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Alexander and Emily Most Popular Names in West Lothian 2016 Speaking after the announcement of Scotland’s top 100 baby names, Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on the results for West Lothian. “Despite Jack still being the number one boys name across Scotland, Alexander is now the number one boys name in West Lothian. Interestingly, Alexander is only in 10th place Scotland wide. “Emily is still proving to be a popular girl’s name, coming top in West Lothian, but has lost out Olivia nationally. “It is always interesting to see what names are chosen by proud parents across West Lothian.” To see if your name made the top 100, visit the attached link: Top 100 names in Scotland: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/popular-forenames/2016/babies-names16-table1.pdf   Top names by local authority: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/popular-forenames/2016/babies-names16-table3.pdf  

Hyslop Backs Plans to Keep Scotland in Single Market Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop, who also has responsibility in the Scottish government for International engagement, has backed proposals to keep Scotland in the European Single Market and stop the “national disaster” of a hard Brexit. The paper – “Scotland’s Place in Europe” – was published on Tuesday, 20 December and outlined the SNP’s determination for Scotland to remain in the European single market. The paper also outlined substantial new powers that should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament as a result of Brexit. Commenting, Fiona said; “People in Scotland voted to remain in the EU by an overwhelming 24-point margin – and 58% of those who voted in West Lothian, voted to Remain. “While we believe that full EU membership…

Hyslop Welcomes Budget for Scotland that supports local Families and Businesses Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish budget which focusses on equality and economic growth, supporting families and local businesses. The budget supports young families with an increase in childcare provision to 1,140 hours, and will see West Lothian Council receive a share of £120m for schools to use at their discretion to close the attainment gap. Fiona commented; “An increase in nursery hours of up to 1,140 per child and a share of £120m for local schools to close the attainment gap goes a long way to tackle inequality in West Lothian, investing in our future generations from birth and the earliest years, through school and beyond, it is clear that education is this Government’s number one…

Hyslop Congratulates Whitburn Church on £4,500 Award Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to Whitburn Pentecostal Church to congratulate them on their £4,500 Award as part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All Initiative. Fiona said; “I am very pleased that Whitburn Pentecostal Church has been awarded this £4,500 funding. The Church runs the West Lothian Foodbank and I understand that the funding will be used for volunteer support costs. “Particularly at this time of year, our local foodbanks work extremely hard for hard pressed families. This is welcome funding to a worthy cause at an important and special time of year.”  

Fiona Thanks Christmas Royal Mail Delivery Posties Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited Royal Mail’s delivery offices in Linlithgow and in Bathgate to pass on Christmas wishes and thanks to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year. Fiona was shown round the offices and was introduced to the postmen and women who are working hard sorting and delivering cards and parcels in the Linlithgow and Bathgate areas in the run-up to Christmas. Fiona commented: “It is always great to meet the dedicated, hard-working Royal Mail postmen and women in West Lothian and to see first-hand just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year. “The staff at our local delivery offices in Linlithgow and Bathgate do such an important job…

Hyslop Encourages Shopping Local this Christmas In advance of Small Business Saturday this weekend (Dec 3rd) Fiona Hyslop, MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, is encouraging her constituents to shop local this Christmas. Fiona said; “Small Businesses are at the heart of our communities, so it’s quite right that they should be highlighted and supported over the festive period. “West Lothian has huge variety of independent, locally run businesses, such as Again Clothing Shop in Whitburn, Boghall Butchers in Bathgate or ‘A Wee mindin’ in Linlithgow. Each business offers its town something unique and special. “If they’ve not already started, I would encourage my constituents to kick off their Christmas shopping this Saturday (Dec 3rd) – a day dedicated to recognising small businesses – and shop local this Christmas.” ENDS Notes…

Hyslop Highlights Neighbourhood Food Collection at Bathgate Tesco Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited Tesco in Bathgate to highlight their annual Neighbourhood Food Collection Campaign in West Lothian aiming to help those under additional financial pressures at Christmastime. Fiona commented; “I was pleased to visit Tesco in Bathgate to highlight this important campaign which provides families with the help they need in time for Christmas. Financial contributions to help with the running costs of West Lothian Foodbank would also be welcome. “I would like to thank Tesco shoppers in Bathgate for their generosity for contributing to this campaign and for easing the pressures of local families this festive period.”

Hyslop Welcomes Equality and Human Rights Convenor to Westfield Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the visit to Westfield Primary School by Equalities and Human Rights Committee Convenor Christina McKelvie MSP to mark Human Rights Day. Fiona commented; “When I visited Westfield Primary’s Rights Respecting Schools Committee I was very impressed with the research that had been done by the pupils who shared their views with me and asked me some important and interesting questions. “I wrote to Christina McKelvie, Convenor of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee in Parliament to let her know about the project Westfield Primary were undertaking and passed on some of their questions. “The pupils at Westfield Primary will be delighted to meet with Christina personally and discuss their concerns and hopes on Human…

Hyslop Welcomes Broxburn Academy Students to Parliament Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow has met with senior pupils from Broxburn Academy when they visited the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday (23rd November). Fiona said, “I am always delighted to meet with the students when they visit Holyrood. The Broxburn Academy students had some very interesting questions and a clear interest in both national and international politics. It was a pleasure to meet them. “We have a fantastic outreach programme at the Scottish Parliament and I am pleased that so many local schools are taking advantage of this.”

West Lothian Set to Benefit from £225,000 Additional Winter Fuel Funding Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement which states that families across West Lothian are set to benefit from £225,000 of additional funding to keep their homes warm this winter. Fiona Hyslop commented; “This is a welcome announcement from the Scottish Government showing their commitment to tackling fuel poverty. “The £225,000 that has been dedicated to West Lothian will go some way to helping the council and local housing associations tackle fuel poverty and ensure that some of the most vulnerable residents in West Lothian are able to heat their homes. “It is vital that we continue this action and target it in a way that makes a difference to those who need it most. ENDS…