West Lothian shining lights are named finalists in Young Scot Awards

“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.

Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I know everyone at Valneva are extremely proud to have been selected to take part in this important programme.“West Lothian has a strong life science, technology, engineering and manufacturing sector which are key contributors to economic growth in the local area.

Chris Willman Music WriterThe Gospel Music Association announced the nominations for the 51st annual Dove Awards Thursday, and the band For King & Country and Christian rock singer Zach Williams garnered the most. Destined to get at least as much attention, though, were three nods for first-time nominee Kanye West.The presidential candidate’s first full entry into the Christian music realm, “Jesus Is King,” was nominated for rap/hip-hop album of the year.

Of those who died with Covid-19 in March to July, 92 per cent had at least one pre-existing condition.The most common main pre-existing condition among those who died with Covid-19 was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease representing 31 per cent.NRS will  now produce a monthly publication on mortality related to Covid-19, with the next report will be available on 16th September.

“That’s why we are looking at ways of working in partnership with other local retailers to highlight the tremendous range of shopping that can be found in communities like this all over the country.“Local economies rely to a huge degree on their town centres and we have seen too many high streets hollowed out by successive shop closures.“More and more people are beginning to realise that if they don’t support their town centres, everyone’s quality of living really takes a hit, so we are proud

The discount can be used an unlimited number of times on any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday in August.There had been some fears that diners would simply switch the days they head out for meals and takings would plummet at the weekends, but David said this is not something he has experienced.He continued: “We’ve noticed a  slight dip on Thursdays and Sundays but trade is actually comparable to this time last year.“We actually sent out a survey to 1500 customers prior to opening and 50 per cent

West Lothian chart toppers The Snuts have sent an open letter to Nicola Sturgeon asking for industry support.The lads have been hit hard financially in recent times because they had to postpone planned gigs during the global health crisis .The West Lothian Courier reported last week how fans of the group had started a crowdfunder to help them pay their road crew.The letter to the First Minster, dated August 4, asks that she support the music industry whilst also listing the many virtues that

“There will for example be a lot more hand washing, some schools will have staggered starts and lunch breaks, and at West Calder school lunches will have to be ordered on an app.“I know that there will be anxiety for students parents and teachers this week and I think that is entirely understandable,“All of us know that the reopening of schools is important for children’s education, personal development, general wellbeing and happiness.”

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

Paul is quick to acknowledge the part played by one of his team, butcher Stewart McSorley, who drove the finessing of the traditional recipe to create a winner.Paul added: “Everyone has put their heart and soul into winning this award and we’re over the moon to finally take top honours.

“In addition working with the active support and cooperation from the custodians at the Bennie Museum we have added two more names to their flyer on why Bathgate is famous, giving a very brief glimpse of the national achievements of some Bathgate bairns, as well as the fossil ‘Lizzie’, found near the town, and the significance of the town’s link with the Royal House of Stewart.“These items are briefly sketched out and illustrated in this flyer which should be available shortly for public

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

The Business Secretary witnessed the ground-breaking work already taking place at the Livingston facility and heard about the significant efforts being made to increase capacity at the site.Sharma said: “I’m incredibly grateful to our highly-skilled scientists and technicians in Livingston who are supporting the global effort to research, develop and manufacture a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine.“The multi-million-pound up-front investment we have agreed with Valneva today means that

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 are appealing for the public’s help to trace a man missing from Broxburn.Shawn Watson (39), also known as Shawn Payne, was last seen on the town’s Church Street between 10am and 11am on Monday morning (August 3).He is white, between five feet eight and five feet 10 in height, with a medium build and dark hair, which may have been dyed a different colour.When last seen, he was wearing cream-coloured shorts, a white t-shirt, a black body warmer and cream or white training shoes.

“Whilst some of our courses will initially be undertaken online, we know that the learning and support that all our students will receive will provide the experience and benefits they are looking for.”Full details of start dates, learning approach and FAQs for 2020 courses can be found here: https://www.west-lothian.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/start-date-for-college-courses-2020-21/To find a course through clearing visit: https://www.west-lothian.ac.uk/help-advice/clearing/

missing man from Whitburn who suffers from medical issues. William McDowell, who is also known locally as Billy Irvine, was last seen on Friday, July 31 in the Loch Awe Way area of the town.

“Schools may stagger daily start and finish times to reduce congestion at the school gates, and individual schools will be in touch to confirm local arrangements for this and other services such as breakfast clubs.“The return to full-time education was conditional on infection rates being sufficiently low to continue to control the virus, public health and testing systems being in place and protective measures and risk assessments being carried out in schools.“West Lothian Council is putting in