Category: News in Lothian

Hyslop Welcomes Forth Crossing Competition Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that members of the public will decide on the name of the new Forth Bridge. All potential options will be considered by the panel before a shortlist of the most appropriate names is produced and put to a public vote to find the most popular. Fiona commented; “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage the public in feeling part of the new Forth Crossing, particularly in West Lothian, where are so close to the two current bridges. “The Transport Minister is due to set up a panel of advisors to consult on the potential names that have been submitted by members of the public. Next year, once a shortlist of names has been decided on, the public…

HYSLOP BACKS NATIONAL ‘NO SMOKING’ DAY Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop is encouraging her constituents use the awareness-raising campaign of National No Smoking Day as the perfect opportunity to give up the habit. Smoking continues to be one of the main causes of preventable illness and death in Scotland, and with Wednesday 14th March being this year’s date to highlight the benefits of giving up cigarettes, Fiona Hyslop wants to see more West Lothian residents take advantage of this opportunity. Fiona said; “People start smoking at different ages and for a wide variety of reasons, but whether it be only a few each day, or many, it all adds up and most smokers if given the choice, wish they had never started. “The smoking ban in 2006 in public places made…

Hyslop Visits BUSC Free Play Afternoon Monday, 27th February Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has visited Broxburn United Sports Club’s Free Play initiative at Albyn Park to highlight the work they do for children and young people in the community. After the visit, Fiona said; “BUSC’s Free Play Club regularly has around 100 children and young people who come along to enjoy the services they offer. “Young people are permitted to use these facilities for free during school hours and after school hours they can participate in school coaching and school sports days. The Club also work with schools at Primary three level who learn the importance of Health and Safety in sport and at school. “On top of this, according to local police, Anti Social Behaviour in Broxburn has dropped…

Hyslop Highlights FairTrade Fortnight Monday, 27 February 2012 Speaking in a debate at the Scottish Parliament this week (Thursday, 23 February 2012) Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop highlighted the importance of Fair Trade in the community. Ms Hyslop said; “The Fairtrade initiative helps to alleviate poverty and give opportunities to producers and workers who are economically disadvantaged due to the conventional trading system. “Fairtrade Fornight is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the importance of Fairtrade status in our local communities. Within my constituency, Bathgate, Linlithgow and Whitburn have all achieved Fairtrade town status, which is a credit to the hard work of the local steering groups. “It has also been an honour to support schools such as Boghall primary, Bathgate academy and Linlithgow academy in their efforts. The relocated Fair Tradewinds…

Hyslop Supports Linlithgow Academy Pupil Council in Parliament Thursday, 23rd February Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow has met with members of Linlithgow Academy’s Pupil Council when they visited the Scottish Parliament on today (Thursday, 23 February). (see photo) Fiona said, “I was delighted to meet with the Pupil Council students when they visited Holyrood this afternoon. “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 that so many local schools are taking advantage of this.”

Monday, 27 February 2012 Hyslop Congratulates Bathgate Academy as Pupils Make their Mark on Society Wednesday 22nd February SNP MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop attended and gave the opening speech at Bathgate Academy’s S6 Ethics Conference on Wednesday, 22nd February. Fiona Hyslop addressed the London Riots and Arab Spring motivations and effects and discussed with the pupils the differences between protests and riots. Bathgate Academy also performed on Wednesday night at the Scottish Parliament’s Trade Union Week Reception. Commenting after the two events, Ms Hyslop said; “This is a great day for Bathgate Academy. I was very impressed with the pupils’ intelligent and creative analyses during their Ethics Conference and enjoyed listening to their interpretation of events. “Furthermore, later in the evening, Colum Findlay and Ruaridh and Aidan McCucker (AKA…

Hyslop Supports Local Fundraising for Kenya Hospital February 4th 2012 Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow attended St Michael’s Parish Church’s Fundraising coffee morning this weekend, which raised money for the “Friends of Chogoria Hospital, Kenya” Charity. Fiona said; “This morning’s coffee fundraiser has been a great success and a well turned out event. “The funds raised this morning will be used for training new medical staff, purchasing medical equipment and aid with the challenges of improving the health of the Chogoria community. “I am very pleased to have contributed to this morning’s event and met the local volunteers who have given their time and efforts to a very worthy cause.”

Hyslop Welcomes Report of Strong Case for Railway Station in Winchburgh Friday, 3rd February Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the report that Network Rail, which is delivering the Edinburgh – Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP), has indicated that a proposed site of a new station at Winchburgh would have a clear business case that could make them attractive. Reports in the Glasgow Herald on February 2nd indicated that of all the 12 new stations that are being campaigned for, the Winchburgh site is only one of two that may be a possibility. Fiona commented, “I am very pleased that Network Rail has recognised that there is a case for a railway station in Winchburgh. “It will be dependent on the progress of the Winchburgh Development now that this positive response…

Hyslop Welcomes Funding For New Primary in Armadale Wednesday, 01 February 2012 Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed the announcement from West Lothian Council Leader, Peter Johnston that a £4 million boost is to be invested in a new Primary School in Armadale and to aid with improvements to the current Armadale Primary, St Anthony’s Primary and Eastertoun Primary in Armadale. Ms Hyslop commented; “This is fantastic news for the parents and pupils of Armadale and I am delighted that the new Primary is due to be up and running as early as Spring 2013. “As well as a new school building, the three other Primary Schools in Armadale can also look forward to needed improvements, so that all residential areas of Armadale will benefit from this funding.…

HYSLOP CONGRATULATES ARMADALE ACADEMY IN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGE Local MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to Armadale Academy after a team of pupils came second in the 2011-2012 East of Scotland Construction and Built Environment Challenge – a competition involving over 26 other schools from across Edinburgh and the Lothian’s. Fiona said; “I am very pleased for the pupils at Armadale Academy. The pupils who participated should be extremely proud of their achievement. “The enthusiastic pupils were judged on teamwork, following instruction, working safely, tidiness, time and accuracy and have proved to have mastered these valuable life skills. “This experience will have provided the pupils with an opportunity to swap classroom learning with practical hands-on learning as well as perhaps establishing some future employees of the West Lothian construction…