Category: News in Lothian

Local MSP Marks Volunteers Week in Bathgate Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has visited Carron Court in Bathgate to mark Volunteers Week 2013 (June 3rd -9th). Commenting at her visit, Ms Hyslop said; “I am delighted to be at Carron Court in Bathgate to mark the hugely important work that our volunteers do. “Volunteers Week is a great opportunity to showcase our volunteers and ensure that their dedication and hard work is recognised. “Today I have met many volunteers and staff at Carron Court, run by Bield Housing Association and have seen first-hand the contribution they make to their communities and the benefits they offer our society. “They’re work is an inspiration and I am more than happy to highlight their efforts.”

Hyslop Welcomes Young Musician to Parliament Fiona has met with local Broxburn Academy pupil Connor Smith when he visited Parliament last week (6th June) to mark his win as the Rotary Young Musician 2013. Connor sang “Silent Noon” by Raloh Vaugh-Williams and “Des Blinis” from The Magic Flute by Mozart. “I am thrilled that Connor has won such a prestigious award. To come first in a UK and Ireland wide Competition which started off with over six thousand entries is such a fantastic result. “We have so much musical talent in West Lothian and I am always pleased to hear of the successes of young people enjoying the arts.”

Hyslop Highlights Broxburn Sports Club in Voluntary Sector Speech in Parliament Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has spoken in Parliament this week (Tuesday 28th May) about the importance of the third sector in Scotland and made specific reference to Broxburn United Sports Club in West Lothian. Fiona commented, “The voluntary sector in West Lothian is hugely important to each and every community and I was pleased to highlight the Sports Club in Broxburn who have benefited from voluntary sector funding from the Bank of Scotland Foundation.” In her speech, Fiona referenced the local sports club saying; “I’m particularly pleased to note that, in my own constituency of Linlithgow, Broxburn United Sports Club has received over £13,000 from the (Bank of Scotland) Foundation in the last 2 years to improve facilities. “Recognised…

Hyslop Congratulates Boghall and Bathgate Win at British Pipe Band Championships Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has congratulated the Boghall and Bathgate Novice Juveniles for coming first at the British Pipe Band Championships in Bathgate on Saturday. (25th May) Fiona said; “Despite competition from 21 other juvenile bands, I am delighted that Boghall and Bathgate Novice Juveniles came first at the British Pipe Band Championships at the weekend. “This win shows the hard work and determination put in by the band and all those involved and I was very pleased to be there personally on the day to support them. “The Boghall and Bathgate Grade 1 team - who picked up second prize – also delivered a fantastic performance in a very tight contest.”

Hyslop Marks British Pipe Band Championships in Bathgate Local constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop marked the British Pipe Band Championships on Saturday (May 25th) by attending their reception and awards ceremony at Meadow Park in Bathgate. Fiona said; “I am delighted to support this event, particularly when we have so much local talent watching and participating in today’s championships. “West Lothian has a strong sense of culture and a strong Scottish identity particularly within traditional music and it is fantastic to have such a prestigious event on our doorsteps.”

Hyslop Supports Home Grown Goods in Armadale Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop visited Armadale’s Community Growing Garden to support the good work done by their volunteers over the recent months, promote local produce and gardening projects in the community and to see the progress of the planting season. Fiona said; “Despite the bad weather we have had this spring, the group who runs the growing garden in Armadale are continuing to work hard to keep the garden beautiful for those who visit. “A huge number of volunteers dedicate a lot of time and effort to this garden and I am always happy to hear their news and support their work which actively promotes growing your own vegetables and eating a healthy diet.”

Hyslop Celebrates West Lothian 42nd Highland Games May 15th 2013 Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop attended the West Lothian Chieftains Parade and Highland Games as a Games Association guest at the weekend. Commenting on the day Ms Hyslop said; “The Highland Games in Meadow Park this year, as always, has been a triumphant success. Despite the weather, the crowds came out in droves and helped build the momentum for the British Pipe Band Championships next weekend in Bathgate. “The event is run solely by local volunteers and they deserve massive congratulations for the important work they do and the enjoyable day they have delivered for their community.”

Fiona Welcomes Statement on Scottish Canals in Chamber Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the statement made by the Transport and Veterans Minister, Keith Brown on Wednesday (24th April) setting out the Scottish Government’s Canal Strategy. Scottish canals will undergo a major rejuvenation as part of a ten-year blueprint for major waterways which will result in greater recreation and tourism for local towns. Fiona said, “With the union canal running through Linlithgow and Broxburn, canals are an important feature in my constituency. “This is good news for Linlithgow and Broxburn. For years local volunteers provided vision and worked to develop the canal basins. It is great to see with the formation of Scottish Canals that we now have a new national plan for canals in Scotland.” The Scottish Government’s new…

Hyslop Marks West Lothian International Workers Memorial Day Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop attended West Lothian’s International Workers Memorial Day in Bathgate on Sunday (28th April). Commenting on the day, Fiona said; “I was pleased to attend such an important event, to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day - a tribute in remembering workers who have died, been injured or made seriously ill through work. It was particularly poignant because of the awful devastation and death of workers this week in Bangladesh. “West Lothian was an early pioneer of commemorating this day and would like to thank West Lothian Trades Council for developing the day. “Each year, across the world, more than 2 million men and women die as a result of work related accidents and diseases. Annually, asbestos claims 100,000…

Hyslop Welcomes Consultation Tackling Metal Theft Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news of a consultation seeking view on introducing a tougher licensing regime and banning cash payments for metal. Following an initial consultation last year, this further consultation specifically focuses on what conditions dealers should be subject to under a new licensing regime with all dealers licensed, and the question of cash payments for metal. Fiona said; “Just last month, metal thieves stole £6,000 worth of copper from Croftmalloch Primary in Whitburn, closing the school and causing considerable financial constraints. “The kitchen at Croftmalloch Primary also provides food to other schools in the area, so this mindless criminal activity has not just impacted one school, but several throughout the community. “I am pleased that local police officers…