider Pub of the Year 2026 by the Scottish Campaign for Real Ale; understands that the pub also won the Fife-wide Cider Pub of the Year Award earlier this year; notes that this award is a recognition...

That this House congratulates The Haven Bar and Restaurant in Cellardyke, North East Fife, and its namesake counterpart, The Haven in Boston, United States, on forging a unique and heartening transatlantic partnership; notes that the Cellardyke Haven has long served as a cherished hub at the heart of its coastal community, bringing together residents and visitors through hospitality, food, and local events; further notes that the Boston Haven, established as a Scottish-themed pub, has become a focal gathering place for the Tartan Army and wider Scottish diaspora, particularly during Scotland’s participation in the FIFA World Cup; recognises the remarkable cultural connection between the two establishments; celebrates the role both venues play in fostering community spirit, friendship, and national pride across continents; and commends all staff, patrons and supporters involved for highlighting the warmth and global reach of Scottish culture.

That this House congratulates The Haven Bar and Restaurant in Cellardyke, North East Fife, and its namesake counterpart, The Haven in Boston, United States, on forging a unique and heartening transatlantic partnership; notes that the Cellardyke Haven has long served as a cherished hub at the heart of its coastal...

That this House congratulates the three North East Fifers who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026; notes that David Currie of St Andrews has been awarded a CBE for his services to international trade, energy transition and economic growth; further notes that June MacGeachy of Leven has been awarded an OBE for her services to business, education and philanthropy; recognises that Helen Mackie of Guardbridge has been awarded an MBE for her services to apprenticeships and facilities management in higher education through her role at the University of St Andrews; further recognises that these honours reflect outstanding achievement and exceptional service to their respective fields and communities; commends their dedication, leadership and contribution to the economic, educational and social life of North East Fife; and celebrates their success as an inspiration to others across the region.

That this House congratulates the three North East Fifers who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026; notes that David Currie of St Andrews has been awarded a CBE for his services to international trade, energy transition and economic growth; further notes that June MacGeachy of Leven has...

That this House congratulates the students of The Waid Academy on reaching the final four schools in the UK HRUC National Innovation Challenge 2026; notes that this is the second consecutive year that Waid Academy has reached the national final and that it is the only school in Scotland to have achieved this distinction in two successive years; further notes that the National Innovation Challenge is designed to inspire young people to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to real-world problems, with entries judged on innovation, features and benefits, overall impact, and future potential; recognises the exceptional achievement of Waid Academy in securing two places in the final shortlist of ten schools before progressing to the final four; commends students Anneliese Uringa and Arran Ogilvie for their project, Synthetic Tree, which aims to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into valuable carbon by-products such as graphite or diamonds; acknowledges the dedication, creativity and hard work of all the students and staff involved; also notes that the winning team will earn a trip to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston this September; and wishes the Waid Academy finalists every success at the gala awards dinner in London on 25 June.

That this House congratulates the students of The Waid Academy on reaching the final four schools in the UK HRUC National Innovation Challenge 2026; notes that this is the second consecutive year that Waid Academy has reached the national final and that it is the only school in Scotland to...

That this House recognises the importance of Scotland Loves Local Week 2026, which takes place from 15 to 20 June, in celebrating and supporting the businesses, organisations and local services that form the backbone of communities across Scotland; commends the work of Scotland's Towns Partnership and its partners in promoting local economic sustainability and resilience; acknowledges the significant contribution that local businesses make to employment, economic growth and to the distinct character of towns, villages and high streets throughout the country; notes the challenges faced by many local businesses arising from economic uncertainty, rising costs and changing consumer habits; encourages residents, businesses and public bodies to support local procurement and spending wherever possible; welcomes initiatives that strengthen local supply chains and promote sustainable economic development; and calls on the Government to continue working with devolved Administrations, local authorities and business organisations to support thriving local economies and vibrant communities across Scotland.

That this House recognises the importance of Scotland Loves Local Week 2026, which takes place from 15 to 20 June, in celebrating and supporting the businesses, organisations and local services that form the backbone of communities across Scotland; commends the work of Scotland's Towns Partnership and its partners in promoting...

That this House celebrates seven beaches in North East Fife constituency for securing national recognition after being awarded Scotland’s Beach Award for 2026; notes that this is more than any other region in the country and that the announcement reinforces Scotland's long standing reputation for combining natural beauty with careful management, especially at a time when coastal destinations are under increasing pressure from visitor demand and environmental change; congratulates those caring for the following beaches on achieving this recognition, namely Crail Roome Bay, Elie Harbour, Anstruther Billowness, Leven East, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands, and Elie Ruby Bay; and understands that the awards, presented annually by Keep Scotland Beautiful, are granted only to beaches that meet a rigorous set of criteria covering cleanliness, safety, facilities, accessibility, and environmental management and that they are widely regarded as a benchmark of quality, offering reassurance to visitors while highlighting the sustained effort required to maintain standards across Scotland’s coastline.

