Category: News in Lothian

Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, met with WASPI West Lothian Group at Whitburn Partnership Centre to hear more about their campaign for fair compensation. WASPI West Lothian Group currently have 270 members campaigning for compensation for women born in the 1950’s who have been impacted by changes to the state pension age without proper notice. Commenting Fiona said: “I was pleased to meet with several members of WASPI West Lothian Group to hear more about their ongoing campaign for compensation for women impacted by changes to state pension age. “Earlier this year, I was pleased to vote for a motion of support for compensation for WASPI Women in the Scottish Parliament and I will continue to call for the WAPSI Women to receive the compensation they deserve. “The…

Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights the Scottish Government’s new plan to drive investment in housing. The recently unveiled Scottish Government Housing Emergency Action Plan contains a range of measures designed to increase investment in housing in Scotland. These measures include: delivering up to £4.9 billion of investment over the next four years, the acceleration of Scottish National Investment Bank funding for building of homes, and a commitment to further expand the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) to support First Time Buyers.  Commenting Fiona said: “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government investing in ensuring people across West Lothian have access to suitable housing. “By unlocking almost £5 billion of investment and strengthening schemes that directly help first-time buyers, the Scottish Government are providing support for people to…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, highlights continued Scottish Government support for students across West Lothian. Commenting Fiona said:  “I was pleased to see figures showing that in West Lothian alone, 3,830 students benefitted from this policy in 2024. “As the Government Minister who originally abolished the Graduate Endowment Fee, which was a back-end tuition fee and an unfair education tax, in order to make higher education free in Scotland, I am proud to see the SNP Government are committed to keeping university free for students in Scotland. “Tuition fees have risen to £9,535 a year in Labour-run England & Wales, while in Scotland, the Scottish Government have ensured that students pay no tuition fees. “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government use the powers they have to support…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, will hold a coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support on Monday 22nd September, in Armadale Methodist Church Hall. At Macmillan their purpose is to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. This includes raising money to provide vital cancer services, research, campaign for better cancer care and support the cancer workforce. Commenting Fiona said: “Following the success of the Coffee Morning I held last year, I am pleased to be holding this event again in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. “We have all been touched by cancer in some way and it is so important to support this fantastic charity that supports those that are terminally ill and their families. “It is also an opportunity to meet…

Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Transport, has announced that peak fares are gone for good. From Monday 1st September, ScotRail customers will pay the same fare no matter what time or day of the week they travel. Commenting, Fiona said: “I am pleased to announce that peak fares are gone for good. This will benefit Constituents across my Constituency who travel regularly to Glasgow and Edinburgh for work and leisure. “This has only been possible as the Scottish Government have taken ScotRail into public ownership which has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the people of Scotland. “We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure…

This year’s Loves Local Week will run from Saturday 23rd August for seven days. The week is great opportunity to celebrate the dedication and determination which is strengthening communities and economies across Scotland. Commenting, Fiona said: “West Lothian has many excellent local businesses, and I was happy to highlight some of these during Scotland Loves Local Week. “I have visited many local businesses across the towns of West Lothian and during this year's Loves Local Week I highlighted The Sewing Room and Mia’s Cards and Gifts in Whitburn and the Wee Winchburgh Café. “I would encourage my Constituents across West Lothian to support local businesses where they can as we have so many great businesses across the Constituency.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted the wide range of support available to families with the cost of learning. The Best Start Grant - School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year. Commenting Fiona said: “While the start of the school year is an exciting time for children, it can be a financially challenging time. “The Scottish Government are committed to supporting families and I am pleased to see that 4,685 payments have been made, totalling over £1.29 million, to families in West…

Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has completed her 10-venue summer surgery programme, visiting a number of villages across West Lothian. The surgeries took place on Monday 4th and Friday 8th August. Fiona visited and conducted surgeries in Bridgend, Winchburgh, Uphall, Dechmont, Newton, Blackridge, East Whitburn, Boghall, Bridgehouse/Westfield and Torphichen in just two days. Fiona said, "My series of summer surgeries, which have taken place every year over a number of years, were a great opportunity to meet local people who live in the villages in my Constituency, as I normally hold surgeries in the bigger towns when Parliament is sitting. "I want to thank everyone who came along to a surgery, to pass on any concerns or news on local matters. "It was also a lovely reminder of the natural…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights Scottish Government action to protect residents of West Lothian from spiralling water bills thanks to the public ownership of Scottish Water. Figures show that the average water bill in England and Wales is £603 this year, almost 20% higher than the £490 a year average in Scotland. Commenting Fiona said: “Following a major review into England and Wales’ water industry which shows that bills will soar by over 30% in the next five years, it is clear that while England’s water companies are run for profit, Scotland’s are run for public benefit and ensures that Scot’s pay far less for their water. “By ensuring Scottish Water is in public ownership the Scottish Government have kept costs down for my Constituents across…