Category: News

Fiona Hyslop MSP Response to Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Change Consultation 14 January 2026  I am responding to this consultation as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Linlithgow Constituency. My Constituency includes the towns and villages of Armadale, Avonbridge, Bathgate, Blackburn, Blackridge, Boghall, Bridgend, Broxburn, Dechmont, Ecclesmachan, East Whitburn, Greenrigg, Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge, Newton, Philpstoun, Torphichen, Uphall, Westfield, Whitburn and Winchburgh.   I understand that Edinburgh Airport are conducting this consultation on Airspace Change as part of a wider programme relating to the UK Government’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.  I recognise that Edinburgh Airport is an important national asset - providing an essential service in connecting Scotland to the rest of the world and providing local employment opportunities. However, the Airport must fully consider the views, concerns and experiences of their neighbouring communities when making decisions that affect so many. Those views…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has highlighted recent figures which show that the Scottish Water tap at Linlithgow Cross has saved the equivalent of 1,256 330ml plastic bottles every month since it was installed in 2018. The Linlithgow tap is one of 132 taps across Scotland which have cumulatively prevented the use of over 20 million plastic bottles since 2018. Fiona commented, "I was delighted to unveil West Lothian's first re-fill tap from Scottish Water in the heart of historic Linlithgow back in 2018. "The usage of this tap since is remarkable and has prevented the use of 1,256 330ml bottles of water monthly since it was built. "These taps benefit everyone, from residents to tourists and it is now also clear how much they benefit the environment.…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has visited staff at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Bathgate to thank them for all their hard work over this busy festive period.  Every December Fiona visits a local delivery office to ensure that the workers - posties and management - know how much their hard work is appreciated all year round, but especially at Christmas time with an influx of letters, cards and parcels.  Fiona said,  "The postal service plays such an important role in our day to day life and I know how grateful my Constituents are for its timely and professional service.  "I was very pleased to visit the Delivery Office in Bathgate today (Friday 19th Dec) to thank all the posties in person for their dedication and…

As the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is calling on residents across West Lothian to stay alert and help tackle the growing concern of drink spiking in pubs, clubs, and festive events. The warning follows an update the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, health professionals, victims’ organisations, universities, and the night-time economy to ensure a robust and coordinated response to spiking incidents. Fiona commented, "We all deserve to enjoy a safe night out, but sadly with spiking on the rise in bars and nightclubs across Scotland, we must be vigilant, know how to spot perpetrator behaviour and look out for each other on nights out. "I am pleased to see action such as high visibility patrols in nightlife areas from Police Scotland, clear…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted that carers across West Lothian are set to get a welcome boost to their finances ahead of Christmas. More than 96,000 carers across Scotland will receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment with money being paid into accounts from Thursday 4th December. The Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment of £293.50, currently made twice a year, for people in Scotland who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance. Commenting Fiona said: “Ensuring that Carers across West Lothian receive the support they need is a key priority of the Scottish Government and I am pleased to see this payment being provided, to carers across West Lothian, at what we know can be a financially challenging time of the year. “Carers make an…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop is highlighting Small Business Saturday which takes place this Saturday on the 6th of December across West Lothian. Despite being an all year round movement, Small Business Saturday celebrates small businesses and encourages to shop local, particularly with Christmas around the corner. Commenting ahead of the day, Fiona said; “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and an integral part of our local economy.  West Lothian has many excellent local businesses, and I have bought from, eaten in and experienced a great number of them over the years. “With many people having little time to do their Christmas shopping, often they rely on large companies with fast delivery times, meaning the shops and cafes on our doorsteps lose out. “While…

Fiona Hyslop MSP is highlighting the importance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December), a global campaign to end violence against women and girls. The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government strengthened its Equally Safe strategy, with: £21.6 million for the Delivering Equally Safe Fund in 2025-26. New measures including a Domestic Homicide Review Model, improved forensic services, and action on spiking and exploitation. Education initiatives to challenge harmful attitudes and support sustainable exit routes from prostitution. West Lothian Events Local highlights include: 25 Nov: Community March from West Lothian College and rally at the Civic Centre. Art Installation at West Lothian College throughout the campaign. 10 Dec: Night Vigil at the Civic Centre, Livingston. Residents can join events and share messages using #16DaysWL. Full…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop is highlighting the Scottish Government funded financial support to help older people with their heating bills this winter. At least 880,000 people across Scotland will receive support, and the first payments of the Scottish Government’s Pension Age Winter Healing Payment have already been processed. Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment and the majority of people will receive their payment automatically, with no action or application needed. Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances. Fiona commented, “With temperatures plummeting this week, it is great news that many of West Lothian’s older people will already have started to receive support to help them keep their homes…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is marking Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to ensure Constituents know the signs and symptoms to look out for. She met with Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland at Parliament earlier this month to speak with staff and volunteers and to hear more about their important work. Fiona commented, “I was very pleased to meet with Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland when they visited Parliament. Sadly, pancreatic cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers, and we need more attention, awareness, and progress to help patients fight and survive this disease. “Indigestion, mid-back pain, unexplained weight loss, and signs of jaundice are just some of the symptoms to look out for. This month – Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month – I am calling on Constituents to be aware…