Category: News in Lothian

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…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is encouraging people across West Lothian to get their flu jag as the Scottish Government announce £20 million investment to strengthen social care and ease pressure on the NHS this winter. Commenting Fiona said: “Flu can be a very serious illness, especially for older people and those with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your loves ones and our NHS this winter. “I would also encourage parents and carers across West Lothian to make sure their children and young people take up the offer of a free flu jag. “Getting vaccinated is quick, easy and will help keep communities across West Lothian safe and healthy this winter. “The latest £20 million from the Scottish Government shows…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights new figures showing over 7,355 public electric vehicle charging points across Scotland including 116 in West Lothian. Last year, Scotland reached its target of installing more than 6,000 public EV charge points, two years ahead of the 2026 target. This has been possible due to further investment from the SNP Government and this number has increased by 22.5% in the last year. Commenting Fiona said: “I welcome the news that there are now 116 public electric vehicle charge points working in West Lothian. “West Lothian Council has recently received a share of £6.3 million in Scottish Government funding which has been shared with 8 local authorities in the south of Scotland consortium. “This funding has been provided to improve public charging…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights Scottish Government support for the NHS and GP Practices.  Commenting Fiona said: “The NHS is an institution we all cherish but it is clear that too many are waiting too long for the treatment they need. That is why I am pleased to see the Scottish Government taking action to address this. “The Scottish Government have announced £25.5 million for the NHS to deliver more appointments and procedures to help bring down waiting times. “I also know how important support for GP’s is to ensure my Constituents have access to appointments when they need it, and I welcome the news that the Scottish Government will invest £531 million over the next three years in GP services. “This investment will be the…

Fiona Hyslop MSP is encouraging individuals, community groups, and organisations across West Lothian to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on its newly published Climate Change Plan. The draft plan, announced in early November, sets out over 150 actions to reduce emissions across sectors between now and 2040. It is the first of its kind in the UK to detail both the costs and benefits of climate policies, offering a transparent roadmap for a greener future. Ms Hyslop said; “Tackling climate change requires action from all levels of society – from governments to grassroots organisations and individuals. I know that West Lothian is home to many passionate groups and residents who are already working hard to promote sustainable living and protect our environment. “This consultation is a vital opportunity…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted the important work of Poppy Scotland and their support of Veterans of the Armed Forces at their annual Reception in the Scottish Parliament last week. (Wed 29th October) Poppyscotland continues to provide holistic and tailored support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families. This year’s Appeal highlights the importance of lifelong assistance, with a particular focus on helping veterans transition to civilian life, access mental health support, overcome financial hardship, secure housing, and recover from addiction. Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “It was a privilege to meet with the Poppyscotland team again and hear about the vital work they are doing to support veterans and their families across Scotland, including here in West Lothian. “The challenges faced by…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that it will provide additional funding of more than half a billion pounds over the next three years to improve access to services and support recruitment in General Practice. This is the largest investment in core GP services in Scotland to date. The announcement, subject to Parliament agreeing future budgets, comes following agreement with the British Medical Association (BMA) over new additional funding which builds to a recurring £249 million in three years’ time. The funding will help boost staff numbers and capacity, support day-to-day operations and make it easier for people to access GP services. Fiona commented, "This substantial investment in core GP services will transform access for patients, creating more appointment availability…