Category: News in Lothian

Hyslop Comments on Broxburn Job Centre Closure Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has commented on the UK Government’s decision to close the Job Centre Plus office in Broxburn and move it to Livingston, calling the DWP’s actions “unacceptable”. Fiona said; “The UK Government’s decision to close the Job Centre in Broxburn will disproportionately disadvantage unemployed people in West Lothian, pushing our most vulnerable people in society into further crisis and uncertainty. The decision to force those who are seeking work to spend more money by travelling further to a job centre is counter-productive. “I am disappointed that the UK Government has made no attempt to speak to the Scottish Government Minister for Employability, Jamie Hepburn, before making this decision and allowing local reprsentatives to make the case to retain the…

Fiona Highlights Linlithgow Burgh Trust in Civic Trust 50th Anniversary Debate Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has spoken in a debate at the Scottish Parliament marking the 50th Anniversary of the Scottish Civic Trust. Fiona referenced Linlithgow Burgh Trust as she spoke about the importance of local heritage and its link to the future as well as our past. Fiona said: “The Linlithgow Burgh Trust is made up of wise, passionate people who are determined to promote the town in which they work and in which I live. “It is important to remember that local civic trusts help us both to understand our heritage and to look to a sustainable future. They are involved in planning how their local town can develop for the future. The volunteers who take part…

  Hyslop highlights Queensferry Crossing walk during opening weekend Local Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop is highlighting the chance to walk across the new Queensferry Crossing after it officially opens to vehicles on August 30th. The bridge will close on September 2nd and 3rd to allow the public to take part in a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to walk over the new bridge. Fiona commented; “The Queensferry Crossing is the largest bridge of its type and is considered to be one of the world’s greatest bridges. The opening of the Queensferry Crossing marks the end of a 10 year process and its official opening is very welcome to the people of West Lothian. “I am delighted that the Queensferry Crossing will officially open on August 30th and will allow up…

Hyslop Holds Blooming Great Tea Party in Whitburn Local Constituency MSP will be holding a Blooming Great Tea Party to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care at the Whitburn Burgh Halls on July 7th. “I am delighted to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party in Whitburn in my constituency to raise awareness and funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.   “We have all been touched by cancer in some way and so it is important to support this fantastic charity that supports those that are terminally ill and their families.   “It is also an opportunity to meet constituents and people from the community I so would encourage anyone free from 10.30 – 11.30 on Friday the 7th of July to come along and help raise funds for Marie…

Hyslop Congratulates Broxburn Academy Girls on Under 15 Scottish Football Shield Win Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has congratulated Broxburn Academy Girls for their victory in the Under 15 Scottish Shield win. Fiona said, “I am extremely pleased for the Broxburn girls’ victory in the Under 15 Scottish Shield. They have clearly played some fantastic football with resounding victories against teams from all over Scotland. “I have written to the team to pass on my congratulations and to wish them well for their future matches.” ENDS Extra Info: The girls beat Banff 3-1 in Forfar to win the final and are the first team from West Lothian to do so since the Shield’s inception in 1998. Goals came from Emma McFadyen and Zoe Evans.  

Hyslop Welcomes Arrival of Baby Box to West Lothian Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the roll out of the Baby Box to new mums in West Lothian. Registration for Scotland’s Baby Box will open on the 15 June 2017 for all babies due on or after 15 August 2017. Fiona commented; “Every single new mum whose baby is born on or after August 15th will be given a baby box, sending the message that every child matters. Regardless of their circumstance, every child should have the best start in life and every parent should be supported during this time. “The baby box is designed to offer babies a safe place to sleep and provide new mums with useful items to support them as they bond with their baby…

  Hyslop attends West Lothian Highland Games as 46th Chieftain Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has attended the 46th West Lothian Highland Games as the Games’s Chieftain. The Games were held in Bathgate on Saturday, 27th May 2017. Commenting after the event, Fiona said; “I was hugely honoured to be asked to be the 46th Chieftain at the West Lothian Highland Games on Saturday (27th May). “2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and West Lothian Highland Games are very much part of our heritage so I was especially delighted to be asked to be the Chieftain in this special year. “The Games Committee put so much effort in to the event and they rely on the council, local businesses and sponsors for support, so I would like…

  Hyslop Hands thousand plus petition to RBS on Whitburn branch closure Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency handed over a petition objecting to Whitburn RBS branch closure with 1,141 signatures to senior RBS management as they visited Whitburn at Fiona's invitation to meet local community groups and representatives in her Whitburn Constituency Office on Friday May 19th. Fiona said; “I invited local community groups to meet with RBS senior management in Whitburn Constituency office and we had a frank discussion about the strength of feeling in the community and the particular circumstances in Whitburn. "I organised a petition with the help of local traders which saw 1,141 people sign in support for a RBS rethink and I thank everyone who signed it. RBS addressed many of the concerns…

Hyslop Visits West Lothian Sport for Employment Charity Local MSP Fiona Hyslop visited the UK’s leading Sport for Employment Charity, Street Leagues on Friday (19th May) to meet the young people involved and learn more about the work they do in some of Scotland’s most deprived areas. Fiona said; “I was delighted to meet Steven Jardine and the local young people benefitting from Street League at Blackburn Juniors Football Club. “There are many young people in West Lothian who face significant obstacles when trying to move into a life of work or further education and training. As well as health and fitness training Street League will offer sessions on CV writing, interview training, employability qualifications and mentor support. “Using sport as a vehicle to provide young people with the skills…

[caption id="attachment_1889" align="aligncenter" width="456"] Fiona Hyslop MSP with Foodbank Manager Kathleen Neilly and Annette Murdoch who made the quilt and with raffle winner Kay Leith[/caption]   West Lothian Foodbank Raise over £400 with Raffle Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop drew the raffle at a fundraiser in Linlithgow on Friday (12th May) which raised £406 for West Lothian Foodbank. The winning ticket belonged to Kay Leith who is now in receipt of the quilt which was hand made by Annette Murdoch. Fiona commented; “I was delighted to be asked to support West Lothian Foodbank by drawing the raffle for this lovely quilt made by Annette Murdoch. The winner of the quilt, Kay from Linlithgow, was delighted to have had her ticket selected. “West Lothian foodbank is self-funded and this funding will…