Denise Havard, our community engagement coordinator for Scotland, gives an update on the latest community rail activity across the Scottish network.
New panels brighten Rutherglen Station
The walkway at Rutherglen Station has been brought to life with new panels displayed in the previously unloved space. This is thanks to the station adopter group Grow73 and Rail 74 Community Rail Partnership. While using the walkway the local community can read all about the various groups that are connected with the CRP. The project was funded by Rail 74, Avanti West Coast, and LEAP Project.
East Lothian recruits rail project manager
East Lothian Community Rail Partnership, one of three partnerships supported by CrossCountry in Scotland, have hit a major milestone by recruiting their first paid position rail project manager, Philip Immirzi.
Previously run solely by volunteers, CrossCountry’s funding has enabled the CRP to take the next step in bringing in a project specialist to take the lead on many of its plans for the next 12 months.
Philip has a wealth of knowledge in delivering projects having supported many community schemes over the last 20 years. A chartered environmentalist, he has previously had research commissioned and published during his time with Scottish Natural Heritage.
Harry Barker, chair of East Lothian CRP, said of Philip’s appointment: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Philip’s experience to the partnership. His passion for rail made him the perfect candidate to support East Lothian’s ambitious plans to deliver projects through the communities. The support from CrossCountry has been a fundamental factor in making this happen.”
Highland Discovery – Highland Mainline Community Rail Partnership provide local stories and insight
The Whereverly team, working with ScotRail and the Highland Main Line Community Rail Partnership, have shone the spotlight on the historic Highland Main Line and reimagined what it means to travel along it in their newly re-launched app and website: Highland Discovery.
Having showcased the new app as guests of Innovate UK at the recent Rail Innovation Exhibition in London, the team were also proud to host their own community launch event in Pitlochry last month. The app offers a new rail experience, providing audio of tales along the track, written historical information about the stations serviced by the line, and even AR models and games to enjoy from your seat. Download the app and try it out for yourself using the below QR code. Any feedback please email to: tina@learntolovedigital.co.uk.
South West Scotland CRP community car park
A car park at Barrhill Station has been discussed since the 1960s, but over the years the idea was never progressed. Following successful funding applications, South West Scotland Community Rail Partnership (SWSCRP) has secured funding from three sources, Barrhill CIC, Kilgallioch and Carrick Futures. With additional community benefit support from Ayrshire Roads Alliance, the CRP will now deliver this project for users of the railway station.
Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley attended the ‘breaking of the ground’ on the project alongside Dr Mhairi McKenna, chair of SWSCRP, Lynn Wilson, project manager of SWSCRP, and David Manson from Ayrshire Roads Alliance.
SWSCRP would like to acknowledge support from Network Rail in achieving this for Barrhill residents and the wider community.
Read more about Community Rail in Scotland here.
