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“I am deeply disappointed in West Lothian Council’s decision to close four early learning centres in my Constituency. Linlithgow Bridge Nursery Class, St Anthony’s Nursery Class, St Joseph’s Nursery Class and Bathgate West Nursery Class will all face closure this summer. “Parents across my Constituency have contacted me to share their concerns about these closures, which are taking place at a time when parents should be benefiting from flexibility and choice as the Scottish Government are funding 1140 hours of early learning and childcare, saving the average family £5000 per eligible child. “West Lothian Council have not listened to what parents told them in the original surveys about the provision of early learning facilities in the county, in previous consultations, and ignored parents in this latest closure consultation. “When these…

West Lothian is set to receive one of biggest increases in Council budget from the Scottish Government and is expected to receive an 8.2% increase if the Scottish budget is passed. Provisional allocations give West Lothian an above average increase of 8.2% compared to the total increase to all Councils being 6.5%. This is one of the highest increases in Scotland. Fiona Hyslop local Linlithgow Constituency MSP commented: “I welcome the proposal to provide an 8.2% increase in the budget allocation from the Scottish Government to West Lothian Council. This makes West Lothian’s increase budget allocation one of the highest in the country and is a strong investment in local public services by the Scottish Government, but it will need MSPs of other political parties to secure it by voting…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has taken part in Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink Campaign to highlight awareness for vital breast cancer research and support. The official Wear it Pink Day is on Friday 18th October. Commenting Fiona said: “Around 4,770 women are diagnosed each year in Scotland with breast cancer. We will all have a family member or friend whose life has been touched by this disease and this is why I am always pleased to support the important work of the Breast Cancer Now Charity. “In 2020-23, 73.9% of women attended breast screening when invited by NHS Lothian, however, the Scotland average for that period sits at 75.9%. “I would encourage women across West Lothian, and Scotland, to attend breast screening when invited as…

Tippethill House Hospital has been operating as one of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts with ‘buy back’ clauses established by the previous UK Labour Government when Tony Blair was Prime Minister. The controversial financing option meant the upfront cost of building public buildings such as schools and hospitals was covered by the private sector in return for repayments which were to cover the cost of building and maintaining the sites. However, at the end of the repayment period some buildings such as Tippethill still required the public purse to buy them back if the operators in this case NHS Lothian/ West Lothian Council through the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership wanted to own them outright. Commenting Fiona said: “Tippethill House Hospital in Armadale, in my Constituency, is operated…

Design plans have been updated by Transport Scotland and Network Rail to help Developers on the project Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop who has been campaigning for Winchburgh Train station along with the local community for years has received a welcome update in a letter from the lead Scottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie MSP. She had previously initiated a meeting bringing together the Housing Developers, who are the major funders of the project, with Network Rail, Transport Scotland , West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government and secured agreement that a new Report be produced updating requirements to deliver the station. This Report has now been produced and has helped secure the next steps for the project.  The Government Minister’s letter states that:          “Transport Scotland reviewed the design proposals for…

Commenting on the current issue facing the UK Government and their own responsibilities for policy and funding of schools in England with identified Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), Fiona Hyslop said, “West Lothian Council and other Councils across Scotland are well ahead in identifying and planning remedial works and ensuring the safety of children. I contacted the Education Secretary in the Scottish Government back in June this year about general school building support which would assist West Lothian Council in addressing the issues, particularly at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, though I am aware that other schools have been affected.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited Express Micro Science in Linlithgow Bridge, on Tuesday 29th August. Express Micro Science are leaders in analytical testing and solutions, serving clients in the food, leisure, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. Their scientists are experts in the field, combining years of experience with a passion for innovation and learning. Commenting after the visit Fiona said: “I had a fascinating visit to Express Micro Science in Linlithgow Bridge and was pleased to meet Jennifer and Jackie who gave me a tour of the facility. “Express Micro Science test 2,500 samples of our food every day to make sure they are safe to eat. “Not only are they the only food testing facility of its kind in Scotland, but they also employ around 86…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has spotlighted local businesses to celebrate Scotland Loves Local Week. The first ever Scotland Loves Local Week ran from 28th August – 3rd September. The week allowed a celebration of the dedication and determination which is strengthening communities and economies across Scotland. Commenting Fiona said: “West Lothian has many excellent local businesses, and I was happy to highlight some of these during the first Scotland Loves Local Week. “I have visited many local businesses across the towns of West Lothian and highlighted a business each day during Scotland Loves Local Week. These included Unique Creations in Bathgate, which makes bespoke tutu dresses, resin art and party decorations. The Mill Garden Centre in Armadale, the Wee Winchburgh Café, The Scottish Owl Centre in…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, visited the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Linlithgow on Tuesday 29th August to tour the facility and meet postal workers.  After the visit Fiona said: “I was pleased to visit the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Linlithgow and meet some of the hard-working postal workers at the delivery office. “The postal service plays a vital role in modern society, and I was happy to have the opportunity to thank many of the posties in person for their hard work and dedication to ensuring our parcels and letters reach their destination safely.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, sponsored the roundtable event which was hosted by Gillian Martin MSP in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 19th January. This follows the announcement that the Economy Committee which Fiona is a member of is starting a Parliamentary Inquiry into an energy just transition for Grangemouth. The Roundtable centred on Ms Martin’ report ‘A Just Transition? Voices of Oil and Gas Workers’. The report covered the findings of a survey she conducted to gauge the experience of workers who are transitioning from traditional oil and gas based roles into the renewables sector. The report highlighted that while there is a clear willingness to move into the renewables sector, there remains a number of issues for workers which must be addressed to ensure a…