Category: News in Lothian

“As many of my Constituents will be aware, I have been working on the issues relating to Linlithgow Loch for a number of years and expect to meet Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to discuss these in the coming weeks. “This week, following reports of dead fish in Linlithgow Loch, I have contacted Historic Environment Scotland, who own the Loch, and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to report this. “I share my Constituents concerns in relation to these reports and will keep them updated on the responses I received from both HES and SEPA on this important issue.” ENDS

“Following West Lothian Council’s announcement of their plans to have the Managing Committees of Community Centres take on ownership and responsibility of the buildings, I wrote to West Lothian Council to share my concerns. “I have been contacted by local Management Committees following this announcement from West Lothian Council who share my concerns. “While Community Asset Transfers can be positive when they are proactively sought on an individual and voluntary basis by local communities, I am concerned that by wholesale off-loading responsibility and costs on to community volunteers, the Council are placing a serious burden of responsibility and risk on a small number of volunteers who have varying levels of experience and expertise. Giving this responsibility to the Management Committees, who may struggle with the financial commitment required to keep…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has said that the UK Government’s decision to increase tuition fees in England shows that only the SNP can be trusted to protect free tuition for students in West Lothian. UK Education Secretary Bridget Philipson announced on Monday 4th November, that fees will increase to £9,535 per year as a freeze on tuition fees which has seen them capped since 2017/18 comes to an end under Labour.  Commenting Fiona said: “It is clear that the Labour Government cannot be trusted on tuition fees as we have seen with the Education Secretary’s announcement that fee will be increasing in England. “As the Government Minister who abolished the Graduate Endowment Fee, abolishing an unfair education tax and making higher education free in Scotland, I…

In her role as a Scottish Government Cabinet Minister, local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited the new Hopetoun Gardens as part of Living Wage Week. Commenting following the visit Fiona said: “The new Hopetoun Gardens, in my Constituency, are vast in size and run by a welcoming team of staff steeped in experience and horticultural expertise. “It was a pleasure to visit the Gardens and meet the team who serve a loyal customer base. “I recognised their status as a Real Living Wage Employer as part of Living Wage Week. The Real Living Wage will be £12.60 per hour from £12 per hour. “The Gardens also have an excellent café and a great range in their shop, I would recommend a visit to my Constituents and anyone looking…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop MSP, welcomes new figures which show £6 million has been paid out to families across West Lothian in Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods Payments. Figures from Social Security Scotland, a total of £164,448,957 was paid out across Scotland in Best Start Foods payments and Best Start Grants since they were introduced – these are two of the 15 benefits administered by Social Security Scotland. Commenting Fiona said: “In West Lothian £6 million has been paid out between 2018 and June 2024, following 12,620 applications. “The SNP Government is rightly proud of the different approach we have taken in Scotland to social security – one which, in stark contrast that of the DWP, is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect. “I…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights the launch of the FAST campaign to help people recognise the symptoms of a stroke and to act FAST. Commenting Fiona said: “Over 15,000 people in Scotland have a stroke each year so it is essential that people recognise the signs of a stroke when it is happening and call 999. “Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland promotes FAST – which is used to identify a stroke. “Fast highlights three specific symptoms of stroke – facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems and the need to take emergency action immediately. “I would encourage my Constituents to familiarise themselves with FAST as a stroke can happen at any time and taking action quickly is essential.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is again calling on Royal Bank of Scotland to reconsider their decision to close their Bathgate Branch. RBS announced their intention to close the Bathgate branch effective from 25th September 2024, however, this date has now been delayed until 14th November 2024. Commenting Fiona said; “The closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Bathgate branch will be a huge loss to the town. “I have repeatedly called on RBS to rethink this closure and was hopeful when the branch was able to remain open past the initial closure date announced by RBS of 25th September 2024. “I have previously written to RBS to urge them to rethink their decision to close the Bathgate branch and my position on this closure has not changed…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news that over 3.6 million free bus pass journeys were made in West Lothian in 2023/23. The Scottish Government has consistently protected bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans and introducing free bus travel for under 22’s. Commenting Fiona said: “I’m really pleased to see that over 3.6 million bus journeys have been made by bus pass holders across West Lothian this last year. “This vital support from the Scottish Government provides a lifeline for many allowing people to access essential services, employment, and education. “The positive impact of the bus passes provided by the Scottish Government cannot be underestimated, however, I do recognise that bus travel can present…

The next local Public Meeting on Linlithgow Loch Catchment Area is due at the beginning of November and commenting in advance of the meeting Fiona Hyslop MSP said; “As many of my Constituents will be aware there has been on-going concerns about Linlithgow Loch and following the recent re-convening of the Linlithgow Loch Strategic Management Group, I had originally helped get established some years ago, and the latest public meeting I have taken up the issue of potential impact of the M9 on the Loch and the monitoring by the Scottish Government of Nitrates and Phosphorus in Linlithgow Loch. “I wrote to Transport Scotland, in my role as local MSP, in relation to potential chloride run-off from the M9 that could be having a negative impact on the health of the…

“Like so many others across the Independence movement, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Alex Salmond on Saturday 12th October. “Alex was very proud of his West Lothian roots, being a son of Linlithgow, and I attended many events with him in our town over the years. “He was unique with a drive and determination to achieve Independence for Scotland that never dimmed. “Against all odds Alex led the SNP into Government and gave us all the chance to decide our own future and say YES to Independence in the 2014 Independence Referendum. “Over the last few days, we have seen so many tributes to Alex Salmond and it is clear, he was a titan of the Scottish Independence movement. “My condolences go to Moira,…