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St John’s Children’s Ward Health Secretary Shona Robison says “Measures are only Temporary” – Hyslop Comments Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has said that the statement from the Health Secretary, Shona Robison that the measures to close St John’s Paediatric ward overnight are only temporary is reassuring. It follows a warning that it would pose a risk to safety if the ward remained open 24hrs a day after a series of staff pressures with annual leave, sick leave and maternity leave all coinciding. Fiona said, “I share my constituents’ concerns about the restrictions on the Children’s Ward opening times overnight but the intervention by the Health Secretary stating that these measures are only temporary are welcome. “As the local MSP for Linlithgow I will be meeting with the Chief Executive…

Hyslop Welcomes World Heritage Status for Forth Bridge Local Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that the Forth Bridge has become the sixth Scottish landmark to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. World heritage status is given to sites of "outstanding universal value" with the aim of protecting them for future generations. Commenting, Fiona said; “I was delighted to see the Forth Bridge inscripted as a World Heritage Site as the Government Minister who has led and supported the nomination over these past few years. “We have established the Forth Bridge Forum to bring partners together and a big thanks is due in particular to Government Agency Historic Scotland, Network Rail who own the bridge and Transport Scotland for a great deal of hard work in putting…

Fiona Addresses Flight Path Noise Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has contacted Edinburgh Airport after a number of constituents approached her regarding noise levels caused by the new trial flight path particularly over Broxburn and Uphall. Fiona said; “I met with airport bosses back in early June to discuss what the proposed new flight path, which will run from June 25th – Dec 23rd 2015, meant for my constituents. They gave me a commitment to monitor sound levels and tracking the planes to ensure they remained en route to minimise the impact on residents. “Given the recent correspondence I have received from constituents in the last week, I have written to airport bosses to request that they move sound monitors into the Broxburn/Uphall area once they have gathered the necessary information…

Top Japanese golfer appointed golf ambassador ahead of The Open One of Japan’s top golfers has been announced as Scotland’s first Goodwill Golf ambassador to Japan ahead of next month’s Open Championship at St Andrews. The 2014 Japanese Open champion, Yuta Ikeda was appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop at a ceremony at the British Embassy in Tokyo earlier this morning. As a Goodwill Golf Ambassador, Mr Ikeda will represent the Japanese Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) and fellow Japanese professionals during the competition. He will also be competing in The Open at St Andrews. Ms Hyslop said, “Yuta Ikeda is a talented professional and I wish him the best of luck at St Andrews. As our first goodwill ambassador to Japan, I am…

External Affairs Secretary sets out priorities for exports growth Scotland’s priorities for strengthening business and trade links with Japan were set out in Tokyo this morning by the Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop. Life sciences, food and drink and the renewable energy sectors will be the Scottish Government’s priority areas for growing the value of Scotland’s direct exports to Japan – currently worth £295 million. With a combined turnover of £1.4 billion, the latest figures show 80 Japanese businesses are investing in Scotland employing 5430 people. Between 2012 and 2014, Scottish businesses secured six new projects with Japan creating 153 new jobs and safeguarding 227 more. Ms Hyslop was speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce in Tokyo to representatives of Japanese and international businesses. Ms Hyslop said:…

Physical Education Levels at Record High in Local Schools Fiona Hyslop MSP welcomes success of Scottish Government drive to get young people active Fiona Hyslop MSP has welcomed new figures showing that 100% of school children in West Lothian are now receiving the recommended amount of exercise at school. In 2010 55 per cent of Scottish primary schools received at least two hours of PE a week compared to just 5% in 2005 – and now that figure stands at 99% across Scotland and 100% here in West Lothian. Welcoming this Fiona said: “Physical education is the best possible way to promote and ensure a level of fitness for young people in Scotland. And it gives our young athletes of the future a chance to excel at an early age…

Hyslop Votes in Favour of New Community Empowerment Bill Following Minister’s Visit to Linlithgow Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop has supported new legislation which allows more power and decision making at community level. Legislation which was passed on Wednesday (17th June) will give communities more rights to take over land in both urban and rural areas – this could include transforming waste ground into community gardens or bringing empty shops back into use. Commenting after the stage three debate which approved the new Bill, Fiona said; “I was pleased to welcome Marco Biagi, Local Government and Communities Minister to Linlithgow a few weeks ago to discuss the Bill and what it could do for Linlithgow. “I am delighted that the new Community Empowerment Bill has been passed allowing…

Hyslop Attends Community Football Festival Launch Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has attended the launch of Armdale’s Community Football Club Festival at Armadale Academy at the weekend (14th June) and handed out medals to the young people taking part. Speaking after the event, Fiona said; “I was delighted to attend and support Armadale’s 5th Community Football Festival. The energy you get from sport and fitness is fundamental to our physical and mental wellbeing and something that should be embraced and promoted across our communities.” “Over 1500 young people took part and It was a pleasure to award the young sports men and women with medals for their achievement during the festival. I would like to pass on my congratulations to Armadale Community Football Club for their organising and fundraising at…

Fiona Meets Brownies as Part of Girls Matter Campaign Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has visited the South Queensferry Brownies to chat about politics, women’s movements and how girls can have their voices heard as part of their ‘Girls Matter’ Campaign. Speaking after the event, Fiona said; “As a former brownie, girlguide and ranger guide I was delighted to be invited to meet the South Queensferry Brownies and chat to them about why our voices matter and how they can become involved in decisions that affect them locally, nationally and internationally. “In Scotland we now have our first female First Minister and the first Scottish Cabinet made up of 50% women. There are many strong successful working women who we can look to as role models for our young girls and…

Local MSP Marks Volunteers Week in Blackburn Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop has visited Mosside Retirement Home in Blackburn to mark Volunteers Week 2013 (June 1st – 7th). Commenting at her visit, Ms Hyslop said; “I am delighted to be at Mosside Retirement Home in Blackburn to mark the hugely important work that our volunteers do. “Volunteers Week is a great opportunity to showcase our volunteers and ensure that their dedication and hard work is recognised. “Today I was pleased to meet a number of volunteers and awarded them with certificates for their achievements. I have been able to see first-hand the contribution they make to their communities and the benefits they offer our society. “They’re work is an inspiration and I am more than happy to…