Author: admin

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is highlighting the campaign launched by ScotRail, The Scottish Government, British Transport Police and Trade Unions to tackle abuse experienced by transport staff as part of a £1.6m crackdown. Fiona helped to launch this campaign in her capacity has Transport Minister. Fiona commented, “I am aware of the reports of anti-social behaviour on trains and at the station in Linlithgow recently causing staff and passengers to become intimidated. “This nation-wide funding will allow for an increase in body worn cameras, hire more staff for night trains and introduce a team of revenue protection officers. Extra support will also be offered to affected staff. “It is vital that those working or using public transport can go about their business without fear of abuse…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights resources available to Constituents to support winter planning. Ready Scotland aims to make Scotland more resilient to emergencies as disruptions can happen at any time. They provide tips on how to ready your home or business for the unexpected and have advice on how best to respond to emergencies when they do occur. Commenting Fiona said: “During this winter season I would encourage all of my Constituents to familiarise themselves with the resources provided by Ready Scotland by visiting www.ready.scot “This is an excellent resource providing tips on how to prepare for the unexpected as well as information on where to find support should an emergency occur. “Over the festive period, when many organisations may close, it is important to know…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, welcomes the 2024-25 Scottish Budget which has prioritised our most vital services and will invest in NHS Scotland. The 2024-25 Scottish Budget was commended to the Scottish Parliament by Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, in a statement to the Chamber on Tuesday 19th December 2023. Commenting Fiona said; “The UK Government delivered a 3% real terms cut to England’s NHS in their autumn statement, while the Scottish Government are increasing their frontline NHS budget in real terms. “Ensuring that the NHS has the protection it needs is a clear priority in this budget. The Scottish Government are mitigating UK austerity and will increase funding for frontline NHS Boards by £550 million. “This increase will take the total investment to £13.2 billion in…

Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Child Payment which is supporting 12,485 children across West Lothian. The Scottish Child Payment, which provides £25 per week to every eligible child, is estimated to lift 50,000 children Scotland-wide out of relative poverty in 2023/24. In West Lothian 140,910 payments worth £17,502,730 have been paid out to families to help tackle child poverty. Fiona commented, “The Scottish Child Payment is a huge support to local families who are already facing great challenges. The Scottish Government is clear that tackling child poverty is a key propriety and I welcome the latest child poverty figures which are already showing a 5% reduction in 2023/24. “The £17,502,730 which is going out to 12,485 children across West Lothian will provide financial support…

Fiona said, “The proposal made by Petroineos Grangemouth to cease activity as a refinery in 2025 and move to develop as a fuel importation terminal and port will affect many of my Constituents who work at the plant.  I was pleased to see local Constituency MSP Michelle Thomson raise an urgent question in Parliament last week and I, along with other MSPs and MPs, attended a briefing from the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Neil Gray, on the issue on Friday. I understand this will be causing significant concern for workers and their families. The Scottish Government will work with the UK Government and the company in supporting workers at Grangemouth and to identify a way forward to keep jobs and skills in the area . I understand…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed a public information campaign which is making people aware that they could soon be fined for parking on the pavement. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, with certain exemptions designated by local authorities - for example to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles. However, from December 11th 2023, Local Authorities can begin enforcing this with fines of £100, or £50 if paid within 14 days. Fiona commented, “Drivers who park on the pavement create unnecessary risk for pavement users who are forced on to the road to pass the vehicle. People with mobility issues, visual impairments or parents with buggies or young children all struggle to pass cars parked on pavements. “Quite simply,…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has praised the Scottish Government Initiative that has provided millions of pounds worth of funding back into community projects across West Lothian and welcomed the announcement that its funding shall continue until at least 2026. The CashBack for Communities Scheme reinvests the proceeds from crime into projects delivering positive futures for young people across Scotland. Since its inception in 2008, community groups in West Lothian have received £2,429,005 through the scheme. Fiona commented, “The CashBack for Communities Scheme has provided vital support to young people right across the Constituency. Almost two and half million pounds have been invested in local community projects, with £154,329 awarded in the last year alone. “The initiative has funded projects in Armadale, Blackburn and Livingston, and in…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited the Eco House at West Lothian College on Friday 3rd November. The Eco House, formally known as the Alex Linkston Skills Centre for Sustainable Living, is part of West Lothian College’s contribution to achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions. Following the visit, Fiona commented: “I had an excellent visit to West Lothian College’s Eco House with College Principal Jackie Galbraith, with a tour from area manager Steven Morrison. “The Eco House is unique in Scotland and is the first to have two houses, one completed to low carbon standard and another unfinished for developing high-level practical skills required to achieve low carbon house standards. “Funding from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme for West Lothian was used to cover the cost…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the First Minister’s commitment to freeze Council Tax for all households from next April. Council Tax is already lower in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, with the average Band D property in Scotland paying £1,417 annually, whereas in England average Band D properties pay £2,065. Fiona commented, “Freezing the Council Tax when so many of my Constituents are feeling the pressure from rising living costs, will be hugely welcome. "In the last year, West Lothian's Labour run, Conservative led Council increased Council Tax by £76.25, from £1,314.71 in 2022/23, for an average Brand D property, to £1,390.96 in 2023/24. “In West Lothian we have one of the fastest growing aging populations, this Council Tax Freeze will be a particular…

“Following McGill’s shock announcement that they will be ceasing all of their commercial bus services in West Lothian, I am pleased to see that Lothian Country have announced their intention to register two new routes in West Lothian and extend an existing route from Sunday 3rd December.  “These new and extended routes will ensure that many communities across West Lothian will continue to have access to essential bus services, providing transport across the county. “However, more needs to be done to replace the services that McGill’s have been servicing, and I would urge West Lothian Council with the powers they have to work with bus providers to provide alternatives for services yet to be replaced. “I understand that West Lothian Council’s Council Executive will be meeting next week to receive…