Category: News in Lothian

Friday, 3rd December Fiona Hyslop MSP for Lothians has praised West Lothian Council for using GLOW websites to ensure pupils don't miss out during the current winter weather. Fiona said: “In schools in West Lothian, head teachers have been arranging for updated GLOW pages and posting work for pupils. The education Secretary has even singled out two Livingston based Schools as particularly good examples. (Carrondean Primary and St Margaret’s Academy.) "While I understand that some schools are trying to reopen this week, the experts are predicting that this weather is set to continue. "I am pleased that schools in West Lothian have been using GLOW to study from home and would encourage other schools in the area to embrace GLOW and other remote learning opportunities and what they can offer…

 Nov 23rd 2010 Lothians MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the continuation of the Government’s £10m Youth Music Initiative, despite a £6.7m cut in the Scottish Government Culture Budget. This means that the highly successful music delivered in West Lothian to school children can continue. Fiona said: “I was delighted to attend the Scottish Youth Brass Bands Championships on Sunday Nov 21st, to listen to such bands as the West Lothian Schools Brass Band. “A few years ago there were only 8 such bands competing, now there are 26 and organisers were clear that the Youth Music Initiative has helped the growth of young brass bands in Scotland. “The Youth Music Initiative has funded the Scottish Brass Band’s Youth Development Programme and the championships are testament to the fantastic work that…

     Friday, 19 November 2010   Lothians MSP, Fiona Hyslop today welcomed the Scottish Government’s budget proposal to continue the council tax freeze West Lothian and called on the council to accept the offer and join the SNP in protecting family incomes.   Between 1999 and 2007 Council tax bills rose by 61%. Since 2007, under the SNP Government, the council tax has remained frozen each year and is fully funded by the Scottish Government to the tune of £70m a year. Welcoming the support for a Council Tax freeze, Fiona said:   “We are protecting family incomes in West Lothian as part of our social contract with the Scottish people.   “Just as we are abolishing prescription charges the SNP is determined to do all we can to…

  Monday, 25 October 2010    SNP MSP for Lothians, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news that first phase of West Lothian Council’s New Build Council Housing was opened on Wednesday. (Wed 20th) Housing Minister Mr Alex Neil met with Cllr Frank Anderson and also with Mrs Elizabeth Kerr and Ms Lisa Henderson, two tenants who have just moved in to the development. Fiona Hyslop commented; “This is fantastic news for the people of West Lothian. “Official statistics have shown that more council houses were built in West Lothian (64) that in the whole of England (40) in the last three months of 2009. “I have always campaigned for affordable housing and so I am delighted to see the first phase of West Lothian Council’s new build council houses taking…

  Monday, 25 October 2010 On Wednesday, Fiona Hyslop MSP for Lothians attended the finale and renewal of the Girlguiding promise event in Bathgate. At 20.10pm on 20/10, 2010 Fiona and the Girlguides, Brownies, Rainbows and Trefoil Guild of West Lothian renewed their promise to continue and help launch the next 100 years of guiding at the Leisure Centre in Bathgate. Commenting after the event, Fiona said: “As a former Brownie, Girlguide and Ranger Guide, I am aware of the values and experience that the guides offer young girls, preparing them for adult life and it is as relevant now as at any time over the past 100 years.  “Every guide in West Lothian, regardless of age, will have her own special memories of this centenary year and I am…

HYSLOP WELCOMES OPENING OF BATHGATE RAILWAY STATION Monday, 18th October SNP MSP for Lothians, Fiona Hyslop has widely welcomed the opening of Bathagte Railway Station today. The new railway station at Bathgate with brand new facilities and improved 400 space car parking is the newest development in the almost complete Bathgate – Airdrie Rail Link. Commenting, Fiona said: “Its is fantastic to see the new Bathgate Station complete and I am delighted that Network Rail are well on track to complete the Bathagte to Airdrie Line. “The new station which will include 2 platforms, 400 new car parking spaces and a new access footpath from the town centre is a welcomed upgrade to Bathgate’s residents. “I am so pleased to see the Bathgate – Airdrie line is progressing and I…

HYSLOP CONGRATULATES LOCAL BOY ON GOLD MEDAL AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES  Monday, 11 October 2010 Fiona Hyslop MSP for Lothians has offered her congratulations to local Linlithgow talent, Colin Fleming who won a gold medal with his doubles tennis partner Jocelyn Rae at the Commonwealth games in Delhi yesterday. Fiona Hyslop said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Colin and Jocelyn and I am delighted to pass on my congratulations to them both and to their families who will have no doubt been glued to the television at home. “Currently Scotland has taken home 4 gold medals, 8 silver and 6 bronze – an amazing accomplishment showing the world that we have a seriously strong team at the Commonwealth games and one who’s success will surely continue. “There is such an…

 HYSLOP WELCOMES SHALE OIL INDUSTRY RECOGNITION IN WEST LOTHIAN Friday, 08 October 2010 SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop visited the exhibition in Livingston this week which tells the story of Scotland's first oil industry to be been given national recognition.  The Almond Valley exhibition features more than 2,500 objects connected to the shale oil industry.  Commenting, Ms Hyslop said: “I am delighted to be here to witness the Exhibition in Almond valley be awarded national recognition status by Museums Galleries Scotland and the Scottish government.  "The shale oil industry had an enormous impact on West Lothian, Scotland and on the lives of people all over the world.  "Shale oil is an important part of our industrial heritage, so it is right that the collection has been recognised as being of national…

Fiona Hyslop Urges Constituents To Put Kettle On For Charity Monday, 20 September 2010  SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop is backing the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning on the 24th of September. It is the 20th year of the event which runs for Macmillan Cancer Support. Fiona is keen for her constituents to get involved with this event so that the goal of £8m UK-wide can possibly be achieved. Fiona said: “I am delighted to be holding a coffee afternoon for such a worthwhile cause. I would like to invite any of my constituents to drop in for the event in my office on West Main Street in Whitburn on Friday 24th of September from 1pm till 3pm.  “Sadly, cancer affects more people every year and so the Macmillan Charity is essential…