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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…

Hyslop Visits Linlithgow Bridge Primary in Parliament Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow has met with primary seven pupils from Linlithgow Bridge Primary in Linlithgow when they visited the Scottish Parliament on today (Thursday, 6th November). (see photo) Fiona said, “I am always delighted to meet with the young students when they visit Holyrood. Linlithgow Bridge pupils had some very interesting questions and we were able to chat about their Mill Stories Project from this time last year which I went to see at the time. “It is important for young people to meet with their representatives and find out how their Parliament works whether their interests lie in politics, the arts, enterprise or any other field. “We have a fantastic outreach programme at the Scottish Parliament and I am pleased…

Hyslop Celebrated 75 Years of Citizens Advice Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has met with staff from Citizens Advice Scotland when they visited the Scottish Parliament to mark 75 years in operation. Fiona commented; “Citizens Advice is a remarkable charity and helps a vast number of my constituents every day. We know that employment, debt and Benefit worries are the most common commonly raised concerns in the Linlithgow Constituency – issues that the Scottish Government is committed to tackling ensuring a fairer society. As the local MSP I am proud to support Citizens Advice in Bathgate to help deliver for the needs of my constituents.”

External Affairs Ministers go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow joins the fight against breast cancer by wearing pink Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop has joined the fight against breast cancer by taking part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s flagship fundraiser, wear it pink day. The theme of wear it pink this year is to ‘look good, do good’ in support of breast cancer research. On Friday 24 October people across the country will come together to find fun and stylish ways to wear pink in the office, at home or at school. Donations raised by this year’s fashion inspired event will go to Breast Cancer Campaign to fund lifesaving breast cancer research. Fiona, who is pictured with her Deputy Minister for International Development, Humza Yousaf,…

Hyslop Welcomes Continued Investment for West Lothian Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s budget which passed through Parliament last week which she has said will create a fairer and more prosperous society. Speaking in the Chamber last Thursday, the Finance Secretary John Swinney said the budget would build on the Scottish Government’s track record since 2007 and take steps to meet the aspirations for Scotland set out in the recent referendum campaign. Fiona commented; “Last week the Scottish Government announced its ongoing investment for the people of West Lothian. Not only will West Lothian Residents save around £1200 due to the continued council tax freeze, West Lothian residents trying to get on the housing market will find this easier as of April next year as stamp…

Hyslop Congratulates Parliament Barista Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has congratulated her constituent Kirsty Rafferty – the Scottish Parliament’s Coffee Barista – on her recent Gold medal at the Sodexo Scotland Culinaire 2014 competition for Best Speciality Coffee for her "Holyrood Whip". Fiona said, “I am so pleased for Kirsty, I know how hard she has worked to achieve this. Her ‘Holyrood Whip’, which contains lavender from the Parliamentary Gardens, has proved very popular. I wish Kirsty all the best for the Final Competition at Royal Ascot on October 22nd.” ENDS Kirsty Rafferty is from Broxburn West Lothian Kirsty will compete in the Sodexo Salon Culinaire 2014 Final competition at Royal Ascot on 22 October. She is one of 10 finalists from an original pool of 30 competitors. She has…

Hyslop Supports Coffee Morning Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has backed Macmillan Cancer Support’s coffee morning and urged people across West Lothian to do the same by visiting a local coffee morning over the next week. Fiona said; “I am always happy to support this fantastic cause and Macmillan’s coffee mornings are a great fun way to help raise much needed funds to support cancer care. “There will be a number of coffee mornings going on locally over the next week and I would urge everyone to go along to their nearest event and join in for such a worthy cause.” To find a MacMillan coffee morning near you or to host one of your own visit: http://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/tips-ideas-and-recipes/Find/Findacoffeemorningnearyou.aspx#.VCU2kqKyC_s

Hyslop Celebrates “The Lithgae Piper” at Ryder Cup Concert Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop has commended “The Lithgae Piper” Ross Miller’s performance as he played bagpipes at the SSE Hydro on Wednesday evening (24th September) at the Ryder Cup Gala Dinner Concert in Glasgow. He played as part of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland in a bill with Eddie Reader and Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire. Fiona said, “I have seen Ross Miller play the pipes as part of the Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band and in the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland many times. I was extremely proud to see him walk on to play solo at the start of the finale with Scottish Opera, joined by the full National Youth Pipe Band…