Meeting of the Parliament 05 February 2026 [Draft]
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 and the many things that it is famous for. The longer you sit here, the more likely you are to think of something else that is worth mentioning.
I will add to the list the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, which was founded in Rutherglen. In recent months, there was a wonderful mass in St Columbkille’s church in Rutherglen to celebrate SCIAF’s anniversary. That is another reason to celebrate the wonderful town that is Rutherglen.
Of course, 2026 is the year of Rutherglen. The calendar of events and projects that Rutherglen 900 has pulled together is a testament to its communities. Rutherglen 900 is a grass-roots endeavour, although funding and support are being provided by Clyde Gateway, South Lanarkshire Council, local businesses and—I hope—the Scottish Government. I am sure that the cabinet secretary will be most welcome at all the events. In particular, the book festival jumps out at me.
As Annie Wells and Clare Haughey have said, the events celebrate Rutherglen’s past and retell it for a new generation. The involvement of children and young people, especially through the schools, means that the project will have a lasting legacy. It is not simply a case of coming along to some events and then moving on. The educational work that is being done is striking.
Efforts have also been made to capture the oral history of Rutherglen through the time capsules and the oral history podcast, an episode of which Michael Shanks, the local MP, recorded at Burgh primary school in the past few weeks. All those things will help to ensure that the stories that we tell one another will be safely passed on to the next generation.
It is a pity that we will not see Bob Doris partake in some Irish dancing, but you never know. If the organisers are listening—[Interruption.] The cabinet secretary agrees. It is not too late to add that to the programme.
We often discuss challenges and difficult issues in the chamber, but this is an opportunity to think about all the things that make our communities vibrant, all the great work that goes on and all the unsung heroes. It is a chance to bring people together for a happy occasion. Whether you are from Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow or beyond, this is a cause for national celebration. Rutherglen is a community with a deep, enduring place in our national story. I hope that everyone will feel welcome to come to Rutherglen to take part in these events or just to discover Rutherglen for the first time.
Members have mentioned some of the fantastic organisations that are at the heart of Rutherglen 900, including the Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust. I wish a fond farewell to Brendan Rooney, the chief executive, who is retiring. Bob Doris also mentioned Camglen Radio and Rutherglen Heritage Society.
When I went along to the annual general meeting of Rutherglen 900 last year, I was pleased to see some former town planning colleagues of mine who live locally. They are very active on the heritage side and in bringing together the volunteers.