Category: News

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

Christmas and New Year Message from Fiona Hyslop MSP December 2017  “As your MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, I am delighted to wish my constituents a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the year ahead. “Christmas provides us all with an opportunity for family and friends to spend valuable time together and I hope that my constituents get the chance to relax and celebrate over the festive period. It also a time to reflect and to help those who may be alone at this time of year. I would encourage all in West Lothian to offer compassion and support to those who are without their loved ones this Christmas. “This time of year also allows us to reflect on the year gone by. This year I held a successful…

Hyslop Encourages West Lothian Parents to make most of Free Flu Vaccine Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is encouraging all parents and guardians of 2-5 year olds across West Lothian to take advantage of the free flu vaccine before Christmas. In a bid to keep children virus-free this winter, GP practices across Scotland are providing the nasal flu vaccine free of charge.   Fiona said; “With only a week left until Christmas I am urging all parents or guardians in my constituency who haven’t yet done so, to take their children between the ages of two and five to their local GP for the free flu vaccine. “The nasal spray only takes a few minutes, is painless, and does not contain a live virus so will not cause flu in your…

  Hyslop Welcomes Funding Increase for School Attainment Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s budget plans to increase the Schools Attainment Fund to £179m, with £120m for the Pupil Equity Fund. This funding is targeted to improve the life chances and opportunities of young people who need it the most. It will prioritise improving literacy, numeracy and the health and wellbeing of children adversely affected by poverty in our local schools. Fiona said; “I am pleased that the Scottish Government has increased the Schools Attainment Fund to £179 million, with £120 million to be allocated to head teachers through the Pupil Equity Fund and a further £59 million set aside for targeted support. “A number of schools in West Lothian have already benefited from £256,505 to…

Fiona Hyslop Welcomes SNP Budget Hyslop Welcomes Pay Rise for Public Sector and Lower Taxes for 70% of Scots Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s budget plans which protects low and middle income earners and delivers for public services and public sector workers. The budget delivers progressive reforms to Scotland’s income tax system, with modest increases on high earners while a majority of taxpayers will pay less than in the rest of the UK. Polling has found that most Scots back an increase in income tax for those who can afford it. Fiona said; “This is a budget for a stronger economy and a fairer society ensuring protection for low and middle income earners. “I welcome the Scottish Government’s budget plans which is delivering lower income…

  Fiona Thanks Christmas Royal Mail Posties Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited Royal Mail’s delivery office in Bathgate to pass on Christmas wishes and thanks to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year. Fiona was shown round the offices and was introduced to the postmen and women who are working hard sorting and delivering cards and parcels in the West Lothian area in the run-up to Christmas. Fiona commented: “The dedicated and hard-working Royal Mail postmen and women at our local delivery offices in West Lothian do such an important job at this time of year and it is always great to meet them first-hand to see just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year. “Despite being rushed…

Hyslop Celebrates West Lothian Young Ambassadors in Parliament Debate Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop took the opportunity to celebrate West Lothian’s Young Ambassadors during a Parliamentary debate at Holyrood about Scotland’s Year of Young People in 2018. The Year of Young People 2018 is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing young personalities, talents, and achievers that make up Scotland and who are inspiring our nation through their ideas, attitudes and ambitions. With events on all year round, the six themes of the Year of Young People 2018 are Participation, Education, Health and Wellbeing, Equality and Discrimination, Enterprise and Regeneration and Culture. Fiona said; “The Year of Young People 2018 is a global first and will include activities and events in every constituency involving young people right across Scotland and the…