Category: News in Lothian

Hyslop Joins Campaign to Promote Safer Internet Day West Lothian Primary Schools to be Removed from Stranger Snapchat Search Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has joined the campaign to boost internet safety for young people – after pressure from SNP MSPs Kevin Stewart and Gillian Martin led to Snapchat removing primary schools from their search function. Marking Safer Internet Day, Fiona backed this action and called on Snapchat to go further and also remove secondary schools from its search tool – which allows strangers to find and watch videos from these locations. Fiona is also encouraging pupils in West Lothian to take part in a nationwide film competition that aims to raise awareness of the dangers related to sending nude photos online. Fiona commented; “I appreciate the efforts made by…

Hyslop Welcomes Women’s Initiatives on 100th Anniversary of Votes for Women Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed projects to encourage greater representation of women in political roles at all levels of Scottish society. The initiatives are to be backed by a new £500,000 fund and have been announced on the 100th anniversary of women securing the right to vote. Fiona commented; “This announcement comes on a very important date and I am delighted to support the measures that will see grants provided for grassroots and local projects across the country to empower more women into politics. “There have only ever been four female MPs and MSPs in West Lothian. Myself and Labour MSP Mary Mulligan for the Linlithgow Constituency, Scottish Government Minister Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley and…

Hyslop Welcomes £5.396m Budget Boost for West Lothian Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that West Lothian Council will receive an extra £5.396m funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled this afternoon (Jan 31st) by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay. The budget boost comes as the Scottish Government confirmed that all local authorities will receive an above inflation increase in resource funding. The SNP budget will give Scots the best deal in the UK – with investment in public services and a tax cut for lower earners. Under the progressive tax reforms 70% of taxpayers will pay less than last year, while higher earners will face a modest increase. These tax changes will allow the Scottish Government to increase health spending by £400 million to £13.6 billion, lift…

  Hyslop Welcomes Time to Talk Campaign in Armadale Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop and Armadale Councillor Sarah King are supporting ‘Time to Talk’ – The See Me Scotland campaign that encourages people to talk about mental health and to highlight that anywhere, any time is a good place to start. The Shed in Armadale is a great place for people to come together to socialise as they use or learn new skills, like wood or metal work or weaving. Fiona said; “I am very pleased to support and raise awareness for Time to Talk Day.  There are too many people in society who are still made to feel isolated or embarrassed by mental health issues – one important way to combat this, is to talk about it. “The ‘Time…

Hyslop Congratulates West Lothian Singer on Award Win Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has congratulated singer Hannah Rarity, from Dechmont, on winning the Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award at Celtic Connections on Sunday 28th January. Fiona said: “I was delighted to present the Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award to Hannah Rarity, from Dechmont in my constituency, after a fantastic concert featuring five wonderful artists. I first heard Hannah sing four years ago, and it was clear that she was very talented, so I am pleased to see her talent being recognised. The award is a great platform for young artists and I wish Hannah well in her future musical career.” ENDS

  Hyslop Marks Holocaust Memorial Day Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has marked Holocaust Memorial Day by signing the book of commitment at the Scottish Parliament this week. (25th Jan). The Holocaust Memorial Day which falls on Saturday 27th January this year is an annual day of remembrance that marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. It provides the opportunity for everyone around to world to remember the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust. It is also a time to remember the victims of other genocides the world has seen in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Fiona commented; “Holocaust Memorial Day is about a world coming together to remember those who lost their lives through genocide and to learn lessons of the past.…

Hyslop Seeks Views for Loneliness Strategy Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is calling on constituents across West Lothian to contribute to the Scottish Government’s new consultation looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed. The consultation will run until 30 April and will thereafter feed into a new national strategy, one of the first in the world, to tackle loneliness and isolation. A national strategy to combat loneliness was a key ask of the Jo Cox Commission, which welcomed this announcement. Fiona commented; “Each and every one of us has a role to play in reducing loneliness in Scotland and so it’s important that voices from across West Lothian get involved in the Scottish Government’s consultation to help shape the new loneliness and isolation…

Hyslop Welcomes NHS Recruitment Success Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the announcement from NHS Lothian today (19th January) that they have recruited two new paediatric consultants – one has already joined the team and the other was offered a place just last week.   Fiona commented; “This is a great step towards delivering the Royal College’s (RCPCH) recommendations to ensure children’s services are open 24/7. “While they are not ready to resume overnight admissions at this stage, this is a very positive development and I will continue to press on NHS Lothian to carry on progressing its recruitment campaign. “Of course there is still some journey to go, however it is vital that we all get behind St John’s Hospital to ensure that applicants know that West Lothian…

Hyslop Welcomes news of 3834 Baby Boxes Delivered in Six Months Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that 3834 baby boxes have been delivered to new mums across the NHS Lothian area in the first six months of the programme. Over 22,000 people have benefited across Scotland. The baby box contains baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath towel, a changing mat and books. The box itself also doubles as a bed for a newborn, containing a mattress, mattress protector and fitted sheet – providing a safe and warm place for babies to sleep. Fiona commented; “The Baby Box is a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to making Scotland the very best place in the world to grow up and contains important items for…

Hyslop Meets British Heart Foundation Team in Bathgate Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has visited the Bathgate British Heart Foundation George Street shop to meet with the staff and volunteers working hard to raise funds to eradicate heart disease from our society. Fiona said; “I know many of my constituents will have seen first-hand the devastating effects of heart disease. “The British Heart Foundation shop in Bathgate is well supported by the local community, however they are always looking for more donations and any help local people can offer by donating pre-loved items or volunteering their time is hugely appreciated by the charity. “It was a pleasure to meet the hardworking and dedicated staff here in Bathgate helping to turn local donations into lifesaving research.” ENDS