The volunteer-run bookshop at Pitlochry Station has celebrated raising more than £500,000 for charity.

The Pitlochry Station Bookshop, situated along the Highland Main Line, has been supporting good causes since opening in 2006, with all proceeds from donated book sales going directly to charity.

Run entirely by volunteers and supported through ScotRail’s Adopt-a-Station scheme, the bookshop has now donated £504,918 to a mix of local, national, and international charities.

Current beneficiaries are Cancer Research UK, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Highland Perthshire Shopmobility, Mercy Corps, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, and Tayside Mountain Rescue.

The unique model means that almost every penny raised goes directly to these causes, with no paid staff and minimal overheads thanks to ScotRail providing the premises rent-free.

The bookshop first opened following a community call to revitalise unused station space. Early success saw it expand into larger premises within the station, helping significantly increase funds raised for charity over time.

The community group’s achievement was marked at a reception in Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry on Friday 15 May 2026.

Graham Holmes, chair of the Pitlochry Station Bookshop, said: “We are forever grateful to ScotRail for giving us the opportunity to raise funds for chosen charities. It’s been 20 years since they offered us what was then the station kiosk – subsequently expanded into our current premises – free of rent.

“It is thanks also to the dedication and hard work of our wonderful volunteers, and the loyalty of the local people who donate the books that we have been able to achieve this half million pounds of donations to our chosen charities.”

Paul McKay, communications director at ScotRail, said: “Reaching the £500,000 mark is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Pitlochry Station Bookshop.

“This is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through our Adopt-a-Station programme, where local volunteers bring real energy and creativity to their station while making a meaningful difference to communities.

“The dedication of the volunteers, and the continued support from customers donating and buying books, has helped create something truly special.

“ScotRail is proud to support initiatives like this, which make our stations more welcoming while delivering a positive impact far beyond the railway.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Pitlochry Station Bookshop via their website.

Learn more about ScotRail’s work in the community here.