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Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has sponsored an exhibition in Parliament marking Challenge Poverty Week (2-8th Oct) with the West Lothian Larder. The West Lothian Larder is a social enterprise and registered charity, operating mainly in West Lothian and Falkirk areas. They deliver a number of services including providing training on employability, life skills, health and wellbeing, all alongside learning to cook. Fiona commented: “I was very pleased to sponsor this exhibition and host The West Lothian Larder at Parliament. Their social food project, Catalyst Kitchen, provides dignified responses to food insecurity. They have delivered over 150,000 ready meals to those in need across West Lothian making sure no-one in West Lothian goes hungry. “I have visited the Charity in the past to see first-hand the work…

“As the local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, I was shocked to hear McGill’s announce that they will cease all bus services in West Lothian from 4th December. “I understand that this means that all their commercial bus routes will cease from this date and that McGill’s will not run any commercial bus services in West Lothian. “These bus services provide essential transport links for my Constituents across West Lothian, and I am very concerned by this announcement from McGill’s. “While I am aware that there are several historic issues with bus services in West Lothian including driver shortages and a gradual decline in passenger numbers. “However, when I met McGill’s after their takeover of services from First Bus in December 2022, they advised of their plans to stabilise bus…

“I was pleased to attend the African Scottish Expo 2023, held by West Lothian African Women’s Network in Bathgate on Saturday 23rd September. “The event was a great success and showcased African and Scottish food, art and culture with a variety of stalls at Bathgate Precinct. “This year’s theme was ‘Connecting Diverse Communities’ and the event provided an excellent opportunity for communities from across West Lothian to come together in celebration of African and Scottish culture. “I would like to congratulate the West Lothian African Women’s network, an excellent organisation, who did an incredible job of putting the Expo together. I hope to see another successful Expo in 2024.” ENDS Notes Attached pictures provided by West Lothian African Women’s Network

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has written to the Chair of the West Lothian Integration Joint Board following their decision in August to keep services at St Michael's Hospital closed. Fiona has asked for clarification on the Board's plans for the Hospital and urged them to ensure they keep their promise to connect with the community in any plans for the future. Fiona commented, "I have written to the Board asking for an update on their progress to create a 'sub group' of Integration Joint Board members, local elected representatives and local groups, as they indicated was their plans at the last IJB meeting in August. "There are a lot of concerned people in the community, not least the Friends of St Michael's who are eager to understand what…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s proposals for a Bill which will make misogynistic harassment a crime. The Bill will implement the recommendations of the Working Group chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC to create new offences related to misogynistic conduct, providing Police Scotland with new powers to hold to account perpetrators of misogynistic behaviours which can denigrate women and reinforce barriers to an equal society. Fiona commented, “As a backbench MSP I asked questions of the Scottish Government and its plans for a Misogyny Bill and how in particular the Government planned to tackle gender based harassment in schools. I am pleased to support the introduction of this Bill which will make misogynistic harassment a specific crime. “Women and girls are subjected…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency Fiona Hyslop recently visited Children 1st in Bathgate Children 1st work to ensure children feel safe, loved, and supported by working closely with them and their families. Children 1st provide emotional, practical, and financial support to help families to put children first and campaign to uphold the rights of every child. The Bathgate hub has been transformed into a warm and welcoming environment, helping children and their families to feel welcomed and safe. Following the visit Fiona commented: "I am pleased to have seen, first hand, the dedication from staff at Children 1st to creating a safe and comfortable environment for families and ensuring that their needs are listened to. "Children 1st also provide vital support and connections for kinship carers, so they know…

In her role as Transport Minister, Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has confirmed that the ScotRail Peak Fares Removal Pilot will operate between 2 October 2023 and 29 March 2024. Fiona confirmed the dates for the Pilot in an update to the Scottish Parliament. This pilot will make all off-peak fares that are set and controlled by ScotRail valid for all day travel. Commenting Fiona said: “Scotland’s Pilot Peak Fare Removal starts on October 2nd for six months. “The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government makes a clear commitment to encouraging a shift towards sustainable transport. It is clear that there is work to be done to encourage people across Scotland back to rail, which will be key in meeting our Net Zero targets. “This pilot will make…

“West Lothian African Women’s Network (WLAWN), are holding the African Scottish Expo 2023 in Bathgate on Saturday 23rd September. “The event, which was a success last year will be held in the Bathgate Precinct from 10am-3pm. “I was pleased to meet the West Lothian African Women’s Network, earlier in the year and hear of their plans for this event, which will celebrate African and Scottish food, art and culture. This year’s theme is ‘Connecting Diverse Communities’. “Connecting our communities across West Lothian is extremely important and I would encourage all who can to join the festivities and support this year’s African Scottish Expo on the 23rd.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, promotes roles for women in the rail industry, in her capacity as Minister for Transport. Fiona joined the Scottish Women in Rail team for a panel discussion on ‘Diversity is the Key to the Future Success of Rail’ event on 6th September and attended a reception with ASLEF Scotland to celebrate reaching 100 women driver members of ASLEF in Scotland on 7th September. Commenting Fiona said: “I was proud of be part of these events to promote roles for women on Scotland’s railways. “The panel discussion with ‘Women in Rail’ allowed for great conversation on the role of women on Scotland’s railways and how we can continue to attract women to this industry. “I was also pleased to mark the milestone achievement…

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…