Category: News in Lothian

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed new measures to support local businesses in West Lothian. The recent Scottish Budget includes a range of measures designed to support businesses that is not available anywhere else in the UK. Fiona commented, “Businesses sit at the heart of our local economy, and I am pleased that the Scottish Government is able to ensure 15% non-domestic Rates relief in 2026/27, reduce the Basic, Intermediate and Higher Property Rates, while also providing transitional relief worth £184 million nationally over the next three years.   “These measures also include the continuation of the Small business bonus which will see around 2,760 businesses across West Lothian pay no business rates at all. “I am proud to support the Scottish Government’s budget which supports the…

Fiona Hyslop Highlights School Payment Support £300 support for starting School – Deadline Approaching Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is highlighting the Scottish Government’s School Age Payment deadline which is approaching fast. Families in Scotland have until 28th February 2026 to apply for the payment, which amounts to £319.80, to help with the cost of preparing for a child starting primary school. The payment helps carers and families facing additional costs at a key stage in a child’s development. The money can be spent on anything a child needs for school, including clothes, school trips and stationery. Fiona said, “A child starting primary school is an exciting time for any parent or carer, but it can also add financial stress on already hard pressed families. Since the launch…

Fiona Hyslop Welcomes New National Housing Agency Plans Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed the ambitious new plans taken by the Scottish Government to boost housing supply across West Lothian and Scotland through the introduction of a new national housing agency with a focus on simplicity, scale, and speed, helping to meet housing need. The new agency, called ‘More Homes Scotland’ is expected to start operating from 2027-28 and be fully functional in 2028-29, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election. This development will ensure less duplication, greater expertise, and increased efficiencies - enabling more homes to be delivered. Fiona commented, “Housing is one of the biggest issues I deal with as a Constituency MSP and we know there is a national housing emergency. “The…

Fiona Hyslop Welcomes Action against Gender Based Violence in Further Education Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed the passing of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) Bill this week (Tuesday, 20 January) which included amendments that requires all post-16 education bodies to act to address gender-based violence (GBV)  and provide support for students experiencing abuse, as a condition of the funding they receive from the Scottish Funding Council. Institutions will now be required to report annually to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) on compliance with these new requirements around gender-based violence, under the terms of the amendments brought forward by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson. “The passing of this Bill and the amendments surrounding gender based violence at college and university level, will not only create impactful,…

Last Chance to Respond to Edinburgh Airport Consultation Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is reminding Constituents that Sunday, January 25th is the last day you can respond to Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Change Consultation. Based on the information available, the areas most likely to be directly affected within the Linlithgow Constituency include Broxburn, Uphall, Dechmont, Bridgend, Ecclesmachan, Philpstoun, and the Springfield area of Linlithgow. “I met with representatives of Edinburgh Airport before Christmas to ensure that the interests and opinions of my Constituents were known to them, and have submitted my own response to the Consultation, which you can read here: Edinburgh Airport Initial Airspace Consultation – Submission from Fiona Hyslop MSP – January 2026 – Fiona Hyslop  “Edinburgh Airport is a vital transport link, connecting Scotland to…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed the SNP Scottish Government’s Budget this week calling it “a Budget for families and fairness.”  The 2026-27 Budget supports a stronger NHS, with a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, expand cost of living support and invest in Scotland’s infrastructure. Published alongside the latest multi-year Scottish Spending Review, Infrastructure Strategy and Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline, the draft Budget invests almost £68 billion including direct support for families and household budgets. Commenting, Fiona said, “This year’s Budget really focusses on community and has family and fairness at its heart. In addition to measures already in place such as free prescriptions, free school meals, removal of peak fares on train travel and record health and social care investment, the budget also included £36…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed the record health and social care investment announced in last week's (Tues 13th January) Draft Budget. Scottish Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, announced that almost £22.5 billion would be allocated to health and social care to support a more sustainable and resilient NHS with a continued focus on tackling and reducing long waiting times. Fiona commented, "This record health and social care spend will be welcomed by many in my Constituency and will transform access to GP services. "I am pleased to also see that £36 million will be allocated to begin the roll out of High street walk in clinics, providing additional same-day access for individuals and communities. "West Lothian has both a growing and ageing population, and I am very…

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…

Breaking news on Winchburgh Rail Station! As part of the Scottish Budget today at Holyrood, the Scottish Government confirmed their commitment to delivering a train station for Winchburgh. The Finance Secretary announced that the transport portfolio will invest nearly £4.3 billion to maintain and enhance Scotland’s transport network in 2026-27. This includes £2.7 billion for public transport services and infrastructure. Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency Fiona commented, “I welcome the brilliant news from SNP Government Finance Secretary Shona Robison that “working with partners we (The Scottish Government) will ensure a new station at Winchburgh is delivered.” “Today’s budget has families and community at its heart. I have long supported a railway station in Winchburgh and am pleased to see a strong clear commitment for its delivery in the budget from…

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.…