First Minister praises West Lothian pupils' reading achievements

Conservative Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has encouraged local businesses to take part.He said: “During lockdown the hospitality industry has been one of the hardest industries due to necessary closures.“This scheme can give the industry a real boost during August to help businesses get back on their feet again.“The hospitality and catering industry supports a huge number of jobs in Edinburgh and the Lothians which rely on the sector doing well.“I encourage businesses across Edinburgh and the

Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “Positive progress has been made on the delivery of the West Lothian RRTP. The uncertain backdrop of the Covid-19 outbreak along with the predicted increase in homeless presentations in 2020/21 will require the success of the collaborative prevention approach to continue ensuring the people of West Lothian can access the wide range of housing options available.

Teachers at Broxburn Primary School set pupils a challenge during lockdown to record the number of steps they take around their house, garden or as part of their daily exercise.They wanted to see how far the school could walk ‘around the world’.Their first goal was to walk to London by Easter before they made it to Dover then on to Paris and Florence.And by the last day of term they had made it to Rome.Headteacher Lisa Davies said: “We are so proud of the children for taking part in this

A local educational consultant and entrepreneur is using her expertise to support families in lockdown.Carol Murdoch of Love Outdoor Learning has been running a number of free projects to help children get outside and enjoy the fresh air.Carol said when she qualified for the Government’s Covid grant she quickly set about helping others.It also meant her staff did not have to be furloughed.As well as giving daily activity ideas on her business page she set up Lockdown Learning to provide free

Pub goers were able to raise a glass of their favourite tipple as beer gardens opened up across the county this week.The easing of lockdown restrictions meant that folk could enjoy a beer in the sun from Monday.Locals made the most of the weather as they sat outside in the sun and enjoyed a socially-distanced drink.The Railway Tavern in Bathgate enjoyed a happy reopening.Owner Colin Hilditch said: “It was great to get back open and see so many regular faces again.“We were really happy with how

Executive councillor for social policy, Angela Doran said: “I’d like to offer a belated congratulations to Mark on his award. He is part of an outstanding social work service in West Lothian and his commitment and ethic towards his work really does make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Inspirational Heather Duff who has had brain surgery three times is starring in an urgent new TV appeal for donations to help Cancer Research UK continue its life-saving work.The 33 year old’s life in lockdown at home in Winchburgh is powerfully captured in the 30-second film which aired for the first time in Scotland on Wednesday (July 1) and will run across the UK.Heather can be seen in the advert counting out daily chemotherapy medication, chatting online to loved ones on Zoom as well as

Police are appealing for information following a serious road crash in Bathgate.The incident happened around 4.30pm on Monday (July 6) on the A7066 at the junction with the B792, involving three cars and two motorcycles.As a result of the collision, three people were taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.The other injured parties were treated at the scene by ambulance for minor injuries.The road was closed for around eight hours to allow a full scene investigation to take

A running enthusiast is aiming to rack up nearly 500 miles in a month for charity.Paul Brown, from Armadale, is taking part in an accumulator running challenge, which means he will run the number of miles that corresponds with the date, across the whole of July.That amounts to 496 miles in 31 days and he is hoping to raise funds for Held in Our Hearts and Neil’s Hugs Foundations.Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Paul said: “I’ve done a few charity running challenges but this is a bit

The new academic year at Scotland’s Rural College will begin on September 28 with a combination of face-to-face and online teaching.The announcement comes as Scotland enters the first phase of its easing of lockdown restrictions.Applications are open for courses at its six campuses across Scotland including Oatridge at Ecclesmachan, while current students have been given details of when they can expect to return to their studies.To allow high-quality, socially distanced, on-campus delivery of

When Bathgate councillor Harry Cartmill visited his GP with a pain in his back he did not think much of it.At 53 years old he had never been ill in his life.He had been experiencing problems with his back over the last 10 years and thought it was no more than a slipped disc.But last September Harry was given the devastating news that he had blood cancer, which was attacking his joints and bones.Harry said he went swiftly from regularly cycling to Edinburgh to being admitted to St John’s Hospital

Weddings can take place in West Lothian again following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can now be undertaken and birth registrations started on June 29.Some restrictions will be in place, as determined by the Scottish Government guidelines.All ceremonies must take place outside and to ensure compliance with the guidelines, the wedding party is limited to eight people from a maximum of three households.Birth registrations will take place on a phased

The family of Polbeth couple Frank and Mary Mabbutt surprised them with a special celebration to mark their platinum wedding anniversary.They decorated their home on June 24 to help them celebrate 70 years of happy marriage.Mary and Frank (both 90), met while serving at RAF Benson and got married at St Mary the Virgin Church in Wallingford.Frank is originally from Islington in London but they moved back to Mary’s hometown of Polbeth in 1959.They had their only son Francis in 1961 and now have

Nicola Sturgeon has said she is "doing fine" but is a "bit tired sometimes" when asked about her mental health during lockdown. Following news that Kirsty Blackman is stepping down as the SNP's deputy leader at Westminster, Sturgeon said it was "to her immense credit" she has been open about the impact of lockdown on her mental health.

West Lothian’s wealth of independent shops were delighted to be able to throw open their doors to customers again on Monday.Non-essential stores were forced to close at the beginning of lockdown on March 23 and were only allowed to re-open again this week.Retailers including clothing stores, arts and craft, gift and book stores said they were thrilled to see the return of regular customers.In Linlithgow, popular book shop Far from the Madding Crowd welcomed a steady stream of customers through

West Lothian street woke up in horror after a huge fire ripped through parked cars. Neighbours were left terrified as petrol poured down the street spreading the flames quickly from vehicle to vehicle.

infection near Dumfries shows the virus is still a major public health risk.