Category: News in Lothian

Hyslop Calls for Timing Re-think of Airport Consultation Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is calling for Edinburgh Airport to rethink the timing of their Airspace Consultation due to a Review of Community Consultation Guidance for Designing Airspace which is being sought by the Civil Aviation Authority. Fiona conducted a survey during the Airport’s previous flight path trial of the TUTUR route last summer which saw more than 2000 responses from local residents from the towns and villages of Broxburn, Uphall, Dechmont, Bridgend, Ecclesmachan and the Springfield area of Linlithgow. Fiona commented; “The timing of Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Consultation is of great concern to me at a time when the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is seeking to review and strengthen its Community Consultation Guidance for Designing Airspace. “The results of this…

Hyslop Comments on Airport’s Lost Documents Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has commented on Edinburgh Airport admitting they had lost almost 200 submissions to their current consultation on Airspace. She said; “It is simply unacceptable for Edinburgh Airport to have lost so many contributions to their consultation. “After not consulting members of the public prior to their trial flight path of the TUTUR route last summer, the people of West Lothian were already reluctant to trust the Airport’s actions. “There are now almost 200 people, many of whom may have taken the time to send hard copies of their submission to the consultation, whose views will now not be considered as part of their consultation. “I have contacted the Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport to raise my concerns over this…

Update on paediatric services in Lothian Fiona Hyslop MSP has commented on the below press release from NHS Lothian saying "Constructive and detailed engagement has paid off. This is a great result for West Lothian." Please see the NHS Lothian Release in full below: A major recruitment campaign and work programme is underway, following NHS Lothian’s decision to implement in full the recommendations of an expert review. Eight consultant posts have been advertised across the UK, as well as Advanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioner roles in a bid to bolster the workforce and ensure sustainability of children’s services in Lothian. A special programme board was appointed, following the report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), to take forward the findings and work is now gathering pace. The…

Hyslop Calls on Constituents to Submit to Major Airport Consultation Fiona Hyslop MSP is calling on all residents in West Lothian to submit their views on Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Consultation before the deadline on September 12th. Fiona said; “This could lead to a major revamp of our airspace and it is vital that residents across West Lothian are aware of the consultation and contribute their views before September 12th – not just those who have had issues with aircraft noise levels in the past. “This consultation focusses on overall airspace coming in and out of Edinburgh Airport, not the previously consulted on TUTUR flight path trial. This means every resident of West Lothian will be affected by the results and therefore must ensure their voices and opinions are heard. “It…

Local MSP Welcomes Re-Roofing of Bathgate West Nursery Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop visited Bathgate West Nursery to inspect the slate work following the major roof repair. Fiona said; “I was delighted to be invited to visit Bathgate West Nursery and scale the scaffolding to inspect the roof – this is a fine example of slate work using traditional building skills. “It was encouraging to meeting Jay, the young female ProCast Site Manager and all of staff on site who clearly take great pride in their work and continuing to deploy and develop traditional building methods – I was also given the opportunity to cut my own slate following some on the job training’ “It is important to recognise the excellent work that has been carried out but also the…

Local MSP Welcomes opening of Armadale Shed Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has visited the new Armadale Shed and welcomed the opportunities it holds for local people in Armadale. Fiona said; “I was delighted to visit the Armadale Shed – this is a great community initiative which encourages people to learn new hobbies but also offers a space for others to practise their wood and metal work and share expertise. “Situated in the heart of the community and offering access to all, it is easy to see why the Shed is so popular and I am delighted to support any environment that helps promote community values and social interaction. “I would encourage anyone interested to visit the Shed at the Gospel Halls and see what exciting new crafts they can…

Fiona Hyslop MSP comments on racism statistics at Primary and High schools across West Lothian “I am disappointed that in in this day and age there are still incidents of racism being reported from our schools. “The SNP Government is determined and committed to advancing race equality and that is why we created the Race Equality Framework earlier this year. “Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and I would strongly urge anyone who witnesses racism at school or outside of school to call out this behaviour and ensure that any kind of racism in our society is deemed utterly unacceptable. “There is no place for racism in West Lothian and as the local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency I am happy to work with local schools and the police…

Fiona Comments on Dunne Group Job Losses in Bathgate Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on the news that the Dunne Group, whose Head Office is based in Bathgate and employs 200 staff, has collapsed into administration. Fiona said; “I am very disappointed by the news of the closure of the Dunne Group, I know that this will be a difficult and anxious time for the workforce and their families. The Dunne Group employs 200 people across Scotland including those at the Bathgate Site and this news will be a great loss to the construction sector both locally and across Scotland. “The Scottish Government are in contact with the administrators and will be providing support for those affected through the PACE initiative. Our focus now has to be on the…

Hyslop Nominates Uphall Volunteer to be Local Hero at Opening of Parliament Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has nominated local volunteer, Paul Weddell to be her guest at the Scottish Parliament’s Local Hero and Riding of the Parliament Ceremony on July 2nd to mark the official opening of Holyrood’s fifth session. Fiona said; “The opening of Session Five of the Scottish Parliament is an opportunity to celebrate the work and dedication of our local heroes from across the country. “Paul Weddell dedicates his free time to volunteering and for the last 16 years has been involved with the No Limits Sports Club based in West Lothian for Children and Young Adults with a Disability and he has personally raised in excess of £160,000 to fund the clubs activities. “Paul’s commitment…

Fiona Hyslop Speaks to EU Nationals in West Lothian: You’re Welcome Here Local Constituency MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Europe and External Affairs has told EU nationals in the Linlithgow Constituency that “you remain welcome here” after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union. West Lothian voted to Remain in the EU 58.3% – alongside every other local authority area in Scotland. The Scottish Government is now exploring all options to protect Scotland’s relationship with Europe. On Monday in London, Fiona in her Government role as Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs met with the Ambassadors of France, Germany and Slovakia who take up the EU Presidency in next few weeks and underlined this message from the Scottish Government Fiona said; “West Lothian, like the rest of Scotland, voted…