Unemployment almost doubles in West Lothian in 12 months

“A lot of hard work goes into the strikes, there have been many stressful meetings and difficult times balancing climate activism with our personal lives, so I’m really happy our efforts are being recognised on this scale.

“We know of many local businesses that continue to grow and flourish in West Lothian and we certainly hope and will do everything we can to ensure West Lothian remains a positive destination for business. We are working with partners and local businesses to plan a way forward for West Lothian and help where we can, and our plan includes measures to provide support for school leavers, and provide more training and upskilling, generally, within growth sectors.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our personalised newsletter.It was double the celebration for these talented twins who have the world at their feet after achieving an incredible 10 As between them.Erin and Orla Lynn from Dumbarton were awarded identical results, scoring five As each in maths, English, French, physics and chemistry,The Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School pupils were among more than 2000 teenagers across West Dunbartonshire who were entered

Neil Ritch, Scotland director, The National Lottery Community Fund, said in these uncertain times, its priority is to ensure National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups.He added: “I would like to congratulate Craigsfarm Community Hub on the work they are doing.“Theirs is an important project that will support people now during the current crisis, and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things

He said: “I’m really happy to be able to support Scottish Refugee Council and all the work they do helping refugees rebuild their lives in Scotland.“We are hoping the items attract plenty of attention and raise lots of money.”Louise McGovern from Scottish Refugee Council said: “We are delighted to work with Lewis on this fundraiser, his support has been amazing, and we know his huge fan base will be thrilled to be in with a chance to meet him at a UK gig next year.”

Businesses in West Lothian are being encouraged to get their staff walking more.The walking charity Paths for All is inviting organisations of all shapes and sizes to set-up their own bespoke walking challenge to keep their workforce active and connected to their colleagues as Scotland eases out of lockdown.During May, over 4000 furloughed and home workers participated in the charity’s Step Count Challenge, with over 90 per cent of participants saying the motivation of the challenge helped them

East Kilbride councillor called for action to support town centres and local businesses, as well as a stimulus package to help certain industries.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of an incident in West Lothian after a person found themselves in difficutly.Officers were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service over reports of a man in difficulty in the burn off Linkston Road, Bathgate, around 7pm this evening.He has since been taken to hospital for treatment.Pictures from the scene show a number of vehicles - including police, ambulance and fire crews - attending this evening.Traffic appears heavy in the area, with a

West Lothian school pupils have improved their grades for an eighth year running — despite a turbulent few months caused by the coronavirus pandemic.Students received their Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications and Awards results on Tuesday, with many performing better than ever before.And this comes despite the SQA lowering around a quarter of estimated grades for Scottish pupils.Early indications show that the results from S5 pupils across West Lothian’s 11 secondary

Police in West Lothian have launched an enquiry after the body of a man was found inside a house in Bathgate at the weekend.The body of the 43-year-old was found in a property on Marjoribanks Street on Sunday.Police confirmed officers are investigating the “unexplained” death.A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 1.15pm on Sunday, August, 2, the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered within a property on Marjoribanks Street, Bathgate.“The death is currently being treated as unexplained

Around 70 West Lothian eateries have signed up to offer customers 50 per cent off their bills this month.Pubs, restaurant and cafes around the county are using the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which gives people a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks up to £10 per head.The discount can be used an unlimited number of times on any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in August.You don’t need a voucher - the deal works automatically and sees up to £10 a person wiped from the

Caitlyn Jenner has nothing but love for her former son-in-law, Kanye West. The Olympian stopped by Good Morning Britain on August 3 to discuss her stint on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! when the conversation turned toward Kanye’s recent behavior. Caitlyn couldn’t stop talking about his “great heart.”

comments come after West's wife, Kim Kardashian West, diagnosis during an apparent .Speaking to Good Morning Britain, Jenner said that West had been "supportive" of her over the last few years."I hope for the best for him, he's a really good guy," she added."He has been the most kind, loving human being and so good to me throughout the years and especially going through everything I have been through in the last five years."He has been such a good friend."Jenner was previously married to

Caitlyn Jenner has labelled Kanye West as the “most kind, loving human being”.

People in West Lothian who are facing money worries as a result of coronavirus are being urged to take full advantage of the support available.The coronavirus pandemic has led to more people facing challenges around bills, rent and job security.The Scottish Government, in partnership with the Citizens Advice network in Scotland, is raising awareness of the support available for those who need it during these difficult times.

Two sisters from West Lothian were inspired to ‘walk’ to their cancelled holiday destinations after reading about a woman’s fight with Motor Neurone Disease.Natalie Hughes (38) and Sharon Lee (35) decided to walk the distance from Scotland to Ibiza and Dubai for charity when their trips were cancelled due to the pandemic.The Bathgate sisters are both fitness instructors and rounded up their clients, friends and family to help them complete the 4500 mile distance.They decided to raise money for

West Lothian tonight. Officers from Police Scotland are currently responding to an incident believed to be taking place on Avon Drive in Linlithgow Bridge after being called earlier this evening.

Jake Kanter International TV EditorAmazon will co-produce the BBC’s adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s celebrated novel The Pursuit Of Love, with an eye-catching cast joining Lily James.Deadline first revealed last December that James will star in the three-part Emily Mortimer-penned series, while we also reported in June that it will be among the first dramas to restart production in the UK.

The finalists will attend the online ceremony on August 13.The winners will be announced during the live streamed event hosted by Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney streamed on Young Scot’s YouTube channel.Now in its 14th year, the awards highlight the amazing achievements of young people across Scotland.Winners will join a prestigious rollcall including actors such as Karen Gillan and Martin Compston, alongside world class athletes including Sir Andy Murray and Olympian Laura Muir.Louise Macdonald OBE,

The most recently released figures show the number of deaths reached 100 in the week to July 15 ( Week 28).National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures released on Wednesday for the week to 22 July (Week 29) reveal no change in the West Lothian’s totals and only two Covid-19 related deaths in the wider Lothian NHS Trust area last week.As at July 19, 4193 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.