Category: News

Local Constituency MSP, for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the announcement made in the First Minister’s Programme for Government on 5th September whichseesa commitment from the Scottish Government to expand access to funded childcare. The First Minister also committed to providing funding to ensure staff in the private, voluntary and independent sector who deliver early learning and childcare are paid a minimum of £12 an hour from April next year, plans to recruit 1000 additional childminders by the end of the Parliamentary session and is bringing forward legislation to ensure the right structures are in place to help make Scotland the best place in the world to be educated. Commenting, Fiona said, “I was pleased to see the First Minister place families at the heart of this Government’s…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited local businesses on Tuesday 28th August with One Linlithgow to celebrate the first ever Scotland Loves Local Week. The first ever Scotland Loves Local Week ran from 28th August – 3rd September. The week allowed a celebration of the dedication and determination of small businesses and sole traders in the heart of our towns and communities strengthening local economies across Scotland. Commenting Fiona said: “Of all the towns in Scotland, I was pleased to see Local Government Minister Joe Fitzpatrick and Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur choose to visit Linlithgow on Monday 28th August to officially launch Scotland Loves Local Week. “The Scottish Government are providing £250,000 to support the Scotland Loves Local Gift card scheme go digital. This can be…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, visited Ian Macleod Distillers in Broxburn on Monday 21st August. Ian Macleod Distillers was founded in 1933 by Leonard Russell and has remained a family run distillers for four generations, producing world class premium Scottish Whisky, Gin and Rum. Macleod Distillers have won a number of awards in the last few years including ‘Ones to Recognise’ from the Sunday Times Fast Track/HSBC in 2021. Following the visit Fiona commented: “I was pleased to visit Ian Macleod Distillers headquartered in my Constituency to learn more about their business and which employs hundreds of people across Scotland and their ideas for the future. “The Distillers are committed to producing high quality products including Edinburgh Gin, Glengoyne and Tamdhu Whisky and Langs Rum. “I was pleased to…

“This is a huge achievement and I am enormously proud of the Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band for winning the highly prestigious World Pipe Band Championships, following two full days of competition last weekend. “West Lothian is a real hub of musical talent, and Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band are such a dedicated and passionate group of musicians. This win will be the result from weeks of meticulous practice as well as excellence in performance on the day in this World Cup of piping. “Pipe band music sits at the very heart of Scotland’s culture and communities, celebrated the length and breadth of the country and I was honoured to be asked to be the Chieftain of the World Pipe Band Championships in 2019. “I want…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited the Dale Hub in Armadale on Tuesday 15th August. The Dale Hub offer support, information, education and play opportunities to families who need it most. The Hub has several recent initiatives, including child play groups, baby massage courses, toy giveaways and cooking classes. Commenting after the visit, Fiona said: “I was pleased to meet Tuesday and Raymond at the Dale Hub to hear of the important work they are doing supporting local families in Armadale. “The Hub provides a place for local families to come for support and has become an integral part of the local community. Their recent display for Armadale Gala Day, with the help of Armadale Men’s Shed members, won Best Decorated Premises and I enjoyed seeing the circus…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has visited the Scottish Owl Centre in Whitburn following their recent 'Best Day Out' Award win at the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2023. Fiona also lodged a Parliamentary motion congratulating the local business on their success. The Scottish Hospitality Awards celebrate excellence in Scotland’s vibrant hospitality industry, with a focus on recognising outstanding businesses and individuals. Commenting after the visit, Fiona said, "I was delighted to visit the Scottish Owl Centre in Whitburn in my Constituency to personally congratulate Niccy and Rod on their Award win. "I was pleased to see round the Centre and catch a flight display during my visit. The displays are very educational and would make a great day out for local families. "As well as hosting the world's…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has expressed her deep concerns at the IJB’s decision to officially close St Michael’s Hospital in Linlithgow and Tippethill House Hospital In Armadale. Fiona commented, "I am extremely disappointed that the West Lothian IJB has agreed to permanently close St Michael’s Hospital in Linlithgow and Tippethill in Armadale, both vital services in my Constituency providing intermediary step down care and end of life care. "This short sighted decision will only add to an already pressured sector with an ever increasing and aging population in West Lothian - set to have twice the national average of pensionable aged people within the next 25 years. “Closing St Michael's and Tippethill when there is bed availability needed to relieve acute hospital bed use by patients,…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has sent an urgent letter to the Chair of the West Lothian Integration Joint Board on the future of St Michael’s Hospital in Linlithgow and Tippethill House Hospital in Armadale, both sites have been recommended for closure by the IJB. The IJB is due to meet on Tuesday 8th August. Fiona wrote to the Head of the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership ahead of the IJB’s June meeting, this letter has gone unanswered. She has now written urgently to the Chair of the IJB to demand that the IJB listens to local people, takes West Lothian’s significant growing aging population into account and commits to working with NHS Lothian to secure the retention of both of these valued and valuable sites. Fiona…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights the extension of boardwalk at the Blawhorn Nature Reserve near Blackridge. The extended boardwalk has now opened at Blawhorn National Nature Reserve (NNR), which is managed by NatureScot, has now opened giving visitors more opportunities to explore this extraordinary natural area. The 280m extension was funded by NatureScot and Drumduff Wind Farm, a joint venture by GreenPower and Third Renewables. Blawhown Moss is one of the best examples of a lowland raised bog in Scotland. The Reserve is in the hills behind Blackridge and is a rare example of raised and blanket bogs, containing over 8,000 years of history within the Bog. Fiona commented: “I am pleased to see the boardwalk at Blawhorn Moss extended and have additional seating areas installed.…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, encourages Constituents to visit the UCI Cycling World Championships which will be held in Scotland this summer. The UCI Championships will be held in Scotland in August and will see more than 2,000 elite cyclists and para-cyclists arrive from over 100 countries to take part in the 2023 Championships. This event will be hosted in Glasgow with events taking place across the country and will bring together 13 World Championships being held in one place for the first time. Fiona commented: “In my previous position as Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for Major Events I was instrumental in bringing the first ever UCI World Cycling Championships with all competitions taking place in one country at the one time here to Scotland…