Category: News

HYSLOP WELCOMES FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL WEST LOTHIAN P1-3s FAMILIES WILL SAVE £330 FOR EACH CHILD AS SCHOOLS GO BACK ON THURSDAY Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government's initiative to allow free school meals to all Primary 1-3s across Primary Schools in West Lothian. The move – which is being provided nationally with £70.5m in revenue funding and £24.8m in additional capital funding by the Scottish Government – will provide P1-P3 children with guaranteed access to a healthy, nutritious meal and could positively shape children’s eating habits for the rest of their lives. Fiona Hyslop was the Education Secretary who piloted Free school meals in Fife, Glasgow and The Borders. Commenting, Fiona Hyslop said; "Free School Meals will be welcome news for families across West…

Local MSP Congratulates Karma Restaurant on Award Nomination Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has congratulated Indian Restaurant Karma in Whitburn on their nomination for Best Curryhouse in Scotland Award. Fiona commented; “I was delighted to meet with Robert Gill, one of the owners of Karma in Whitburn, to congratulate them on being nominated for this year’s Best Curryhouse in Scotland Award. “This is the third year in a row they have been nominated and even won the award at last year’s ceremony. They should be very proud of their achievements and the hard work and commitment they have put in to their business.”

Jack and Sophie Most Popular Names in West Lothian 2014 Speaking after the announcement of Scotland’s top 100 baby names, Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has commented on the results for West Lothian. “This news gives us an interesting picture of the names chosen by proud parents across West Lothian. “Last year’s number one choice for a boy’s name, ‘Lewis’ is now in second place, while ‘Jack’ tops the boys list this year in West Lothian and across Scotland. Although ‘Sophie’ has been knocked off the national top spot for girls names by ‘Emily’, I am pleased to see that ‘Sophie’ is still the most popular choice in West Lothian.” ENDS To see if your name has made the top 100, visit http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/popular-forenames/2014/babiesnames-2014-t1.pdf

Christmas and New Year Message from Fiona Hyslop MSP December 2014 “As your MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, I am delighted to wish my constituents all the very best for the year ahead. “2014 has seen a tremendous year of sport and culture. A hugely successful Commonwealth Games in Glasgow allowed us to come together as a nation, support our local heros such as Judo Champion and Commonwealth Medal Winner Connie Ramsay and the many Clydesiders who came from West Lothian. We watched on proudly as they competed and contributed to the most successful Commonwealth Games to date. “In August this year we also witnessed the first ever Party at the Palace – a hugely successful music event which took place on Linlithgow Peel in the stunning grounds of Linlithgow…

Hyslop Offers Support to Donaldson’s Following HM Report into Donaldson’s School Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has written to the new Principal offering support as she takes forward improvements set out in the latest HM Education Scotland Report which was published on Thursday 11th of December. The report from last month’s unannounced inspection took place after concerns in the school came to light. There have been resignations of several Board Members including the Chair as a result. Fiona commented; “This is a very direct and challenging report, clearly Donaldson’s have not been operating in the manner that parents and the wider community would have expected. “I appreciate the swift and decisive action taken by HM Inspectors at Education Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Government. There were clearly faults at…

Hyslop Urges ‘Be Prepared’ for Winter Weather Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop is urging her constituents across West Lothian to ensure they are prepared and ready for winter. With storms, snow and high winds already hitting Scotland, winter is well on its way. Disruption is expected over the next week across the country after yellow warning was announced. This means high winds, with ferries, rail services and bridges likely to be affected. Fiona said; “Severe weather can strike at any time and it is important that we prepare for this and take action as early as possible. The Yellow Warning across Scotland tells us to be aware of bad weather including high winds and rain. I would urge everyone to double check travel arrangements before leaving home. “I would also…

Hyslop Congratulated West Lothian Schools Pipe Band on Award Win Local MSP for Linlithgow Constituency Fiona Hyslop has congratulated West Lothian Schools Pipe Band on their recent win at the ‘Hands up for Trad’ Traditional Music Awards. West Lothian Schools Pipe Band was awarded ‘Scottish Pipe Band of the Year’ – an award sponsored by The National Piping Centre. Fiona said; “I am delighted that West Lothian School’s Pipe Band has been awarded Scottish Pipe Band of the Year at the Hands up for Trad Awards at the weekend. (13th December). “This is a fantastic Award and I am so pleased that they have been recognised for their hard work and passion for Piping and Scottish traditional music in what has been a great year of achievement for them.” ENDS

Hyslop Supports Small Business Saturday Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has travelled across the towns in her constituency promoting Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday, which took place on Saturday 6 December, is designed to support, inspire and promote small businesses during the busiest shopping period of the year and also to raise the general public’s awareness and indeed their appreciation for small businesses beyond the event. Fiona commented; “I am delighted to support Small Business Saturday. Small Businesses are the heart of our communities and I am pleased to see so many local people taking advantage of their local shops and cafes. “This does not only benefit the local business but the also the community and the local economy it provides for.” ENDS

Hyslop Congratulates West Lothian Volunteers at Awards Ceremony Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has congratulated the winners of this year’s Volunteers Awards and presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Marylin Boland. Fiona Commented; “I was delighted to attend the West Lothian Volunteer Awards this year at the Hilcroft Hotel in Whitburn and to present Marylin Boland with the Volunteer of the Year Award. “The work our volunteers do in West Lothian is invaluable to our communities. The time and effort they give to help others is always so inspiring and I am delighted to attend any event which highlights their efforts.”

Programme for Government Wins for West Lothian Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government which she says will have clear wins for West Lothian. Fiona commented; “The new Programme for Government aims to deliver three key aspects: to strengthen the economy, to tackle inequalities and to empower communities. With investment in affordable housing, free school meals for all P1-3 children and a commitment to tackle child poverty, I know that this Programme for Government will be welcomed by many across West Lothian. “I know from speaking to my constituents that health issues are always a priority. Not only is the Scottish Government investing more into health budgets, The First Minister has assured us that the health service will remain in public hands and free…