Christmas messages from West Lothian politicians

Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop said: “NHS, Social Care and Emergency Services staff have continued to work with great determination under pressure; many are exhausted after 20 long months. We owe them a great debt for their work, and I want to thank them for this. I also want to thank everyone responsible for the roll-out of the vital, continuing vaccination programme which is a monumental task.

“West Lothian communities came together to support one another, despite this year’s challenges. Community does matter and here in Linlithgow so many people have drawn strength, resilience, and fun to keep going from online and returning local groups. I always remember with great pleasure when I first heard the crowd roar again from Prestonfield Park!

“2022 must be about hope. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.”

Leader of West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said: “As society continues to deal with the impact of the pandemic, the generosity of people of West Lothian has continued to be on display with many individual acts of kindness from local people over the past year.

“2021 has also been the year which has seen the world come together in Scotland to engage on the fight against climate change as the COP-26 summit took place in Glasgow. Here in West Lothian there is a strong commitment to taking continuous steps towards a net-zero future with the publication of the council’s Climate Change Strategy outlining just some of the activities being taken locally.

"Let this be a year where we really have a think about what we can do to make a difference to help our planet.”

Provost Tom Kerr added: “The past year has seen a gradual return to a lifestyle that is much closer to normality but we are not in the clear yet. If it wasn’t for the comprehensive vaccination programme delivered by the National Health Service with support from public and voluntary sector partners then we would potentially be facing a much bleaker situation.

“A tremendous amount of thanks must go to those involved in the planning and delivery of this programme.”