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Hyslop Welcomes new Support Scheme for EU Citizens Local Linlithgow MSP has welcomed the announcement that Europeans living in Scotland affected by immigration changes due to Brexit will be able to get support from a new GBP800,000 scheme. Changing rules coming into force in March next year will mean EU citizens and their family members will be required to apply to secure their rights through an online system. Consequently the Scottish Government is introducing a new service, through the Citizens Advice Bureau, to help EU nationals with their immigration status following the UK's expected withdrawal from the European Union. Fiona said, “We are a welcoming nation that deeply values the contribution of those who have chosen Scotland as their home. “This scheme will give all EU Citizens living in West…

Lewis and Emily Most Popular Names in West Lothian 2018 Speaking after the announcement of Scotland’s top 100 baby names, Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on the results for West Lothian. “Despite Jack still being the number one boys name across Scotland, Lewis is now the number one boys name in West Lothian. Interestingly, Lewis is only in 5th place Scotland wide. “Emily is proving to be a popular girl’s name, coming top in West Lothian, but has lost out Olivia nationally. “It is always interesting to see what names are chosen by proud parents across West Lothian.” To see if your name made the top 100, visit the attached link: Top 100 names in Scotland: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/babies-names/18/babies-first-names-18-pub.pdf Top names by local authority: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/babies-names/18/babies-first-names-18-table3.pdf ENDS    

Hyslop Welcomes £57.2m Boost for NHS Lothian Local Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the announcement unveiled in the Scottish Government budget that health services across the Lothians will receive a £57.2m boost next year. The inflation busting increase will see NHS Lothian funding increase of 4.1% year on year. The budget saw SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay increase total health and care funding by £729m, putting the future of the health service at the centre of the Scottish Government’s financial plan. The Finance Secretary did however highlight the risk Brexit plays to this investment, with the potential for the Scottish Government to be forced to review the budget should the UK face a ‘No Deal’ scenario. Fiona said; “Our NHS is of great value and it is vital that…

Hyslop Highlights the Importance of War Memorial Signage Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has highlighted the importance of signage for our historical war memorial sites. In a debate in Parliament the Veteran’s Minister, Graeme Dey told the chamber in Holyrood that West Lothian Council have installed signage at the Korean War Memorial in the Bathgate Hills. Fiona said, “I am delighted that West Lothian Council has now installed the brown tourist signs on its road network directing tourists to the Korean War memorial. “I am also pleased that having directly communicated with the Veterans Minister, Mr Graeme Dey, on the importance of this, The Scottish Government has entered into discussions with Transport Scotland to task them with scoping a potential review of its signage policy as it pertains to war…

Fiona Thanks Christmas Royal Mail Posties Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited Royal Mail’s delivery office in Linlithgow to pass on Christmas wishes and thanks to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year. Fiona was shown round the offices and was introduced to the local postal workers who are working hard sorting and delivering cards and parcels in the West Lothian area in the run-up to Christmas. Fiona commented: “The dedicated and hard-working Royal Mail postmen and women at our local delivery offices in West Lothian do such an important job at this time of year and it is always great to meet them first-hand to see just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year. “I’d like to thank…

Hyslop Welcomes Minimum Wage Figures for West Lothian Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that 95% of workers in the Linlithgow (and Falkirk East) Constituency earn above the national minimum wage. The figures also show that Scottish people are the least likely to be on minimum wage jobs in the UK. New UK Government analysis, taken from the Annual Survey of Hours & Earnings 2018, shows that 94% of Scots workers earn above the National Minimum or National Living Wage - while 7% of workers in England, and 11% in Northern Ireland, remain on the obligatory pay. Although the powers to set the minimum wage remain reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government has taken steps to ensure that over 1000 employers now pay a Real Living Wage…

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Use:  Hyslop Welcomes Outright Rejection of Edinburgh Airspace Proposals Local constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the decision made by the UK Secretary of State for Transport not to ‘call in’ Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Change Proposals as they did not meet the appropriate criteria. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have now informed Edinburgh Airport that they have decided to formally reject the Airport’s Airspace Change proposals. Fiona commented, “Having worked on this issue representing my constituents for some years now, I very much welcome the UK Transport Secretary’s decision  not to ‘call in’ Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Change Proposals and that the CAA has now formally rejected the Airport’s plans set out. I know that this will be a relief to local residents. “The consultation survey Edinburgh…

Fiona Hyslop Encourages Shopping Local Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop is promoting Small Business Saturday in West Lothian by calling on her constituents to shop local. Small Business Saturday is the annual campaign that encourages customers to use their local cafes and shops and support the small businesses in their town. This year Small Business Saturday falls on December 1st. Fiona said; “This year, as in previous years, there has been much hype around so-called Black Friday sales and big discounts from online retailers, often to the detriment of local shops. So it’s quite right that small businesses should be recognised and supported through this campaign. “Throughout the year I enjoy shopping in and supporting local businesses across the towns and villages in West Lothian and I hope…

Hyslop Congratulates Linlithgow’s Emma Chalmers on Ambassador Role Local Linlithgow MSP has congratulated Emma Chalmers, founder of Linlithgow based company Mary’s Meanders on becoming Visit Scotland’s Lothian and Borders regional Ambassador. Mary’s Meanders is an independent tour guide company specialising in fully customised escorted day tours around central Scotland and Ireland. The offer ancestral tours, tours based on Scottish Film, Outlander tours and on Mary Queen of Scots and are based in Linlithgow. Fiona said, “I was delighted to hear that Emma Chalmers had been chosen by Visit Scotland to be their ambassador for the Lothian and Border region. “I have met Emma many times as the local constituency MSP for Linlithgow and I am well aware of her passion and dedication for Scottish history and tourism. “We have such…

Hyslop Condemns Tory Benefit Caps Affecting 268 Households in West Lothian Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has criticised the heartless UK Government cuts that is driving child poverty and dependence on foodbanks in West Lothian. Hundreds of West Lothian families have seen their incomes cut by the Conservative Government benefit cap, new figures have revealed – with 169 out of the 268 households affected being single parent families. Fiona said, “It is devastating to see the impact Tory austerity is having on hundreds of families across West Lothian and I am pleased that Britain’s biggest foodbank charity has called on the UK Government to halt the roll-out of Universal Credit as foodbank use in Scotland is up by 15% on this time last year. “It is simply unacceptable…