Darvel Football Club's Scottish Cup win

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This House congratulates Darvel FC on their fantastic football performance and Scottish Cup victory over Aberdeen FC on Monday 23rd of January; notes that this is regarded as the biggest Scottish Cup shock ever; recognises that Aberdeen were sitting in 5th place in the Scottish Premiership whilst Darvel play in the West of Scotland League, the 6th tier of Scottish football; notes that Darvel FC is a fantastic community club based in a village with a population of 4,000 whilst Aberdeen FC is based in a city of approximately 200,000 population; recognises that the players and staff of Darvel FC are part time compared to the full-time professionals of Aberdeen FC; commends Darvel FC on the ground improvements implemented before the match to increase the capacity of Recreation Park; notes that other infrastructure improvements include upgrading the facilities and changing rooms, a new grass pitch, floodlights, fencing and safety improvements demonstrating long-term planning from the committee; further notes the significant financial backing from President John Gall, the sponsorship of QTS as well as the dedication, commitment and managerial skills of Michael Kennedy; praises Darvel FC for dedicating the match to past President Peter Orr, a lifetime stalwart of the club and a club legend who sadly passed away in December 2022; wishes Darvel FC all the best in the next round of the Scottish Cup at home to Falkirk; and notes that ambitious clubs like Darvel FC should have greater opportunity for promotion and says "mon the Vale".