Category: News in Lothian

MSP Supports West Lothian Volunteers on ‘Make A Difference Day’ Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway and the Barnardos store in Linlithgow to highlight National “Make a Difference Day” which encourages more people to volunteer for with their local charities. Make a Difference Day is on Saturday 27th October 2013, but thousands of “new volunteers” will be giving up their time throughout the next two weeks in support of local charities. Ms Hyslop said; “I always enjoy the opportunity to highlight volunteering and the vital work that our volunteers do.The voluntary sector makes a huge contribution to West Lothian’s social economy. Without their dedication and hard work many of our local charities would not be able to cope. “I was very pleased to meet some…

Hyslop Questions West Lothian Council Leader on £2m Cut Vote Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to West Lothian Council Leader, John McGinty demanding to know why he voted at COSLA to reduce the Council’s 2015/16 grant from the Scottish Government by £2m. Despite the fact that West Lothian is one of the fastest growing regions in Scotland, the Labour motion, supported by Cllr. McGinty, demands that the population changes for 15/16 be ignored and that councils get the same cash figure as in 14/15. Fiona said; “It is well known that we have an ever increasing population in West Lothian, particularly when it comes to children and older people. I am extremely disappointed and confused as to why the council Leader would turn down an extra £2m that…

Hyslop Clarifies Winchburgh Tunnel Rail Link Work Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has confirmed that the comprehensive £650m EGIP Programme which will update Central Scotland’s transport links will not see passengers travelling between Linlithgow, Falkirk, Stirling, Dunblane and Edinburgh without transport for 12 weeks. Fiona said; “I wrote to the Minister for Transport last week (Monday Sept 30th) asking for clarification on the issue. I am pleased to confirm that in his response, Mr Keith Brown assured me that the upgrade project will not see passengers without train travel for 12 weeks as some reports have indicated.” In his letter the Transport Minister said; “It has been mis-reported that the required electrification works will see the Winchburgh Tunnel closed for up to 12 weeks with passengers left without a service. “I…

Hyslop Welcomes Votes at 16 Registration for Referendum Thursday, 03 October 2013 Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed news that young people who will be 16 or over in next year’s referendum can now register to take part. Fiona said, “I have always been in favour of giving 16 and 17 year olds the opportunity to vote in all elections, particularly in next year’s referendum. “This is a big decision that will shape the country you live in. I want to encourage 16 and 17 year olds - whatever your opinion on our constitutional future is – to use your vote in this historic election on September 28th 2014.” Young people born on or after 18th September 1998 will be eligible to vote in the Referendum. Registration forms are…

Hyslop Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has joined the fight against breast cancer by taking part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s biggest (and pinkest) fundraiser, Wear it Pink Day. Over the last 10 years wear it pink has raised a staggering £23 million and on Friday 25 October 2013 people will come together in schools, colleges and businesses across Scotland to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Campaign’s lifesaving research. Fiona commented; “Every year in Scotland around 4,400 people are diagnosed with breast cancer, including around 25 men. I know many of my constituents will have been affected by cancer in some way and so I would encourage everyone who can to donate or raise awareness of this important campaign.” To register for wear it…

[caption id="attachment_963" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fiona and Liz Clark from WLTV"][/caption] Hyslop Launches West Lothian TV Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow officially launched West Lothian TV on Monday 9th September at their premises in Kirkton Campus in West Lothian. Speaking after the event, Fiona said; “West Lothian TV is an online television channel showcasing the best of West Lothian news and local talent and I was delighted to be the first interviewee for the network today (Monday 9th September) at the official launch in Livingston. I would like to congratulate Liz Clark, Dave McDougall and Gordon Dallas for their hard work in putting together this network which has the local community at its heart. “West Lothian TV’s full public launch will take place on October 5th in The Centre, Livingston and…

Hyslop Welcomes Linlithgow Stitch Work to Parliament in Record Breaking Tapestry Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop (pictured) has welcomed Scotland’s ‘The Great Tapestry’ - one of the world’s longest tapestries - to the Scottish Parliament, paying particular attention to the stitch work completed by people in Linlithgow. Fiona said, “Hand stitched among railway engineering, shipbuilding and whisky production, sits the famous peak of St Michael’s Spire and the well-recognised impression of Linlithgow’s Black Bitch tied to a tree on the loch’s island. “This panel of Scotland’s Tapestry created in part by people from Linlithgow is a remarkable portrayal of Workshops of the Empire. Many of these industries were known to carry the legend ‘Made In Scotland’ across the globe. “I am pleased that Scottish Government body Creative Scotland was able…

Hyslop Welcomes ‘Make Young People Your Business’ Week Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s campaign focussing on youth employment which is being highlighted by a series of activities this week. (26-30th August) Commenting, Fiona said; “In West Lothian youth unemployment has decreased from last summer, however it is still important that employers continue to do everything they can to support our young people into work. “The work and life experience a young person can gain from early employment or a paid internship is invaluable and so I look forward to meeting different employers in my constituency to discuss the importance of investing in our young people.” To follow the campaign on twitter search for @MYPYB – this will signpost users to useful resources for employers.

Constituency MSP Welcomes Health Secretary’s Visit to At John’s Health Secretary Reiterates Services Commitment at St John’s Hospital Visit Monday, 01 July 2013 Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Health Secretary Alex Neil’s commitment to services at St John’s when he visited the hospital on Thursday. (June 27th) Fiona said; “I welcome the Health Secretary’s strong on-going commitment to paediatric and emergency services at St John’s Hospital and was pleased that he was able to meet with the hardworking staff at St John’s during his visit on Thursday. “The Health Secretary made this commitment very clear and I hope that this will reassure the people of West Lothian of the support that exists for St John’s Hospital and the dedicated staff who work there.” After his visit to…

Fiona Hyslop Opens Mary Queen of Scots Exhibition Monday, 01 July 2013 Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop opened the Mary Queen of Scots Exhibition in Edinburgh on Friday (June 28th) in her role as Culture Secretary. Fiona said; “Living in Linlithgow, the birth place of Mary Queen of Scots, I was delighted to attend this simply superb Exhibition on Friday (June 28th) – an exhibition that has assembled items that have never before been seen together. “I had the privilege of opening the exhibition and would encourage those in Linlithgow and across West Lothian to visit the National Museum in Edinburgh and see the magnificent display for themselves.”