Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 05 February 2026 [Draft]
05 Feb 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Royal Burgh of Rutherglen (900th Anniversary)
Rutherglen and Glasgow have joint connectivity. We are not that far away from each other, and it is good that we can work together on certain projects. We have heard that Glasgow is 850 years old this year, so Rutherglen has beaten us by 50 years. However, as a regional MSP, I can take a bit of credit on behalf of both places.
Rutherglen has also been associated with brilliant comic talent closer to home, including Janet Brown. She is well known for her unforgettable impression of Margaret Thatcher. I promise to take that in the good-humoured spirit in which it was intended, even as a proud Tory.
All of that reflects a town that nurtures ambition, resilience and a strong sense of belonging. As we mark this remarkable anniversary, it is clear that Rutherglen’s story is not only one of history but one of on-going contribution, pride and potential. I wish the town a happy 900-year anniversary.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
I ask those leaving the public gallery to do so as quickly and quietly as possible.The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-2039...
Clare Haughey (Rutherglen) (SNP)
SNP
I am delighted to have secured this debate to mark the 900th anniversary of Rutherglen’s being granted royal burgh status by King David I, which gave it spec...
Annie Wells (Glasgow) (Con)
Con
I congratulate Clare Haughey on bringing this debate to the chamber. I really enjoyed her speech about the history of Rutherglen.It is a privilege to speak i...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
That connection with Stan Laurel shows the closeness between Ruglonians and Glaswegians. Stan Laurel cut his teeth on the boards of the Britannia Panopticon ...
Annie Wells
Con
Rutherglen and Glasgow have joint connectivity. We are not that far away from each other, and it is good that we can work together on certain projects. We ha...
Bob Doris (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP)
SNP
I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate celebrating the 900th anniversary of Rutherglen as a royal burgh.My goodness, I am glad that I am not liv...
Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate. It has been lovely to hear the contributions so far. Everyone has been so enthusiastic about Rutherglen ...
Clare Haughey
SNP
I thank Monica Lennon for giving me the opportunity to put on record our joint thanks and the community’s thanks to Robert Brown, formerly of the Scottish Pa...
Monica Lennon
Lab
Absolutely, and if I had stuck to my speaking notes, Councillor Robert Brown would have been one of the first people I would have mentioned. When I became a ...
The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (Angus Robertson)
SNP
I am grateful to Clare Haughey for lodging the motion and securing the debate. I commend her as an outstanding member of the Scottish Parliament for Ruthergl...
Monica Lennon
Lab
Contemporary dance.
Angus Robertson
SNP
We hear the Parliament updated from a sedentary position, Presiding Officer, that it will be contemporary dance. When the dates are confirmed, I am happy tha...
Monica Lennon
Lab
As dance partners.
Angus Robertson
SNP
She has raised it to being dance partners. This is going in directions that are not included in my speaking notes or in my diary commitments, but I say yes t...
Monica Lennon
Lab
Another fantastic organisation has come to mind: Classrooms for Malawi, which is also based in Rutherglen. Over the years, we have joined forces on the issue...
Angus Robertson
SNP
I do. It also underlines something that is true for Rutherglen as well as the rest of Scotland, which is that, in the fabric of our communities, what happens...
Paul Sweeney
Lab
There are so many projects to discuss, but one that particularly springs to mind in the discussion about skills—and heritage skills in particular—is the rest...
Angus Robertson
SNP
As ever, I agree with the general points that have been made. On the issue of castings, I am satisfied that efforts have been made to ensure that there will ...
Clare Haughey
SNP
In relation to skills and heritage, I note that the Rutherglen boundary stones are being recreated in a college in Glasgow, which is helping to develop stone...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
I can give you the time back, cabinet secretary.
Angus Robertson
SNP
That is fantastic. Those of us who are part of the on-going debate about skills in the heritage sector know how important stonemasonry is, so that is excelle...
Bob Doris
SNP
It was a comment from a sedentary position, so I apologise that I am now saying this in an intervention. During my research, I found that stonemasons from Ru...
Angus Robertson
SNP
Well, that is now on the record, so it must be true.I appreciate that I am over my allotted time, but I will make some brief final comments. In recognition o...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
That concludes the debate. In order to allow Bob Doris time to get to his next contemporary dance class, I suspend the meeting until 2 o’clock.13:22Meeting s...