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Local MSP Commends Bathgate Group for Festival Name Change Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has thanked and commended the decision made by the Bathgate Procession and Community Festival to rename itself. The Festival, formerly known as the John Newlands Festival, was named after John Newlands whose wealth was built from slavery. Commenting, Fiona said; “I appreciate the thoughtful and considered statement from the Bathgate Procession and Community Festival for taking the decision to use this title from now on, having changed it from the John Newlands Festival. “John Newlands wealth was built from slavery and I know there has long been debate and pressure to change the associations of this Children’s and Community festival - the time has always been right but most particularly now to say Black Lives Matter.…

Hyslop Pays Tribute to Volunteers in West Lothian in Volunteers Week Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has paid tribute to volunteers who are helping the NHS and local communities in West Lothian. Volunteers’ Week which runs from June 1st – 7th (this week) is an annual celebration of the contribution and work of millions of volunteers who give up their time to help others. Fiona commented, “During this pandemic, volunteers have signed up to help in record numbers through the Scotland Cares initiative – over 53,000 nationwide in one month – joining the thousands of people who were already helping, either with one of Scotland’s many voluntary and community sector groups or informally with neighbours. Volunteers’ Week gives us a chance to celebrate the contributions of volunteers who have made…

Hyslop Highlights What to Expect from an NHS Tracer Contact Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted what you can expect if you are called by an NHS Tracer as part of the Scottish Government’s Test and Protect Strategy. Fiona said, “I understand that people may be worried about the risks of potential phone scams, but the NHS already has a number of protections in place to stop potential fraudsters and ensure all information is kept confidential. “Contact tracers will introduce themselves, state the reason for their call, and will always identify who they are calling by name. They will not ask for information about bank accounts or medical records, and they will not try to sell you anything. “The tracers will be supported by software which builds on a…

 Hyslop Welcomes £1.629m Funding for West Lothian Social Care Covid Costs Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed an initial £1.629m funding to help the social care sector in West Lothian deal with the financial implications of coronavirus. The funding was confirmed by the Scottish Government as part of a £50 million package for the sector across the country. Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland have all put in place mobilisation plans to ensure the health and social care system is as well placed as possible to address the Covid-19 pandemic. Fiona said, “This is welcome funding that will help address immediate challenges faced in the social care sector and support ongoing provision of social care. “The social care sector is at the frontline of the…

Hyslop Welcomes Extra Payment for 2,840 Carers Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has praised the work undertaken by carers during the Covid 19 Pandemic and welcomes the news that 2,840 carers across West Lothian are due to benefit from a one off payment during this health crisis. The Scottish Government has revealed plans to invest £19.2million to provide further support to Scottish carers during the Covid-19 crisis. If approved by parliament, around 83,000 eligible carers across Scotland will get an extra £230.10 through a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June. Fiona commented, “Our Carers in West Lothian make an absolutely vital contribution to our society, and it’s only appropriate that their hard work is valued and they are properly supported by the Scottish Government. “This one-off payment…

Hyslop Thanks Council Staff as 1,416 Businesses are Supported through Covid Crisis Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has thanked West Lothian Council Staff for their hard work in processing 1,416 Scottish Government grants and ensuring that over £16m of support reached our local businesses during the current Covid 19 pandemic. A total of £16.13 has been awarded through Scottish Government Schemes to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. This grant support is worth over £1 billion to business across the country and is part of the wider business support package worth £2.3 billion. Commenting, Fiona said; “This is an exceptionally difficult time for businesses across West Lothian. This Scottish Government funding is designed to support firms and ensure that our economy is on the best…

  Hyslop Congratulates Local Newsagent Owners on 60 Years of Service Local Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has written to Jean and George Wilson, owners of Linlithgow’s Wilson’s Newsagent at the Vennel congratulating them on being in business for 60 years this month. (April 2020) Fiona wrote to the couple offering her congratulations and sincere thanks for their service over the years. (Letter attached for information) Fiona commented, “Wilson’s Newsagents in Linlithgow is an important and well known business both locally and outside of Linlithgow, many of those who use their services can recall doing so throughout their lifetime as Wilson’s now mark 60 years in business. “I was delighted to write to them and thank them for their years of service, particularly during these difficult and testing times, and to…

Hyslop Announces £100 Million Fund in Covid – 19 Economy Plan Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, has set out the steps of the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Economy Plan at Holyrood this week (Tuesday, 21st April) in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture. This includes a £100m fund that will support the newly self-employed and firms suffering hardship and will be paid in early May. Those looking to apply for this fund can do so by the end of this month. Fiona commented; “On Tuesday, I set out the 4 steps of the Covid-19 Economy plan: Response. Re-set. Restart. Recovery. In my role as Economy Secretary I have been building consensus on this and what will be involved with a number of different businesses, industries…

 Hyslop Welcomes Delivery of Critical PPE Supplies   Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the delivery over the weekend of critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Scotland. The cargo which included around 10 million face masks as well as infusion pumps for Intensive Care Units and virus collecting kits for use in health laboratories, landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport from China on Saturday morning. Fiona commented, “This delivery is very welcome news. As Economy Secretary in the Scottish Government I have been supporting the work to help repurpose the private sector to help deal with the supply demands of the NHS and care sector “I am very aware that Scottish Trade and Investment Minister, Ivan McKee, has also been working at pace with the NHS and manufacturers both…

Local MSP and Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop Welcomes Additional Support For Business Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop who is also the Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary, has been heavily involved in the development of the new scheme which provides around £220 million of further grants being made available for businesses - including the recently self-employed - to help them deal with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The new package of measures includes £120 million to extend the Small Business Grant scheme to ensure that, in addition to a 100% grant on the first property, small business rate payers will be eligible to a 75% grant on all subsequent properties. A further £100 million fund is also being made available to protect self-employed people and viable micro and SME…