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Hyslop Offers Support to Donaldson’s Following HM Report into Donaldson’s School Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to the new Principal offering support as she takes forward improvements set out in the latest HM Education Scotland Report which was published on Thursday 11th of December. The report from last month’s unannounced inspection took place after concerns in the school came to light. There have been resignations of several Board Members including the Chair as a result. Fiona commented; “This is a very direct and challenging report, clearly Donaldson’s have not been operating in the manner that parents and the wider community would have expected. “I appreciate the swift and decisive action taken by HM Inspectors at Education Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Government. There were clearly faults at…

Hyslop Urges ‘Be Prepared’ for Winter Weather Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop is urging her constituents across West Lothian to ensure they are prepared and ready for winter. With storms, snow and high winds already hitting Scotland, winter is well on its way. Disruption is expected over the next week across the country after yellow warning was announced. This means high winds, with ferries, rail services and bridges likely to be affected. Fiona said; “Severe weather can strike at any time and it is important that we prepare for this and take action as early as possible. The Yellow Warning across Scotland tells us to be aware of bad weather including high winds and rain. I would urge everyone to double check travel arrangements before leaving home. “I would also…

Hyslop Congratulated West Lothian Schools Pipe Band on Award Win Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency Fiona Hyslop has congratulated West Lothian Schools Pipe Band on their recent win at the ‘Hands up for Trad’ Traditional Music Awards. West Lothian Schools Pipe Band was awarded ‘Scottish Pipe Band of the Year’ – an award sponsored by The National Piping Centre. Fiona said; “I am delighted that West Lothian School’s Pipe Band has been awarded Scottish Pipe Band of the Year at the Hands up for Trad Awards at the weekend. (13th December). “This is a fantastic Award and I am so pleased that they have been recognised for their hard work and passion for Piping and Scottish traditional music in what has been a great year of achievement for them.” ENDS

Hyslop Supports Small Business Saturday Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has travelled across the towns in her constituency promoting Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday, which took place on Saturday 6 December, is designed to support, inspire and promote small businesses during the busiest shopping period of the year and also to raise the general public’s awareness and indeed their appreciation for small businesses beyond the event. Fiona commented; “I am delighted to support Small Business Saturday. Small Businesses are the heart of our communities and I am pleased to see so many local people taking advantage of their local shops and cafes. “This does not only benefit the local business but the also the community and the local economy it provides for.” ENDS

Hyslop Congratulates West Lothian Volunteers at Awards Ceremony Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has congratulated the winners of this year’s Volunteers Awards and presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Marylin Boland. Fiona Commented; “I was delighted to attend the West Lothian Volunteer Awards this year at the Hilcroft Hotel in Whitburn and to present Marylin Boland with the Volunteer of the Year Award. “The work our volunteers do in West Lothian is invaluable to our communities. The time and effort they give to help others is always so inspiring and I am delighted to attend any event which highlights their efforts.”

Programme for Government Wins for West Lothian Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government which she says will have clear wins for West Lothian. Fiona commented; “The new Programme for Government aims to deliver three key aspects: to strengthen the economy, to tackle inequalities and to empower communities. With investment in affordable housing, free school meals for all P1-3 children and a commitment to tackle child poverty, I know that this Programme for Government will be welcomed by many across West Lothian. “I know from speaking to my constituents that health issues are always a priority. Not only is the Scottish Government investing more into health budgets, The First Minister has assured us that the health service will remain in public hands and free…

Hyslop Comments on Donaldson’s Update Following the news that half the Governors from Donaldson’s School have resigned, Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow commented; “This is the right move – it is essential that the Governing body takes responsibility for the lack of leadership to date and draw on experience from the education and childcare sector in moving forward. “I am pleased that immediate steps have already been taken, and will continue to be taken, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people at Donaldson's.”

West Lothian MSPs Welcome New Cabinet Posts Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow and Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley have welcomed the First Minister’s new Cabinet. Fiona Hyslop’s Culture and External Affairs post now specifically includes Europe, while Angela Constance has moved from Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment to Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. Fiona commented; “I am delighted to be appointed to Nicola Sturgeon’s new Cabinet and to retain what must be the best role in Government. We have a great deal to do in terms of promoting our culture both nationally and internationally. Now with Europe as a clear part of my title responsibilities I will be looking forward to setting out Scotland’s place in the world and in Europe.” Angela Constance added;…

Local MSP for Linlithgow Comments on Donaldson’s Situation Following the news that an unannounced inspection took place at Linlithgow’s Donaldson’s School for the Deaf after allegations were made against a senior member of staff, local constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop said; “I am very concerned regarding the situation at Donaldson’s School in Linlithgow. I have sought and received an urgent briefing from Michael Russell, the Education Secretary. “The welfare of the children currently attending Donaldson’s has to be the immediate concern and I am reassured that Education Scotland have taken the required steps. This is the first time in 15 years that a notice under Section 66c of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 has been issued. “I will be asking questions about the board and governance arrangements and what oversight they…

Hyslop Welcomes Welfare Support for West Lothian West Lothian to receive a share of £104m to Tackle Welfare Reform Local MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the recent Scottish Government announcement of £104 million shared across Scotland to tackle the impact of Westminster Welfare Reforms. The £104 million which forms part of the Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2015-16, will benefit a number of schemes as part of the Scottish Welfare Fund, Council Tax Reduction Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments. Fiona said; “Without a doubt, the number one issue my constituents come to me about relates to the Westminster Government’s welfare reform. In a country as wealthy as Scotland, it is unacceptable that there are people in West Lothian and across the country who are living in poverty. “This…