Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Heading off to university or college is a big step, and while it is an exciting time, there can be a lot to remember. To help students stay on top of their health and wellbeing NHS 24 has launched its latest health campaign aimed to support them during their studies. NHS 24’s student health advice includes: Prioritise finding a new GP or dentist if moving away from home: Don’t wait until you feel ill or are in pain. Find your nearest practice using Scotland’s Service Directory. Check vaccinations are up to date: Meeting new people and living in shared spaces [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has tabled a motion at Holyrood commending Friends of Ormiston Park and other groups in Ormiston following Ormiston Park receiving the Green Flag Community Award for 2025/26. Mr Whitfield's motion praises the volunteers at Friends of Ormiston Park, as well as Ormiston Blooms, Lily's Ormiston CIC and East Lothian Council, on their success in being named the only park in East Lothian to achieve the Green Flag. Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "Being the only park in East Lothian to be awarded a Green Flag is a fantastic achievement and I wanted to acknowledge this success in [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have visited Caz’s Kiddies in the Country, a nursery service located in Athelstaneford, which was rated ‘very good’ following a recent inspection. They met with the nursery’s owner Carol Middleton, manager Sarah Falconi and some of their team to discuss its operation and the challenges the nursery and the wider early years and childcare sector is currently facing. The parliamentarians were impressed with the high standard of provision at the nursery, which parents described as "caring", "welcoming" and "a home from home" during the unannounced Care Inspectorate Scotland visit. Speaking after the visit [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have received an update on the latest help and support being provided to people in need in Haddington and the surrounding areas by community food and advice service, The Lammermuir Larder. The volunteer-led community service, which began providing emergency food parcels to local people in 2021, has since expanded its services to become a vital lifeline for those facing financial hardship, food insecurity and social isolation. Based on Church Street in Haddington, the organisation is now working to help address the root causes of food poverty and insecurity by providing advice and support [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has visited Dunbar Grammar School's Dinner@DGS intergenerational project to chat to the organisers and participants about the innovative and much-loved initiative. Organised by Kirsty McLuckie, Dinner@DGS involves present and former Dunbar Grammar serving a two course meal prepared by staff to a group of local older people once a week. Visits, talks or  entertainment are also provided each week. Martin chatted to Kirsty and some of the young people involved in the project about its origins and the positive difference it makes to the lives of both the older people and the volunteer pupils. Speaking afterwards, Martin [...]

Good luck to the nearly 150,000 learners across Scotland who will receive their SQA results on Tuesday 5 August 2025. Whatever happens, Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Results Helpline will be there to offer information, advice and guidance to Scotland’s young people and their parents and carers. You can call the helpline on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August, 8am to 8pm, and on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August, 9am to 5pm. You can also find help online at https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/career-help/results-help