That this House congratulates Edinburgh Zoo on its remarkable baby boom in 2026, including the birth of two Asiatic lion cubs, three capybara pups, a pygmy hippo named Piper and Scotland's first-ever baby sloth, Atty; recognises the dedication and expertise of the keepers, veterinary staff and conservation teams at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; notes the important contribution made by Edinburgh Zoo to the protection and breeding of endangered species; and celebrates the joy these new arrivals have brought to visitors and the wider Edinburgh community.
That this House congratulates the Olivia’s Steps Foundation on securing a £7,500 National Lottery Community Fund grant to deliver Olivia’s Steps Mobility and Independence Week; recognises the importance of intensive therapy in helping children with physical disabilities develop mobility, confidence and independence; welcomes the support this programme will provide to children and their families in Edinburgh West; and commends the foundation’s commitment to improving opportunities for young people with disabilities.
That this House welcomes the award of an £8,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; recognises the importance of its Community Drop-in sessions in providing support, advice and connection for deaf people; celebrates the role of community organisations in tackling isolation and improving accessibility; and commends the continued work of the group in supporting deaf people across Edinburgh West.
That this House congratulates the Ferry Fair Festival Committee on receiving a £10,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant to deliver Ferry Fair in its ninetieth year; celebrates the festival’s longstanding place in South Queensferry’s community life; recognises the importance of local festivals in supporting community spirit and preserving local traditions; and wishes the committee every success in delivering this year's celebration.
That this House congratulates Crab and Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry on being named Scotland’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant and recognised among the UK’s top ten at the National Fish and Chip Awards; celebrates owners Bryan and Jack Coghill achieving national recognition just over a year after opening; recognises their hard work, culinary talent and contribution to the local hospitality industry; and wishes them every success in reaching the final five and beyond.
That this House congratulates Craigies Farm, on being named the best farm shop in the United Kingdom by Cottages and Castles; recognises the hard work and dedication of the team in building the business from a one-table shop in 1988 into a popular farm shop and visitor attraction; welcomes its commitment to local produce, seasonal food and family friendly activities, including its annual pumpkin and tulip festivals; notes its recognition at the 2026 Farm Retail Awards as Pick Your Own Business of the Year; and celebrates the contribution Craigies Farm makes to the local economy and community, wishing the team continued success in the years ahead.
That this House congratulates Patina on its nomination for Scotland’s Best Croissant Competition 2026; recognises the skill, craftsmanship and dedication of its team in producing high-quality baked goods; celebrates the contribution of independent bakeries and local businesses to Scotland’s food and hospitality sector; acknowledges the importance of supporting local businesses and the role they play in strengthening communities and high streets; and wishes Patina every success in the competition.
That this House congratulates The Crab and Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry on being shortlisted among the top 10 UK fish and chip restaurants in the National Fish & Chip Awards 2027; recognises the achievement of owner Bryan Coghill and his team in earning national recognition for their food quality, customer service and hospitality; celebrates the contribution of independent hospitality businesses to the local economy and community of South Queensferry; and wishes the restaurant every success in the competition.
That this House recognises 1 October as the Day of Defenders and Women Defenders of Ukraine; pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Ukrainian men and women defending their country against Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion; remembers those who have lost their lives and extends its condolences to their families and loved ones; commends the resilience of Ukrainian forces and civilians in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and democratic future; and reaffirms the United Kingdom’s solidarity with Ukraine and its continued support for the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression.
That this House congratulates Edinburgh Trams Drivers Emma White and Jason Moffat on their selection to represent Edinburgh Tram Driver Championship in Warsaw; recognises the skill, expertise and dedication required to compete in the championship which brings together tram drivers from across Europe and beyond; further congratulates driver trainer Iain Madden on accompanying the team; and wishes Emma, Jason and the whole Edinburgh Trams team the very best of luck as they fly the Scottish flag in Warsaw.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to ask what consideration has made of improving paternity leave entitlement for self employed fathers.