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Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop MSP, welcomes new figures which show £6 million has been paid out to families across West Lothian in Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods Payments. Figures from Social Security Scotland, a total of £164,448,957 was paid out across Scotland in Best Start Foods payments and Best Start Grants since they were introduced – these are two of the 15 benefits administered by Social Security Scotland. Commenting Fiona said: “In West Lothian £6 million has been paid out between 2018 and June 2024, following 12,620 applications. “The SNP Government is rightly proud of the different approach we have taken in Scotland to social security – one which, in stark contrast that of the DWP, is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect. “I…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights the launch of the FAST campaign to help people recognise the symptoms of a stroke and to act FAST. Commenting Fiona said: “Over 15,000 people in Scotland have a stroke each year so it is essential that people recognise the signs of a stroke when it is happening and call 999. “Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland promotes FAST – which is used to identify a stroke. “Fast highlights three specific symptoms of stroke – facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems and the need to take emergency action immediately. “I would encourage my Constituents to familiarise themselves with FAST as a stroke can happen at any time and taking action quickly is essential.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is again calling on Royal Bank of Scotland to reconsider their decision to close their Bathgate Branch. RBS announced their intention to close the Bathgate branch effective from 25th September 2024, however, this date has now been delayed until 14th November 2024. Commenting Fiona said; “The closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Bathgate branch will be a huge loss to the town. “I have repeatedly called on RBS to rethink this closure and was hopeful when the branch was able to remain open past the initial closure date announced by RBS of 25th September 2024. “I have previously written to RBS to urge them to rethink their decision to close the Bathgate branch and my position on this closure has not changed…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news that over 3.6 million free bus pass journeys were made in West Lothian in 2023/23. The Scottish Government has consistently protected bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans and introducing free bus travel for under 22’s. Commenting Fiona said: “I’m really pleased to see that over 3.6 million bus journeys have been made by bus pass holders across West Lothian this last year. “This vital support from the Scottish Government provides a lifeline for many allowing people to access essential services, employment, and education. “The positive impact of the bus passes provided by the Scottish Government cannot be underestimated, however, I do recognise that bus travel can present…

The next local Public Meeting on Linlithgow Loch Catchment Area is due at the beginning of November and commenting in advance of the meeting Fiona Hyslop MSP said; “As many of my Constituents will be aware there has been on-going concerns about Linlithgow Loch and following the recent re-convening of the Linlithgow Loch Strategic Management Group, I had originally helped get established some years ago, and the latest public meeting I have taken up the issue of potential impact of the M9 on the Loch and the monitoring by the Scottish Government of Nitrates and Phosphorus in Linlithgow Loch. “I wrote to Transport Scotland, in my role as local MSP, in relation to potential chloride run-off from the M9 that could be having a negative impact on the health of the…

“Like so many others across the Independence movement, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Alex Salmond on Saturday 12th October. “Alex was very proud of his West Lothian roots, being a son of Linlithgow, and I attended many events with him in our town over the years. “He was unique with a drive and determination to achieve Independence for Scotland that never dimmed. “Against all odds Alex led the SNP into Government and gave us all the chance to decide our own future and say YES to Independence in the 2014 Independence Referendum. “Over the last few days, we have seen so many tributes to Alex Salmond and it is clear, he was a titan of the Scottish Independence movement. “My condolences go to Moira,…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, calls on the UK Government to end austerity and reverse their decision to cut the winter fuel payment in their upcoming budget. In a vote on Tuesday 8th October, in the Scottish Parliament, SNP MSPs across Scotland voted to demand that the Labour UK Government urgently reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment this winter. Commenting Fiona said: “This decision from the UK Government, who were elected on a promise of change, has let down pensioners in West Lothian and across Scotland. "In West Lothian in 2022/23, 28,955 people were in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment and now many of these people will stand to lose this vital support. “The Scottish Labour party refused to join calls for the UK Government to scrap…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, calls on West Lothian Council to rethink plans to have Management Committees of Community Centres take on ownership and responsibility of the buildings. West Lothian Council are proposing Community Asset Transfers for 34 Community Centres and Village Halls in West Lothian, with a consultation with Management Committees on the future provision of Community Centres and Village Halls currently under way. Commenting Fiona said: "I have been contacted by local Management Committees who are concerned following the announcement of West Lothian Council's proposals to have Management Committees take on responsibility for Community Centres and Village Halls. "The proposals would see the ownership and responsibility of 34 community centres in West Lothian transferred to Management Committees, with 17 of these in my Constituency.  "I…