That this House celebrates seven beaches in North East Fife constituency for securing national recognition after being awarded Scotland’s Beach Award for 2026; notes that this is more than any other region in the country and that the announcement reinforces Scotland's long standing reputation for combining natural beauty with careful...

That this House congratulates Anstruther Fish Bar and The Wee Chippy, both based in North East Fife, on their outstanding success at the Scottish Takeaway Awards 2026; notes that Anstruther Fish Bar was named Fish N’ Chips Takeaway of the Year and that The Wee Chippy received the award for Chippy of the Year; recognises the hard work, dedication and high standards demonstrated by both businesses in serving local residents and visitors alike; celebrates the contribution that independent fish and chip shops make to North East Fife’s economy, tourism and community life; and wishes both establishments continued success in the years ahead.

That this House congratulates Anstruther Fish Bar and The Wee Chippy, both based in North East Fife, on their outstanding success at the Scottish Takeaway Awards 2026; notes that Anstruther Fish Bar was named Fish N’ Chips Takeaway of the Year and that The Wee Chippy received the award for...

That this House is gravely concerned for the safety of British nationals, including Dr Antonis Vradis, Malcolm Ducker and Hugh Stirling, following the recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla during its humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza; notes that previous aid flotillas have also been boarded, with British nationals among the passengers detained; calls on the Government to urgently confirm the steps being taken to guarantee the safety and immediate release of these detainees; and urges the UK to press the Israeli Government to reopen all aid routes into Gaza to allow for the unimpeded flow of food, aid, medical and humanitarian supplies into the Strip.

That this House is gravely concerned for the safety of British nationals, including Dr Antonis Vradis, Malcolm Ducker and Hugh Stirling, following the recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla during its humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza; notes that previous aid flotillas have also been boarded, with British...

That this House marks Action for Brain Injury Week, 18-24 May, to raise awareness and understanding of brain injury; welcomes this year’s We see you campaign focused on isolation and loneliness, a common outcome for many brain injury survivors; recognises Headway UK’s survey of survivors and carers which found that almost 9 in 10 individuals with a brain injury, 87%, and carers, 85%, feel lonely after brain injury despite never having felt lonely before the injury, with just under a quarter feeling lonely all the time, 23% and 22%; notes with concern that over half of all brain injury survivors, 56%, and carers, 51%, are no longer socially active following a brain injury, despite having been socially active pre-injury; further notes that fatigue, memory problems and anxiety are the most detrimental effects of brain injury to socialising; further strongly welcomes that 72% of survivors and 71% of carers who attended a Headway charity or volunteer-led branch felt that attending helped them to feel less lonely by helping them to connect with others, giving them space to be themselves, directing them to services they otherwise may not have found and giving them a sense of purpose and direction; and supports the wider work of independent Headway charities and volunteer-led branches across the UK to support brain injury survivors and their loved ones.

That this House marks Action for Brain Injury Week, 18-24 May, to raise awareness and understanding of brain injury; welcomes this year’s We see you campaign focused on isolation and loneliness, a common outcome for many brain injury survivors; recognises Headway UK’s survey of survivors and carers which found that...

That this House congratulates Claire Dowling on being appointed to serve as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for 2026/2027 following nomination by the past captains of the Club; recognises that Claire is the first woman to serve as Captain and will begin her year in office after the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course on 25 September 2026; notes that Claire has devoted much of her life to golf and she has played in numerous tournaments such as the European Team Championships, the Vagliano Trophy and the Women’s Amateur Championship; and acknowledges that Claire was also the first woman to become a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 2015 and is currently serving on the Membership Committee.

That this House congratulates Claire Dowling on being appointed to serve as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for 2026/2027 following nomination by the past captains of the Club; recognises that Claire is the first woman to serve as Captain and will begin her year...

That this House welcomes the ruling by the judges at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to dismiss the EU’s challenge to Britain’s ban on commercial fishing; recognises the importance of sand eels to the wider ecosystem, in particular wild seabird populations; acknowledges the puffin and kittiwake bird populations, whose diets largely rely on sand eels, drastically decreased as a result of industrial sand eel fishing by Sweden and Denmark in the North Sea which is why the dismissal of the EU’s case is vital to ensuring populations can recover; and notes that the Isle of May in North East Fife is home to one of the UK’s largest puffin colonies with an estimated 52,000 breeding pairs as well as tens of thousands of other birds including shags, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.

