Category: News

Hyslop Condemns Closure of HMRC in Bathgate Condemning the announcement to relocate HMRC services from Bathgate to Edinburgh, resulting in the closure of the Bathgate site, local MSP Fiona Hyslop commented; “I am deeply concerned by the UK Government’s decision to relocate HMRC services from the current Bathgate and Livingston sites to a regional centre in Edinburgh affecting up to 1,200 jobs. This decision has been made without proper parliamentary scrutiny, and despite concerns over the financial integrity of such a move being raised by the National Audit Office (NAO). “I have worked with representatives of PCS, representatives of other parties and SNP colleagues locally to work towards a resolution and to support the skilled workforce in aiming to retain their jobs, and keep them local. “Despite the unfounded claims…

Blooming Great Tea Party Raises £335 for Marie Curie Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has raised £335.76 in just an hour at the Blooming Great Tea Party she hosted in Whitburn for Marie Curie on Friday. (July 7th) The tea party which begun at 10.30am on July 7th in Whitburn Burgh Halls, attracted members of the Whitburn and wider West Lothian Community who helped fundraise for the Marie Curie charity. Fiona commented: “I am delighted at the number of West Lothian people who attended the tea party to give their donations and generously support to Marie Curie. “I am aware that I have many constituents who have had personal experiences with cancer and been involved with the charity in the past. “In a short space of time we managed to…

Hyslop Comments on St John’s Children’s Ward Temporary Closure Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has said; “I very much share the concerns of my constituents that St John's Hospital Children's Ward is to have temporary closure between 8pm - 8am overnight from July 7th. The Health Secretary has made clear that this is temporary because of issues of staffing middle grade doctors over the summer. I am pleased that in her statement the Health Secretary makes it clear she expects to see the full service reinstated. “On Tuesday (4th July) a cross party meeting was held with senior representatives of NHS Lothian. The meeting was hosted by West Lothian Council and Cllrs and MSPs from across the political spectrum were in attendance. “Over the course of the 2 hour meeting,…

Hyslop Comments on Broxburn Job Centre Closure Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has commented on the UK Government’s decision to close the Job Centre Plus office in Broxburn and move it to Livingston, calling the DWP’s actions “unacceptable”. Fiona said; “The UK Government’s decision to close the Job Centre in Broxburn will disproportionately disadvantage unemployed people in West Lothian, pushing our most vulnerable people in society into further crisis and uncertainty. The decision to force those who are seeking work to spend more money by travelling further to a job centre is counter-productive. “I am disappointed that the UK Government has made no attempt to speak to the Scottish Government Minister for Employability, Jamie Hepburn, before making this decision and allowing local reprsentatives to make the case to retain the…

Fiona Highlights Linlithgow Burgh Trust in Civic Trust 50th Anniversary Debate Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has spoken in a debate at the Scottish Parliament marking the 50th Anniversary of the Scottish Civic Trust. Fiona referenced Linlithgow Burgh Trust as she spoke about the importance of local heritage and its link to the future as well as our past. Fiona said: “The Linlithgow Burgh Trust is made up of wise, passionate people who are determined to promote the town in which they work and in which I live. “It is important to remember that local civic trusts help us both to understand our heritage and to look to a sustainable future. They are involved in planning how their local town can develop for the future. The volunteers who take part…

  Hyslop highlights Queensferry Crossing walk during opening weekend Local Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop is highlighting the chance to walk across the new Queensferry Crossing after it officially opens to vehicles on August 30th. The bridge will close on September 2nd and 3rd to allow the public to take part in a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to walk over the new bridge. Fiona commented; “The Queensferry Crossing is the largest bridge of its type and is considered to be one of the world’s greatest bridges. The opening of the Queensferry Crossing marks the end of a 10 year process and its official opening is very welcome to the people of West Lothian. “I am delighted that the Queensferry Crossing will officially open on August 30th and will allow up…

Hyslop Holds Blooming Great Tea Party in Whitburn Local Constituency MSP will be holding a Blooming Great Tea Party to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care at the Whitburn Burgh Halls on July 7th. “I am delighted to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party in Whitburn in my constituency to raise awareness and funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.   “We have all been touched by cancer in some way and so it is important to support this fantastic charity that supports those that are terminally ill and their families.   “It is also an opportunity to meet constituents and people from the community I so would encourage anyone free from 10.30 – 11.30 on Friday the 7th of July to come along and help raise funds for Marie…

Hyslop Congratulates Broxburn Academy Girls on Under 15 Scottish Football Shield Win Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has congratulated Broxburn Academy Girls for their victory in the Under 15 Scottish Shield win. Fiona said, “I am extremely pleased for the Broxburn girls’ victory in the Under 15 Scottish Shield. They have clearly played some fantastic football with resounding victories against teams from all over Scotland. “I have written to the team to pass on my congratulations and to wish them well for their future matches.” ENDS Extra Info: The girls beat Banff 3-1 in Forfar to win the final and are the first team from West Lothian to do so since the Shield’s inception in 1998. Goals came from Emma McFadyen and Zoe Evans.  

Hyslop Welcomes Arrival of Baby Box to West Lothian Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the roll out of the Baby Box to new mums in West Lothian. Registration for Scotland’s Baby Box will open on the 15 June 2017 for all babies due on or after 15 August 2017. Fiona commented; “Every single new mum whose baby is born on or after August 15th will be given a baby box, sending the message that every child matters. Regardless of their circumstance, every child should have the best start in life and every parent should be supported during this time. “The baby box is designed to offer babies a safe place to sleep and provide new mums with useful items to support them as they bond with their baby…

  Hyslop attends West Lothian Highland Games as 46th Chieftain Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has attended the 46th West Lothian Highland Games as the Games’s Chieftain. The Games were held in Bathgate on Saturday, 27th May 2017. Commenting after the event, Fiona said; “I was hugely honoured to be asked to be the 46th Chieftain at the West Lothian Highland Games on Saturday (27th May). “2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and West Lothian Highland Games are very much part of our heritage so I was especially delighted to be asked to be the Chieftain in this special year. “The Games Committee put so much effort in to the event and they rely on the council, local businesses and sponsors for support, so I would like…