Category: News in Lothian

Hyslop Welcomes Record NHS Staff Levels with 10.2% increase in last 10 Years Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed new figures published this week (7th March) revealing that the number of staff working in NHS Lothian has risen by 10.2% over the last 10 years. At the end of 2016, there was over 20,085 staff working with NHS Lothian and an overall headcount of 162,302 staff across NHS Scotland, with nearly 1,000 of these staff members recruited in the last year.  In the same year, health spending per head was 7.2% higher in Scotland compared to England, where the health service has been described by the Red Cross as facing a “humanitarian crisis”.   Commenting, Fiona said; “Ten years of SNP Government has produced 12,200 more staff…

Hyslop Encourages West Lothian Towns to Submit to Airport Consultation on Aircraft Routes Following a meeting with Edinburgh Airport on Monday (6th March), local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is urging constituents to submit to the Airport’s current consultation on the proposed aircraft routes before the consultation deadline on April 30th. Fiona commented; “At my meeting with Edinburgh Airport this week we discussed the different proposed and preferred flight path routes that are part of Edinburgh Airport’s most recent consultation. “The preferred routes marked on the Airport’s website are simply that – preferred routes and it is entirely possible that given the data they receive from the consultation that they may choose any one of their proposed routes. That is why it is so important for local residents to submit their…

Hyslop Welcomes over 92% of West Lothian Young People Continuing Education Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed figures that show Scotland having the highest level of positive destinations for school leavers from the most deprived communities. In West Lothian 92% of young people are choosing to continue their education, entering training, or getting a job after they leave school. Fiona commented; “It is so important for every young person in West Lothian to be able to realise their full potential and make the most of the opportunities that are available to them. “In 2011/12, 89% of school leavers in West Lothian went on to a positive initial destination, this year statistics have shown an increase to 92.7%, with the vast majority of young people choosing higher education. “Whether it…

Hyslop Congratulates Local MP on Aviation Noise Authority Win UK Government agrees to Establish Independent Aviation Noise Authority Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has congratulated her SNP colleague Hannah Bardell MP on a massive win on noise pollution after the UK Government confirmed it would establish an Independent Aviation Noise Authority (IANA). Hannah Bardell MP has been campaigning for an IANA since she was elected to Parliament in 2015. Hannah Bardell MP and Fiona Hyslop MSP both represent the Broxburn/Uphall/Dechmont area of West Lothian –towns which have been particularly affected by recent aircraft noise and flight path trials from Edinburgh Airport. Fiona said; “This is a massive win for Hannah and for the local community who have been impacted by aviation noise since the start of Edinburgh Airport’s TUTUR flight…

Hyslop votes for an extra £5 million for West Lothian Council Labour Opposition fail to support investment in West Lothian Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has voted in favour of the Scottish Government’s landmark budget which will ensure that communities across West Lothian will benefit from even greater financial support than originally planned with an additional £5.269 million in capital and resource funding. West Lothian will also receive investment of £1.3 billion for NHS Lothian and the commitment to build an elective care centre at St John’s Hospital. Fiona said; “With capital and resource additional funding of over £5 million for West Lothian it is clear to see that this Scottish Government is delivering for the people of West Lothian. Spending commitments in the NHS, education, infrastructure, environment and the…

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Use: Hyslop Welcomes £5,052,000 Pupil Funding   Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed the Pupil Equity Funding of £5,052,000 which 4,210 pupils in West Lothian are eligible for. The additional support is to be spent at the discretion of teachers and school leaders to close the poverty related attainment gap in their schools.  Allocations are based on the number of pupils from P1 to S3 known to be eligible for free school meals with schools receiving around £1,200 per pupil. Fiona commented: “It is vital that every child in West Lothian has the best possible start in life.  To have their chances limited by their family’s financial circumstances is simply unfair. “This £5,052,000 will go some way to closing the poverty related attainment gap…

Fiona Hyslop Tribute to Tam Dalyell Commenting on the sad passing of Tam Dalyell, Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop said: “I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Tam Dalyell — a remarkable political force whose sharp intellect and tenacity commanded respect both nationally and here in his former West Lothian constituency. “He was a dedicated conviction politician and who was utterly committed to standing up for what he believed in and was committed to public service. “I visited Tam and Kathleen at the House of the Binns in recent years to discuss the heritage of the house, and I enjoyed our stimulating historical and political discussion. He was always polite and courteous to me when we met at constituency engagements and he cared deeply about West Lothian and…

Hyslop Comments on Airport’s Flight Path Proposals Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on Edinburgh Airport’s second consultation which was launched today (Monday 30th January) which looks specifically at flight path options. The consultation will end on April 30th 2017. Fiona commented; “This is a major announcement and it is essential that constituents respond to this formal process. “While there are positive proposed changes to Edinburgh Airport’s flight path routes for example in the preferred A6 route which would result in a lesser impact across areas in my constituency, I am concerned by the Airport’s B2 and B5 proposed routes. “The existing GOSAM route (B5) continues to be the subject of excessive noise complaints and I continue to be contacted by constituents about this. The B2 route that the…

Hyslop Welcomes Greater Powers for Communities Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow Constituency MSP, has welcomed the asset transfer section of the new Community Empowerment Act which has come into force yesterday. (Monday 23rd January) The new law will make it easier for communities in Scotland to take over land or buildings that are currently in public ownership. Fiona commented; “The asset transfer section of the Community Empowerment Act (Scotland) 2015, will allow community-led organisations to request to buy, lease or use any land or buildings belonging to local councils, Scottish Ministers, and a range of other public bodies. “When this Bill was going through parliament, the then Minister for Local Government, Marco Biagi visited Linlithgow to meet with local organisations and businesses looking to feed ideas into the legislation. “I believe It…

Hyslop Backs Plans to Keep Scotland in Single Market Following Brussels Visit Following her recent visit to Brussels on Monday, 16th January, local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop, who also has responsibility in the Scottish Government for International Engagement, has reiterated proposals to keep Scotland in the European Single Market. The Scottish Government’s Paper – “Scotland’s Place in Europe” – was published in December and outlined the SNP’s determination for Scotland to remain in the European single market. The paper also outlined substantial new powers that should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament as a result of Brexit. Commenting, Fiona said; “While I believe that full EU membership remains the best position for Scotland, the new proposals put forward by the Scottish Government set out a compromise which would protect Scotland’s…