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New Year brings new opportunities for Armadale young people £49,750 for Armadale Community Education Centre Fiona Hyslop, MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, has welcomed a new social enterprise giving Armadale youngsters £49,750 for valuable work experience in developing and delivering a film project. The Young Start Grant awarded to the Armadale Community Education Centre will allow them to work with over 70 young people who will create their own films and organise a youth film festival in both years. Fiona commented; “This is a fantastic initiative that will not only give the young people involved valuable film and production experience, it will also enhance their confidence and life skills, and provide the local community with unique cultural events. “I am looking forward to seeing the results of their work.” ENDS…

Hyslop Highlights Work of British Red Cross in Bathgate Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited the Red Cross Mobility and Independent Services Offices at Whitehill in Bathgate to highlight the work staff and volunteers do for their community. Fiona commented; “I was very pleased to be invited to the British Red Cross Mobility Office in Bathgate, meet the staff and volunteers who make the charity possible and to see first-hand the great work they do and to thank them for their invaluable service. “They told me they’ve made 4500 return journeys in the last year in supporting clients getting about the community and that shows a tremendous commitment from the volunteers. “They provide an opportunity for people to access a bit of freedom and independence in their daily lives.…

West Lothian Labour MPs vote to back Tory cuts despite 1 in 5 children in poverty Thursday, 15 January 2015 It has been revealed 28 Scottish Labour MPs including West Lothian based Michael Connarty MP and Graeme Morrice MP voted with the Tory/LibDem UK Government this week (Tuesday 13th January) for £75billion of cuts and tax rises. Commenting, local SNP Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop said; “I am deeply disappointed with Michael Connarty and Graeme Morrice for siding with the Tories and voting for more cuts and tax rises, directly affecting their own constituents in West Lothian – one of the hardest hit areas of George Osborne’s actions. “1 in 5 children across West Lothian are living in poverty, but it as high as 1 in 4 in areas such as…

HYSLOP WELCOMES FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL WEST LOTHIAN P1-3s FAMILIES WILL SAVE £330 FOR EACH CHILD AS SCHOOLS GO BACK ON THURSDAY Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government's initiative to allow free school meals to all Primary 1-3s across Primary Schools in West Lothian. The move – which is being provided nationally with £70.5m in revenue funding and £24.8m in additional capital funding by the Scottish Government – will provide P1-P3 children with guaranteed access to a healthy, nutritious meal and could positively shape children’s eating habits for the rest of their lives. Fiona Hyslop was the Education Secretary who piloted Free school meals in Fife, Glasgow and The Borders. Commenting, Fiona Hyslop said; "Free School Meals will be welcome news for families across West…

Local MSP Congratulates Karma Restaurant on Award Nomination Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has congratulated Indian Restaurant Karma in Whitburn on their nomination for Best Curryhouse in Scotland Award. Fiona commented; “I was delighted to meet with Robert Gill, one of the owners of Karma in Whitburn, to congratulate them on being nominated for this year’s Best Curryhouse in Scotland Award. “This is the third year in a row they have been nominated and even won the award at last year’s ceremony. They should be very proud of their achievements and the hard work and commitment they have put in to their business.”

Jack and Sophie Most Popular Names in West Lothian 2014 Speaking after the announcement of Scotland’s top 100 baby names, Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on the results for West Lothian. “This news gives us an interesting picture of the names chosen by proud parents across West Lothian. “Last year’s number one choice for a boy’s name, ‘Lewis’ is now in second place, while ‘Jack’ tops the boys list this year in West Lothian and across Scotland. Although ‘Sophie’ has been knocked off the national top spot for girls names by ‘Emily’, I am pleased to see that ‘Sophie’ is still the most popular choice in West Lothian.” ENDS To see if your name has made the top 100, visit http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/popular-forenames/2014/babiesnames-2014-t1.pdf

Christmas and New Year Message from Fiona Hyslop MSP December 2014 “As your MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, I am delighted to wish my constituents all the very best for the year ahead. “2014 has seen a tremendous year of sport and culture. A hugely successful Commonwealth Games in Glasgow allowed us to come together as a nation, support our local heros such as Judo Champion and Commonwealth Medal Winner Connie Ramsay and the many Clydesiders who came from West Lothian. We watched on proudly as they competed and contributed to the most successful Commonwealth Games to date. “In August this year we also witnessed the first ever Party at the Palace – a hugely successful music event which took place on Linlithgow Peel in the stunning grounds of Linlithgow…

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