Category: News in Lothian

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the announcement from Creative Scotland, which will see a record number of cultural organisations, including in West Lothian, receive stable, multi-year funding. This funding will be available thanks to a significant commitment from the Scottish Government in the upcoming 2025/26 Scottish Budget. Commenting Fiona said: “This Scottish Budget will see the largest ever funding commitment for Scotland’s cultural sector with over £200 million being provided to 251 organisations over the next three years. “The investment makes the Scottish Government’s commitment to the arts clear, reinforcing Scotland’s status as a global cultural leader, and also delivering economic benefits by supporting jobs, freelancers and creative workers across West Lothian. “In West Lothian we value our culture sector and I am pleased to…

“This Scottish Government Budget prioritises supporting families and children across West Lothian. The commitments made in this Budget make clear that the Scottish Government are committed to eradicating poverty in Scotland and are taking steps to achieve this. “This Scottish Budget will provide record levels of NHS funding, the universal Winter Fuel Payment for our pensioners, and take steps to replace benefits for 15,000 children keeping them out of poverty after the UK Government’s Two Child Cap limit. “This is a Budget that makes sense for people in my Constituency and across Scotland, investing an additional £2bn for the NHS and supporting families with the cost of living, and I am pleased to see that an agreement has been reached with the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Green Party to…

Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news that no new cases of cervical cancer have been detected in women across West Lothian who have received the HPV vaccine. Commenting Fiona said: “In West Lothian, 2,471 pupils received the vaccine last year and there have been no new cases of cervical cancer detected in those who are fully vaccinated. “Figures from Public Health Scotland show that there have been no cervical cancer cases detected in fully vaccinated women since the immunisation programme began in 2008, highlighting the importance of receiving the vaccine. “This shows the efficacy of preventative healthcare, and I would encourage all those who are offered the HPV vaccine to take it.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has hit out at the UK Labour Government’s betrayal of WASPI women in West Lothian. Figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) reveal that 10,070 women in West Lothian may have lost out on pension payments. The UK Government, Department of Work and Pension’s failed to inform these women of the changes to the state pension age, resulting in an estimated 355,910 women across Scotland not receiving money they were entitled to. The Scottish Government and Westminster SNP Group have been clear that the UK Government must do the right thing and support the WASPI women. Commenting Fiona said: “It is disappointing to see the UK Government renege on their promise to compensate the WASPI women. “The SNP continues to call…

Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted Scottish Government support for the health and social care sector and unpaid carers, following a visit to Redmill Care Home in East Whitburn. "I was pleased to visit Redmill Care Home in East Whitburn in my Constituency, where I had the chance to meet with and thank staff for the vital work they do, particularly over the winter period, which has been challenging given the surge in flu cases. "In the 2025/26 Scottish Budget, The Scottish Government will deliver record funding for the health and social care system, spending £21 billion to ensure faster and more accessible care for people across West Lothian. "I am also aware of the role unpaid carers play, which is why I welcome the Scottish Government…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, attended the 80th Anniversary of the Road Haulage Association in the Scottish Parliament, in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Transport. Commenting Fiona said: “I was pleased to attend and speak at the 80th Anniversary of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in my role as Cabinet Secretary for Transport. “The RHA are based in Bathgate in my Constituency and for eight decades have been at the heart of one of the most vital industries in our economy – an industry that keeps our shelves stocked, gets our goods to market and keeps our communities connected. “Over the years we have seen this industry change and through all of this the RHA have been a steadfast advocate for their members, adapting to new…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has encouraged all eligible people in West Lothian to make sure that they get their winter flu jag to protect them against serious illness this winter. Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccine amongst people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) showing that 79.8% of people over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine. This was a higher percentage than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Commenting Fiona said: “I would urge all of my Constituents, who are eligible, to get vaccinated this winter to ensure that you have the best possible protection against flu viruses which are in circulation. “The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop has called for support for families in the Scottish Government’s 2025/26 Budget. The First Minister gave a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 7th January, making clear that it is a priority of the Scottish Government to eradicate child poverty in Scotland. Commenting Fiona said: “The 2025-26 Scottish Budget takes decisive action towards a future where we end child poverty in Scotland and fight inequality but as the SNP does not have a majority in Parliament it needs MSPs, and not just from the SNP, to support the budget to deliver it. “I would urge all parties to vote for this Scottish Budget which will support children and families across West Lothian with a range of payments, including Best Start Grant…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to deliver a new payment to support older people with their energy bills. Commenting Fiona said: “The UK Government’s decision to axe universal Winter Fuel Payment, will mean pensioners in West Lothian are going without essential support this winter. “In 2022/23 28,955 people in West Lothian were in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment, however many of these people will have lost this support due to the UK Government’s decision to scrap universal winter heating support. “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Sommerville MSP, confirm to the Scottish Parliament that the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be available to all pensioners in West Lothian when introduced…