Latest news with #KirsteenSullivan
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Visit to training centre in Bathgate provides insight into skills required by HGV drivers
Kirsteen Sullivan MP stepped into a heavy goods vehicle simulator Kirsteen Sullivan MP stepped into a heavy goods vehicle simulator during a visit to the Road Haulage Association's (RHA) training centre in Bathgate. The Labour MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow was keen to learn more about the work being done to support the industry in Scotland and heard directly from those working to future-proof the sector. As part of the visit, she entered the RHA's state-of-the-art HGV simulator, giving her first-hand insight into the high standards drivers are trained to meet. The simulator experience highlighted the skills and focus required to operate safely and efficiently on Scotland's roads. Kirsteen also joined RHA Training Director Brian Kenny and Martin Reid for a wide-ranging and productive discussion on the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including: Tackling the Skills Shortage – Exploring ways to address the growing demand for qualified drivers through enhanced training and recruitment efforts. Attracting New Talent into Logistics – Discussing how to promote the industry to younger people and career changers, with a focus on the long-term sustainability of the workforce. Removing Barriers to Entry – Emphasising the importance of improved rest and washing facilities, particularly to support and encourage more women into the profession. The Urgent Need for Safe and Secure Parking – Highlighting the critical need for investment in safe, well-maintained parking infrastructure to protect driver welfare and safety. RHA Training Director Brian Kenny said: 'Our hub here in Bathgate plays an important part in Scotland's haulage industry. 'It is a real success story and has grown positively over the past 10 years, equipping drivers with the skills they need to help keep the wheels of the economy turning, locally and nationally. 'It was great to meet Kirsteen, to show her the valuable work that takes place in the region, as well as talk through with her some of the issues faced by Scotland's haulage industry.' Kirsteen Sullivan MP added: 'It was a pleasure to visit the RHA training centre in Bathgate and see first-hand the excellent work being done to support Scotland's haulage sector. "The discussions I had with the team highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain. I am committed to advocating for the necessary investments and policy changes to ensure the industry continues to thrive.'
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan says locals have missed out on jobs because of poor broadband
People in West Lothian have missed out on jobs because of their poor broadband connections, Bathgate and Linlithgow Labour MP Kirsteen Sullivan told the House of Commons. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... During questions on science, innovation and technology, she said she welcomed the £157 million investment in her constituency from Project Gigabit, the UK Government's programme to upgrade broadband in hard-to-reach communities across the country. Bathgate and Linlithgow Labour MP Kirsteen Sullivan raised West Lothian connectivity problems in the Commons | screenshot Ms Sullivan continued: "The remote jobs market opens up employment opportunities for those who live outside the major cities. However, several constituents from more rural areas around Bridgend, Armadale, Bo'ness and Bathgate have told me that they have lost out on opportunities for flexible working, and even lost jobs due to poor connectivity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Can the minister reassure my constituents that they will not lose out on future opportunities because of where they live?" Sir Chris Bryant, minister for data protection and telecoms, said Ms Kirsteen was right. "In a digital world, we cannot have some people engaged and who have the connectivity they need while others do not, because that simply will not drive forward economic growth in this country. She makes a very fair point, and yes I can give that guarantee."
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Armed forces charity and Bathgate Community Council mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
Both organisations would like to thank Kirsteen Sullivan MP, local Historian Meg Stenhouse, Bathgate Army Cadets and 1271 (Bathgate) Squadron and the public for coming along to Bathgate's VE 80th celebration and commemoration on Thursday, May 8. Armed forces charity ASA Scotland and Bathgate Community Council held a special event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Both organisations would like to thank Kirsteen Sullivan MP, local Historian Meg Stenhouse, Bathgate Army Cadets and 1271 (Bathgate) Squadron and the public for coming along to Bathgate's VE 80th celebration and commemoration on Thursday, May 8. Kirsteen Sullivan MP said: 'It was important to Celebrate VE Day 80th today, but it was also a time to remember what that generation gave us." 'Thanks to ASA Scotland and Bathgate Community Council for arranging tonight's event' Chairman of Bathgate Community Council Billy Weir added: 'It was a very poignant event, we must never forget Britain's Bravest and the men and women from Bathgate who served, we must pass on the torch of remembrance.'
