Category: News

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the news that four care homes in West Lothian that had been threatened with privatisation have been given a reprieve and funding for four years from West Lothian Council following a strong campaign from local people, politicians and trades unionists.  Fiona was also pleased that no immediate decision has been made in relation to the IJB proposals to permanently close St Michael’s Hospital and Tippethill Community Hospitals in her Constituency but still has concern as to what might happen. Fiona commented, “I am pleased that the community, trades union and political pressure put on West Lothian’s Council to save four care homes in West Lothian, including Whitdale in Whitburn, have resulted in a funding reprieve. “These proposals have been widely…

Following the release of the Economy and Fair Work Committee's Inquiry Report on a Just Transition to Net Zero for the Grangemouth Area, Fiona commented, "Any Just Transition for Energy in Grangemouth to deliver carbon emission reductions and deliver Net Zero, should include the whole community, not just the industrial site. "I served on the Economy and Fair Work Committee for 2 years before re-joining the Government very recently. I know there will be a number of my Constituents who work at INEOS Grangemouth who will want to hear about Just Transition to Net Zero for the Grangemouth area and how this relates to the rest of Scotland. "You can read the Committee's  important Inquiry Report in full here: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/EFW/2023/6/21/6e87dd81-d734-4271-951b-900f627cf613#afd5a6d2-8e5d-4a84-ab03-5926b310a6d5.dita " ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has marked 75 years of NHS Scotland. This year also marks the 75th year of social care services. Founded on July 5th 1948, NHS Scotland has provided health and social care services to people across Scotland and a reception was held in Parliament last week (Tues 20th June) to celebrate and commemorate the dedication of staff and volunteers over the years. Fiona said, “I want to take this opportunity to officially recognise the vital, often lifesaving, contribution made over the years by staff, partners in care, voluntary organisations and volunteers and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their commitment and dedication to their work, not least during the pandemic. “The hard work and sacrifices made by…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency is encouraging Constituents who are able to, to donate their blood, platelets and plasma as part of an ongoing Campaign by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Team who visited Parliament last week. (Thursday, 15th June) Fiona commented, “Blood, platelets and plasma donation are a genuine lifeline for those in need, and the majority of people need it more than once. “I was delighted to meet with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Team this week and would encourage all my constituents who are able to donate blood to do so, to share life, and share often. “You can visit the Scot Blood website for more information on how and where to donate.” Scotblood | Homepage ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, spoke in a Members Debate: Late-diagnosed Deaf Children (Lothian), in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 8th June 2023. The debate, which was held in the name of Jeremy Balfour MSP, focussed on ensuring that Lothian late-diagnosed deaf children get the support that they need. Following the debate Fiona said: “Children who were not diagnosed promptly as babies as being deaf need NHS Lothian and Education services to provide ongoing support. “NHS Lothian’s 2021 review of their Paediatric Audiology Service identified major failings within the service. The children who this audit identified as receiving a late diagnosis must receive specific and additional support, they need to ensure they thrive and flourish. “I am pleased that Lothian MSPs from across the political parties have…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, attended Poppyscotland’s exhibition at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 11th May and spoke with the team about their invaluable work.  Poppyscotland provide holistic and bespoke support for current and former members of the Armed Forces as well as their families. From October 2021 to September 2022, Poppyscotland provided assistance to 1,520 individuals and families across a wide range of their services. Poppyscotland also reach many more people through the Armed Services Advice Project, Legion Scotland's Pensions Service and by providing funding to other organisations. Fiona discussed various aspects of their work with the team, including their Welfare Service Statistical Report, which outlines the assistance they have provided to individuals and families via a range of their Welfare Services, including Grants, Employment Services and their newly…

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has voiced serious concerns in the Scottish Parliament about the actions of West Lothian Integrated Joint Board. During a Member’s Debate about the future of St Michael’s Hospital in Linlithgow, on Wednesday May 10th, Fiona took the opportunity to raise the issue of their recent proposals to out-source residential care for the elderly and care at home.  Fiona highlighted some of the IJB’s recent decisions, including their announcement of proposals to outsource West Lothian care services for residential care of elderly people and care at home for disabled people and elderly people. Notably, these proposals are being considered partly because of West Lothian Council’s reduced funding for the IJB - despite the fact that West Lothian Council received the second biggest increase to their overall budget…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, used a speech in Parliament to highlight the problems currently facing her Constituents who want regular, reliable, accessible bus services during a recent Access to Bus services debate in Parliament.  Fiona called for a radical approach to help people use bus services, with park and bus rides at Heartlands M8 and the new Winchburgh Junction at M9 and town services for commuters to cut car use in order for us to reach Net Zero. She also highlighted Brexit causing a severe shortage of bus drivers and praised the pressure from the public for forcing West Lothian Council to emergency-fund the extension to the 21 service, to provide a connection between Blackridge and Bathgate via Armadale, to mitigate the impact of the changes announced…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has lodged a motion in Parliament highlighting the official opening of the West Lothian Cycle Circuit on Saturday, 27th May and congratulation the Linlithgow Community Development Trust for their work in creating and completing this excellent site. The 1KM floodlit Cycle Circuit began construction in September 2022 and will be ready and open in time for the UCI World Cycling Championships taking place in Scotland this summer. “I have been a keen supporter of the new cycle circuit since plans for the site at Kettlestoun were first announced, and I was pleased to convene a meeting of national funding bodies to help them see the potential in this community led initiative, which also received Scottish Government Funding as part of the upcoming…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop MSP, met with Linlithgow based Sebastian Kobelt to congratulate him on winning the Patisserie Chef of the Year Award at the Scottish Excellence Awards 2023. The Awards recognise and reward the highest standards in hospitality, food service and tourism across the country. Fiona visited Sebastian’s workshop at the Mill Road Industrial Estate in Linlithgow Bridge and had a go at making some chocolate shells – under his expert instruction. Following the visit, Fiona said, “It was a pleasure to meet Sebastian and to congratulate him on his recent Award win. “The passion that he has for his craft is clear to see in the beautiful, elegant and creatively designed chocolates he creates, and as well as selling those in his online shop,…