That this House welcomes the ruling by the judges at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to dismiss the EU’s challenge to Britain’s ban on commercial fishing; recognises the importance of sand eels to the wider ecosystem, in particular wild seabird populations; acknowledges the puffin and kittiwake bird populations, whose diets...

That this House notes that in November 2024 there were 1,984,510 households receiving Housing Benefit, 1,608,502 households receiving the Universal Credit housing element for private housing, and 2,158,694 receiving the same for social housing; further notes that housing allowance is designed to meet rental costs for the lowest one third of privately rented houses in a given area, but that according to research carried out by Crisis and Zoopla published in April 2025, only 2.7% of properties were affordable to recipients of housing benefit; expresses deep concern that the levels of housing allowance have been frozen at their April 2024 level but that Office for National Statistics data shows that rental costs have increased 5.5% from September 2024; also notes research indicating that 72% of the public believe there is a housing crisis which has been formally declared in Scotland; believes that the housing crisis is exacerbated by restricting access to the private rental market; and calls on the Government to review Local Housing Allowance with an aim of making the lowest third of local rental properties affordable, as well as considering linking the benefit to rental market inflation.

That this House notes that in November 2024 there were 1,984,510 households receiving Housing Benefit, 1,608,502 households receiving the Universal Credit housing element for private housing, and 2,158,694 receiving the same for social housing; further notes that housing allowance is designed to meet rental costs for the lowest one third...

That this House deplores the systemic and violent subjugation of women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban, including the new penal code which was introduced in January and has effectively legalised domestic violence including sexual assault within marriages while also granting husbands explicit authority to discipline their wives for non-specified transgressions; notes the continuation of extensive restrictions on speech, education, working, and unaccompanied travel or movement in the public sphere; understands that this is described by the United Nations special rapporteur as amounting to a gender apartheid; acknowledges the Tirana Declaration agreed by Afghan female leaders in September 2024; further acknowledges the critical need to hold Taliban leaders accountable for human rights violations; and calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to Afghan women and girls throughout its diplomatic, international development and defence policies.

That this House deplores the systemic and violent subjugation of women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban, including the new penal code which was introduced in January and has effectively legalised domestic violence including sexual assault within marriages while also granting husbands explicit authority to discipline their wives for...

That this House congratulates Shannon Smith of Dairsie Primary School in North East Fife on being awarded a Primary Science Teacher Award by the Primary Science Teaching Trust; notes that this prestigious UK‑wide award recognises exceptional commitment to STEM education and that being shortlisted is regarded as a significant national professional achievement; acknowledges the assessors’ recognition of her engaging, practical and inclusive approach to science teaching, including outdoor learning and hands‑on investigation; commends her dedication to inspiring confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for science among her pupils; further recognises the praise from her headteacher, who highlighted her creativity, energy and the positive impact she has had on STEM learning across the school; and celebrates the contribution of outstanding teachers like Shannon who play a vital role in strengthening science education and inspiring the next generation.

That this House congratulates Shannon Smith of Dairsie Primary School in North East Fife on being awarded a Primary Science Teacher Award by the Primary Science Teaching Trust; notes that this prestigious UK‑wide award recognises exceptional commitment to STEM education and that being shortlisted is regarded as a significant national...

That this House notes the crisis caused by gambling harms, with approximately 2.5% of the adult British population suffering from problem gambling and a further 11.5% experiencing a lower level of harm or elevated risk; further notes with deep concern that an estimated 1.2% of 11 to 17-year-olds are estimated to experience gambling harms; understands that the treatment of problem gamblers is a public health matter and should be treated as such; calls on the Government to enact population-wide policies putting health at the centre of gambling regulation and to create a statutory, independent gambling ombudsman to protect consumers and resolve complaints; and pays tribute to campaigners and charities who work tirelessly for change and to support individuals suffering from gambling harms.

That this House notes the crisis caused by gambling harms, with approximately 2.5% of the adult British population suffering from problem gambling and a further 11.5% experiencing a lower level of harm or elevated risk; further notes with deep concern that an estimated 1.2% of 11 to 17-year-olds are estimated...

That this House congratulates Duncan McLachlan on being named champion at the Scottish Street Food Awards; notes that his live fire food truck, Ember, regularly operates across St Andrews and North East Fife constituency with regular pop-up locations; recognises Duncan has over 20 years of experience as a chef and launched Ember to bridge the gap between restaurant dining and street food; celebrates the positive impact that local producers, traders and mobile food operators have on Scotland’s economy, tourism and community life; and wishes Duncan continued success for the future.

That this House congratulates Duncan McLachlan on being named champion at the Scottish Street Food Awards; notes that his live fire food truck, Ember, regularly operates across St Andrews and North East Fife constituency with regular pop-up locations; recognises Duncan has over 20 years of experience as a chef and...