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STURGEON TO SPEAK AT WEST LOTHIAN REFERENDUM INFO EVENING Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to speak at an event in Livingston for people across West Lothian undecided about which way they will vote in next year’s independence referendum. Ms Sturgeon will be joined on the Deans High School platform on Wednesday 4th December by local MSPs, and fellow Scottish Government ministers, Angela Constance and Fiona Hyslop. The event is to coincide with the Scottish Government White Paper on independence being launched on the 26th November, a document which sets out the Government’s vision for Scotland after a Yes vote. The local campaign group Yes West Lothian has organised the evening which is designed to give undecided voters the information they are looking for to help make up their minds…

Local MSP Welcomes Success of £8m for New Jobs for Vion Staff 1000 ex-Vion employees have benefitted from the £8m which was secured from Scottish Government funding aimed at staff who had been made redundant at the Vion Halls plant last year. The community has been boosted by initiatives that include £630,000 towards on-site support during the wind-down of the factory; £225,000 for English-language training for 400 workers, mainly from Poland; and a new £1m Business Gateway centre that is in itself creating 170 jobs. Fiona Hyslop commented; “As the local constituency MSP for Broxburn and a member of the Government-led taskforce, I have always firmly campaigned on behalf of the staff at the Vion Halls plant. “We have always had a strong sense of community in West Lothian. I…

Passenger Use of Bathgate – Airdrie Line Rises by 22% Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that passengers on the new train line which runs from Helensburgh and Balloch to Edinburgh have increased by 22% since the line opened in 2010. This statistic was provided by Transport Minister, Keith Brown during Portfolio Questions in Parliament. The Bathgate - Airdrie Line project also included new stations at Bathgate, Armadale and Blackridge. Fiona commented; “As the local constituency MSP, I am delighted to see these positive figures for the use of the line.” “The rail link has opened up access to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh, provided new jobs and is a welcome upgrade to our local towns. I am very pleased to see that the residents of these towns…

Bathgate Soldier Commemorated in National WWI Exhibition Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, who is pictured with belongings of Corporal Buchanan from Bathgate who fought in the First World War, launched the Exhibition Programme at Edinburgh Castle last week. The Next of Kin exhibition will display memorabilia that has been kept by families of those who were lost during World War One . Fiona said, “We must never forget the impact that the First World War had on our country, our families and out communities. “At the launch of the programme for the National Museum of Scotland, I was privileged to see items belonging to Corporal Buchanan which forms part of the exhibition. Objects included cards he sent to is family, a photo of himself and his medal and letter that…

Hyslop Meets with Armadale Primary at Social Enterprise Event Local MSP Fiona Hyslop met with pupils and staff from Armadale Primary when they visited the Scottish Parliament for an event to celebrate Scotland’s social enterprises and in particular mark their recent win for an ‘Education & Training Social Enterprise (Schools)’ Award. Fiona said, “I was pleased that he pupils from the Enterprise Committee of Armadale Primary had their achievements recognised and it was great to meet them personally last week in Parliament. I also understand that the Primary School Choir singing on the Garden Lobby steps went down very well indeed. “In West Lothian we have a keen interest in social enterprise and it was great to see the pupils’ involvement in learning how they contribute to our lives and…

MSP Supports West Lothian Volunteers on ‘Make A Difference Day’ Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway and the Barnardos store in Linlithgow to highlight National “Make a Difference Day” which encourages more people to volunteer for with their local charities. Make a Difference Day is on Saturday 27th October 2013, but thousands of “new volunteers” will be giving up their time throughout the next two weeks in support of local charities. Ms Hyslop said; “I always enjoy the opportunity to highlight volunteering and the vital work that our volunteers do.The voluntary sector makes a huge contribution to West Lothian’s social economy. Without their dedication and hard work many of our local charities would not be able to cope. “I was very pleased to meet some…

Hyslop Questions West Lothian Council Leader on £2m Cut Vote Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to West Lothian Council Leader, John McGinty demanding to know why he voted at COSLA to reduce the Council’s 2015/16 grant from the Scottish Government by £2m. Despite the fact that West Lothian is one of the fastest growing regions in Scotland, the Labour motion, supported by Cllr. McGinty, demands that the population changes for 15/16 be ignored and that councils get the same cash figure as in 14/15. Fiona said; “It is well known that we have an ever increasing population in West Lothian, particularly when it comes to children and older people. I am extremely disappointed and confused as to why the council Leader would turn down an extra £2m that…

Hyslop Clarifies Winchburgh Tunnel Rail Link Work Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has confirmed that the comprehensive £650m EGIP Programme which will update Central Scotland’s transport links will not see passengers travelling between Linlithgow, Falkirk, Stirling, Dunblane and Edinburgh without transport for 12 weeks. Fiona said; “I wrote to the Minister for Transport last week (Monday Sept 30th) asking for clarification on the issue. I am pleased to confirm that in his response, Mr Keith Brown assured me that the upgrade project will not see passengers without train travel for 12 weeks as some reports have indicated.” In his letter the Transport Minister said; “It has been mis-reported that the required electrification works will see the Winchburgh Tunnel closed for up to 12 weeks with passengers left without a service. “I…

Hyslop Welcomes Votes at 16 Registration for Referendum Thursday, 03 October 2013 Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed news that young people who will be 16 or over in next year’s referendum can now register to take part. Fiona said, “I have always been in favour of giving 16 and 17 year olds the opportunity to vote in all elections, particularly in next year’s referendum. “This is a big decision that will shape the country you live in. I want to encourage 16 and 17 year olds - whatever your opinion on our constitutional future is – to use your vote in this historic election on September 28th 2014.” Young people born on or after 18th September 1998 will be eligible to vote in the Referendum. Registration forms are…

Hyslop Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has joined the fight against breast cancer by taking part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s biggest (and pinkest) fundraiser, Wear it Pink Day. Over the last 10 years wear it pink has raised a staggering £23 million and on Friday 25 October 2013 people will come together in schools, colleges and businesses across Scotland to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Campaign’s lifesaving research. Fiona commented; “Every year in Scotland around 4,400 people are diagnosed with breast cancer, including around 25 men. I know many of my constituents will have been affected by cancer in some way and so I would encourage everyone who can to donate or raise awareness of this important campaign.” To register for wear it…