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Hundreds take part in Race for Life at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, sounded the horn at the start line to send the runners off on the 3k, 5k and 10k courses in the picturesque grounds. More than £108,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Ms Sullivan said: 'It's a privilege to support Race for Life in honour of everyone going through cancer right now. 'Almost every family, including my own, has been affected by cancer. The outlook for people with cancer has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to the efforts of Cancer Research UK and wonderful fundraisers making sure the best research is available to help get the best outcomes. 'Thankfully, there are many more effective treatments out there today, making it possible for people to live well with cancer for many years. But it's important we continue to make progress and to ensure the research is there to support that.' A group from the award-winning Sarah Hendry School of Dance in Glenrothes entertained the crowds with Highland Dance moves along the route. The Rock Choir from Livingston, Linlithgow and Edinburgh also performed hits including Green Green Grass by George Ezra and Club Tropicana by Wham. Volunteers from Queensferry Sea Cadets helped at the event. And Sharon Holgarth from Event Buddies Scotland was at the picnic area offering face painting. Race for Life events will be taking place across the country this spring. Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research. 1 . Warming up Participants get ready with a warm up at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Hopetoun House | supplied Photo Sales 2 . Sounding the horn Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan sounds the horn to start Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Hopetoun House on Sunday May 4 | supplied Photo Sales 3 . Team Abhilasha Team Abhilasha at the Race for Life, inspired by Dr Abhilasha Sinha (centre with pink sunglasses) a psychiatrist from Edinburgh who is in remission from breast cancer. They completed the 5k raising more than £800. | supplied Photo Sales 4 . Streamers Streamers at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Hopetoun House | supplied Photo Sales Related topics: Cancer
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Bathgate and Linlithgow MP sounds horn to start Race for Life event at South Queensferry
Kirsteen Sullivan MP was chosen to sound the horn at the start line to send hundreds off on the 3k, 5k and 10k courses in the picturesque grounds of Hopetoun House. People of all ages united against cancer by taking part in Scotland's first 2025 Race for Life events. Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, was chosen to sound the horn at the start line to send hundreds off on the 3k, 5k and 10k courses in the picturesque grounds of Hopetoun House, South Queensferry. More than £108,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer- to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. And 30 miles away, in the University of Stirling grounds near Gannochy Sports Centre £95,000 was raised on Sunday at Race for Life Stirling. Kirsteen said: 'It's a privilege to support Race for Life in honour of everyone going through cancer right now. 'Almost every family, including my own, has been affected by cancer. The outlook for people with cancer has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to the efforts of Cancer Research UK and wonderful fundraisers making sure the best research is available to help get the best outcomes. 'Thankfully, there are many more effective treatments out there today, making it possible for people to live well with cancer for many years. But it's important we continue to make progress and to ensure the research is there to support that.' The Rock Choir from Livingston, Linlithgow and Edinburgh also performed hits including Green Green Grass by George Ezra and Club Tropicana by Wham. Brothers eight-year-old Quinn Duffy and Leo Duffy, 10, who are both members of Linlithgow Athletics Club were first home in the 3k completing the course in 12 mins 40 seconds. And 13-year-old Orla Oakley, of Livingston Athletics Club was first home in the 5k in 23 minutes 22 seconds, raising £230 for Cancer Research UK helped by her twin sister Isla Oakley, her brother Ruaridh Oakley, 10, and her mum Catherine Oakley, 45. The family took part in honour of an uncle who currently has cancer. Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson in Scotland, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life. 'No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. 'Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. 'Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years. 'It was a fantastic day at Race for Life, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. 'Now we're asking everyone who took part to return the money they're raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference. '
