Category: News

Hyslop Condemns UK Government Welfare Cuts that Drive Foodbank Use 5,776 emergency food supplies provided to families in West Lothian Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has condemned the UK Government’s Universal Credit delays saying that they are driving the use of foodbanks in West Lothian The number of emergency parcels handed out by food banks in Scotland rose by nearly a quarter over the last year, according to the UK’s largest food bank provider. In West Lothian 5,776 of three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by food banks, 2,073 of those were to children. The food bank provider said that issues with the Tories flagship welfare reform Universal Credit were a “key driver” of increasing food poverty. Fiona said; “Westminster’s failing Universal Credit has been nothing short…

Linlithgow MSP Highlights Importance of Early Diagnosis Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in support of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. (April). Fiona commented, “Scotland was the first country in the UK to introduce a simpler bowel screening test called the faecal immunochemical test—FIT. Since its introduction in November 2017, there has been a substantial increase in levels of participation in the bowel screening programme. “It is good news that the biggest improvement has been among those who live in the most deprived areas, where uptake has increased by 10 per cent.  “The bowel screening test is the best way to catch bowel cancer early. I urge all constituents who have been sent a test to do it as soon as they receive it…

Linlithgow MSP Welcomes Official Opening of new Linlithgow Museum Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the opening of Linlithgow Museum, which can now be found at the Linlithgow Partnership Centre on the High Street. The museum used to be located in Annett House. Linlithgow Heritage Trust (LHT) received a grant of £240,000 from The National Lottery for the “A New Museum for Royal Linlithgow” project which aimed to enable community involvement in the development, delivery and interpretation of heritage. Fiona said, “I am delighted to see that the new Museum for Linlithgow has officially opened. This free attraction, located in the heart of Linlithgow allows local people to find out more about the history and heritage of their town. “The museum features three new galleries and a bespoke…

EU Citizens Urged to stay in West Lothian Fiona Hyslop MSP: “You will always be welcome in Scotland” SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop has made an impassioned plea to EU citizens living in West Lothian to stay in Scotland amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty. This week First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home - promising to continue making a strong case for their rights to be protected in any EU exit scenario. Fiona Hyslop has previously written to the thousands of EU citizens in her constituency following a successful campaign to push the UK government to scrap the £65 “settled status” fee. Fiona said; “It is important to make clear that EU citizens will always remain welcome in West Lothian and I will continue…

Hyslop Highlights Dementia Centre Services in Livingston Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop attended the opening day of Alzheimer Scotland’s new Dementia Centre at Grampian Court in Livingston on April 1st to hear about the variety of services and support available at their new centre. Fiona commented; “I was delighted to see round the new Dementia Centre in Livingston this week (Monday 1st April) and to meet staff and volunteers who work with Alzheimer Scotland. “As well as a lovely social café space, the facilities also includes private meeting rooms and a cosy area. Their services extend the length and breadth of West Lothian, so if someone you know has been diagnosed with dementia, I would urge making contact with this local charity who are keen to offer their support and…

Hyslop Marks Scottish Tourism Month at Hopetoun House Fiona Hyslop the Constituency MSP for Linlithgow visited Hopetoun House to mark Scottish Tourism Month and to hear about their business and educational tourism activities. Historic Houses places in Scotland generate 4,048 jobs and spend £21m per year on goods and services from over 3,500 local suppliers. Almost half of Scotland’s Historic Houses host charity and community events and a third of them – including Hopetoun House - host visits from primary school children. Fiona said; “I was very pleased to visit Hopetoun House as part of Scottish Tourism Month last week (Friday, 29th March). “Scottish Tourism Month allows us to mark the vital contribution that tourism has to our economy, culture and heritage especially considering that 1 in 12 jobs in…

Hyslop Highlights 14,193 new parents in Lothian Benefitting from Baby Boxes Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed new figures that reveal 14,193 of families across the Lothian’s have benefitted from a Baby Box, as the Scottish Government announced a new design in time for Mother’s Day. Commenting, Fiona said; “At the heart of the Baby Box is a message about fairness and opportunity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. “In early 2018, 3,834 boxes had already been provided to parents across the Lothians since they arrived last summer. Now, just over a year later, over 14,000 new families have requested a baby box and 96% of parents across the country are doing the same. “The baby box is clearly a popular choice for…

    Hyslop Welcomes Completion of 55 Energy Efficient Homes in Winchburgh Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the completion of the West Lothian Housing Partnership Development of 55 new energy-efficient homes at Winchburgh. West Lothian Housing Partnership’s £7million development is part-funded by a £3m grant from the Scottish Government. West Lothian Council are adding another 41 houses as part of the redevelopment and expansion of Winchburgh. Fiona commented; “I was pleased to join all the parties involved to mark the completion of these 55 energy efficient homes as part of the Winchburgh Development, supported by £3 million from the Scottish Government. “When fully completed, this huge development will include a new town centre – the first in West Lothian since the 1960s – as well as new schools,…

Hyslop Encourages Local Businesses to Prepare for Brexit  Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, is encouraging business in West Lothian to prepare for Brexit and highlights the Scottish Government’s web links which offer support and advice as the process continues. Fiona said: “With continued uncertainty around Brexit, it is more important than ever that we all do what we can to support our local businesses in preparing for a variety of potential scenarios as the ULK prepares to leave the EU. “Even if your business does not export or import to the EU, it will still be impacted by the UK leaving the EU. It is important that our local businesses have access to this information as soon as possible. The website links below features a Brexit self-assessment tool which…

Businesses in West Lothian Benefit from £6,565,000 in Business Rate Support Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed recent figures which show that the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme provided £6,565,000 of support for businesses across West Lothian in 2017/18 – an 25.9% rise on the previous year. The Small Business Bonus Scheme, delivered by the SNP in 2008/09, supports local firms by reducing their rates liability or taking firms out of business rates altogether. Fiona commented; “The Scottish Government’s commitment to small businesses is clear. They are at the heart of our communities and bring economic growth and local employment to our towns and villages. “Businesses across West Lothian have benefitted from a massive £6,565,000 in rates support in 2017/18. This is a rise of over 25% on…