Category: News in Lothian

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted in Parliament that small changes to a school environment can make a massive difference to neurodiverse pupils.  At Education Portfolio Questions last week Fiona relayed feedback from young neurodiverse Constituents to the Education Secretary calling for a number of changes to improve their experience in schools, including one-way systems and fewer vibrant decorative classrooms with overwhelming stimuli.  Fiona commented,  “It is clear that more needs to be done to help neurodiverse pupils thrive at school, but there are also very basic changes that can be made to help children and young people now.  “I am pleased that the Education Secretary has confirmed that the Autism Toolbox Working Group is currently updating the toolbox to ensure that it meets the needs of…

Fiona Hyslop, MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, has welcomed the second anniversary of Scotland’s roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine in December 2020, highlighting that 2,451,177 doses were given to members of the public across the Lothian region in that time. Fiona said, “The past two years have been hugely difficult for us all, despite restrictions being lifted. I want to thank the teams of vaccinators, support staff and volunteers who have helped us to reach this important milestone. “Whilst we should be proud of our world leading Covid Vaccination Programme, it is important to remember that Covid still circulates amongst us, and if you are eligible for your booster, you can book an appointment or attend a drop in clinic now, to ensure you stay safe from Covid this…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the publication of a Report from the Economy and Fair Work Committee at the Scottish Parliament which has been looking at Scotland’s Town Centres. Fiona is a member of the Committee and participated in the Town Centre Inquiry. The Inquiry asked local businesses and organisations to identify the new realities of retail and e-commerce in Scotland and the resulting impact on town centres. ‘One Linlithgow’ was one such organisation to give evidence to the Committee, asking Fiona and the other members to consider the challenges of connecting the community to local businesses. The Report states that the planning system needs to be strengthened to ensure no new developments are unfairly competing with town centre provisions. Further to this, large retailers…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited Robbie Engineering (RFE) in their Bathgate Unit, on the 25th  November 2022. Fiona visited the family run business, meeting owner Mark Robbie and Kimberly Robbie to hear about their current projects, including their training programme teaching theoretical and practical skills, designed to provide participants with the knowledge to become skilled hydraulic hose technicians. Commenting, Fiona said; “Robbie Fluid Engineering carry out important and complex work and are nationally recognised for the work they carry out all over Scotland. It is important to recognise such companies and the value they bring to our economy. They bring both business and skills to my Constituency and are another top company operating out of West Lothian. “Robbie Fluid Engineering run training courses, which teach valuable skills required for the…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is highlighting the annual Small Business Saturday Campaign and encouraging constituents to shop local this Christmas. This year, Small Business Saturday takes place on December 3rd and is designed to support, inspire and promote small businesses during the busiest shopping period of the year. Fiona met with the Small Business Saturday Tour Team in November to highlight the importance of shopping local and using our small businesses Fiona said, “I am always pleased to support Small Business Saturday, not only does it benefit our local businesses it also serves the community and local economy. “Though this year will be very tough for many households who are feeling the pressure of the Cost of Living Crisis, it is important that, if we can,…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has demanded that the Tory UK Government must respect democracy in Scotland, following the ruling from the UK Supreme Court that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold an Independence referendum. Fiona also said that while we must respect the decision of the Supreme Court on this question, it clearly demonstrates that Scotland is not part of a voluntary union. Commenting, Fiona said: “Westminster must respect the democratic mandate delivered by the people of Scotland in last year’s Scottish Parliament elections.  A majority of the MSPs were elected based on their commitment to holding an Independence referendum and that must be upheld. “It is clear from the Supreme Court ruling that the United Kingdom is not a voluntary union…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has sponsored a Poetry in Parliament Event at Holyrood which aimed to showcase how arts and culture provide new and powerful perspectives on Climate Change. Fiona’s event, ‘Poetry in Parliament: A Voice for the Climate Emergency’ was co-hosted by Creative Carbon Scotland and Creative Scotland and featured work by four Scotland based poets: Kathleen Jamie, the Scottish Makar; Canadian born Alycia Pirmohamed; North East based poet, Jo Gilbert and Shezar Doja, a Bangladeshi poet based in Glasgow whose family and friends are currently living with the devastating impacts of Climate Change now. Commenting after the event, Fiona said, “I was very pleased to sponsor such an enjoyable, challenging and important event at the Scottish Parliament this week. (Tuesday 22nd November) “Poetry has…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed analysis from the British Business Bank which found that entrepreneurs aged 65 and under have successfully secured 279 Start Up Loans from their programme since the scheme began in 2012. The loans are provided by the Start Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank, and are designed to provide support to new and early-stage businesses across the UK and help them access affordable finance and mentoring support. This represents 2.4 loans per 1000 adults in Scotland, meaning West Lothian have the highest loan to adult population rate in Scotland. Commenting Fiona said; “I am pleased to hear that entrepreneurs in West Lothian have ranked top in Scotland for securing Start Up Loans from the British Business Bank. “The…

Social Security Scotland Payment Expands to under 16s from November 14th Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is encouraging eligible families to apply for the double December Bridging payment from Social Security Scotland to ensure children on low incomes get their free school meals.  Families must apply for the double December Bridging Payment benefit of £260 before the school holidays next month. In addition, from Monday 14th November, Social Security Scotland will also open applications for the increased Scottish Child Payment of £25 per week to all eligible under-16s. Fiona commented, “We know the Cost Of Living Crisis is having a severe impact on many families, particularly those on the lowest incomes. With pressures on family budgets increasing, it’s more important than ever to receive all the help…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has commented on the recent HMRC figures which show the damaging impacts that Brexit has cost industries in West Lothian as exports have plummeted since the UK left the EU. Figures from HMRC show that exports have dropped 13% in the past two years from £16.7bn to £14.5bn. The £2.2bn loss is equivalent to £74.5 million in West Lothian alone. Fiona commented, “These figures show the blatant damage that the UK Government’s hard Brexit has caused our local areas and industries across Scotland are suffering as a result. “With Brexit causing a direct loss in exports, this has cost  industries in West Lothian £74.5m. This is unacceptable during already difficult financial times. “With Labour and the Tories offering no way back to the…