Category: News

Hyslop Welcomes Health Secretary’s Commitment to St John’s Hospital Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the statement made in Parliament today on St John’s Hospital by the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman which showed a clear commitment to progressing the report by the Royal College Paediatrics and Children’s Health. Fiona said, “I very much welcome the commitment from the Health Secretary to the reinstatement of 24/7 children’s services at St John’s Hospital. “The Health Secretary reemphasised her dedication to progressing towards the Royal College’s recommendation for a safe and sustainable 24/7 children services and told the chamber that the Health Board has set out a number of milestones for a reinstatement of the service with the aim of having the service back on a sustainable…

Ministerial Statement on St John's Hospital  - Scottish Parliament Thursday, 27th September 2.30pm   The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport (Jeane Freeman): I am grateful for the opportunity to update members about progress on provision of paediatric services at St John’s hospital in Livingston. I emphasise my commitment to St John’s, and recognise the excellence and dedication of the staff who work there in caring for and serving patients and families in the surrounding communities. It is important to say why an interim service model for the in-patient paediatric ward at St John’s hospital has been implemented. In July 2017, the Scottish Government was advised by NHS Lothian that staffing levels were fragile and that there would be no backup available if a member of staff were to be…

Hyslop Marks Launch of Global Fair Trade Charter at Holyrood Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop gave a keynote speech at the Scottish Parliament in her capacity as External Affairs Secretary on Tuesday, 25th September to mark global launch of the International Fair Trade Charter. Fiona said, “I was delighted to speak at the global launch of the International Fair Trade charter at the Scottish Parliament and mark this wonderful occasional – an occasion where campaigners on five continents gather together to shine a light on the Fairtrade movement addressing global challenges of equality gender rights and climate change. “I know there are many Fairtrade groups and organisations in my constituency committed to buying and promoting Fairtrade products and I have been invited to support events by Fairtrade groups in Whitburn,…

  Hyslop Proud to Wear Pink in Parliament Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency joined fellow MSPs this week at the Scottish Parliament to take part in Breast Cancer Now’s annual Wear It Pink Campaign. Fiona is calling on constituents to take part in Wear It Pink day on Friday, October 19th to help raise money and awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fiona said, “I am always pleased and proud to support the Wear it Pink campaign for Breast Cancer Now during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “The sad fact is, we have all been touched in some way by this disease, either personally or by knowing someone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and every year another 4,700 women will be diagnosed in Scotland. “So I would…

Fiona raises a cup to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can Local MSP Fiona Hyslop joined Macmillan this week to raise a cup to the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Fiona joined Janice Preston, Macmillan Head of Services in Scotland for the charity’s flagship fundraising campaign which aims to raise millions to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can. Fiona said; “Being told you have cancer can affect so much more than your health. Macmillan have over 100 years’ experience in supporting people through their cancer diagnosis. “Macmillan coffee mornings are a great way to raise awareness of the charity and help they offer and to raise much needed funds to support them. West Lothian has a great track record of hosting…

Hyslop Welcomes Business Bonus Figures Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the latest figures which show that 2,572 businesses in West Lothian are benefiting from the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus which means that they do not have to pay business rates. Fiona said, “Small businesses form the heart of our community. The Scottish Government’s small businesses bonus means that there are now 2,572 businesses in West Lothian who do not pay business rates at all and since 2009-10 West Lothian businesses have benefitted from £135m business rate relief. “The small business bonus has kept small businesses on our high streets open and allowed new businesses to set up and I am pleased to see so many businesses in West Lothian are taking advantage of that.” ENDS  

Hyslop Highlight’s Linlithgow Cycle Challenge Local Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop is highlighting Transition Linlithgow’s September Cycling Challenge to get more people active by cycling. Fiona said, “I am happy to support Transition Linlithgow’s Cycling Challenge campaign, where the aim isn’t about covering as many miles as possible, but to get as many people cycling in the town as possible. “Transition Linlithgow have a range of free services open to local residents to help encourage as many people to travel actively including a trial of an electric bike and free fuel efficient driver training. “Given the many benefits to our health and to the environment, and with the progress of the new cycle circuit in Linlithgow, which aims to encourage cycling in the community for people of all ages and abilities,…

Hyslop Welcomes Infrastructure Investment for West Lothian Fiona Hyslop, Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, has welcomed investment in infrastructure set out in the Scottish Governments Programme for Government, which will directly benefit West Lothian. Fiona said; “This investment for infrastructure is very welcome.  With two motorways, railway lines, a canal, a nearby airport and a number of cycle paths and walking paths, investment in infrastructure and connectivity is of great importance for those living in West Lothian. “Since 2007 the Scottish Government has invested almost £20 billion in transport infrastructure and services including the largest ever road investment programme the country has ever seen, including the Queensferry Crossing and the M8 improvements. This focus on infrastructure should help much needed improvements like the Avon Gorge Road (A801) in my constituency. “Our…

Hyslop Welcomes Programme for Government Benefits for West Lothian  Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government which will help contribute to a successful and vibrant West Lothian driving progress in health, social security, the environment and the economy. Fiona said; “The SNP’s plan for Scotland signals a major boost for jobs and the economy in West Lothian, including an additional £7 billion infrastructure investment in schools, hospitals, transport and digital connectivity over the next five years. “We are continuing the major reforms in our health, education and justice systems over the course of 2018-19 – with a significant £250 million extra funding for mental health services, increased support for teachers, head teachers, parents and pupils, as well as a major package of reforms for the justice system,…

Hyslop Unveils Burgh Beautiful Statue Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has officially unveiled the statue of Dudley the Cat by sculptor David Annand commissioned by Linlithgow’s Burgh Beautiful. Dudley the Cat belonged to Liz Burrows, one of Burgh Beautiful’s founding members, who left a very generous legacy to Burgh Beautiful in her will. The money she left has been spent on worthwhile projects, including the introduction of an electricity supply at the Burgh Beautiful base and contributions towards new floral planters and new paving at Clarendon. The statue is the final contribution to Burgh Beautiful from Liz’s will and pays homage to her support for the local organisation. It will be sited next to the Linlithgow Canal Basin as Liz Burrows was also an active member of the Linlithgow Union…