ScotRail has celebrated the dedication and creativity of volunteers who help make Scotland’s railway flourish at the train operator’s annual Community Awards.

Hosted at Glasgow’s voco Grand Central Hotel on Friday 14 November, the ScotRail in the Community Awards 2025 recognised the outstanding contribution of over 1,100 volunteers from across Scotland who bring stations and communities to life.

Awards were presented across five categories, honouring individuals and groups whose commitment, vision, and passion help make stations more welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring places to travel through.

Winners included:

• Community Rail Project of the Year – Rail Explorers (6VT Youth CRP). Over 180 people took part in accessible, intergenerational journeys across the rail network, building confidence, promoting sustainable transport, and helping more people discover the freedom of train travel. Judges highlighted the project’s inclusivity and impact on those often excluded from rail travel.
• Youth Volunteer – Aiden Watt (Rail 74 CRP). Aiden was recognised for his exceptional dedication, energy, and passion as a young volunteer. Supporting adopters at Cambuslang and Newton stations, Aiden has helped deliver events, maintain gardens, and lead mental health conversations with passengers through the Rail 74 Conversation Cafés. His leadership and enthusiasm are helping to shape the future of community rail for younger generations.
• Outstanding Contribution to Community Rail – Judith Cleghorn (Borders Railway Community Partnership). In the 10th anniversary year of the Borders Railway, Judith was celebrated for her long-standing commitment to community rail in Galashiels and across the region. A founding member and vice chair of the CRP, Judith leads local volunteers, champions new projects such as ‘The Signal Box’ community space and was instrumental in creating the Borders Railway Tapestry. Her energy and passion continue to inspire others.

Watch a video showing highlights from the event here.

Fiona Horne, 6VT Youth CRP operations manager, said: “We were delighted to receive the Community Rail Project of the Year award at the ScotRail in the Community Awards. It reflects how much effort our Youth CRP put into their work and recognises the support from the people we have worked with, from beneficiaries to train operators.

“It gives the young people involved with the partnership a real boost and helps more people hear about what we as a CRP are doing in our communities.”

Judith Cleghorn, Borders Railway Community Partnership secretary and treasurer, said: “I was stunned to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award from ScotRail, but I must make it clear that this award is for everyone in the Borders Railway Community Partnership. We have a great team who all work very hard to support the Borders Railway.

“Over the last year, we have been able to bring groups of schoolchildren along the Borders Line, to the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, and our bookshop and headquarters, The Signal Box, is going from strength to strength.

“We all dedicate a lot of time to working with the Borders Railway Community Partnership – it is always fun and continually worthwhile. We all love it.”

Paul McKay, ScotRail communications director, said: “The ScotRail in the Community Awards are our way of saying thank you to the volunteers who go above and beyond for their local stations and communities.

“Whether it’s planting gardens, leading creative projects, or helping others discover the joy of rail travel, their efforts have a lasting impact. We’re very grateful for the work they do and incredibly proud of what they achieve.

“Supporting our local communities is hugely important to us, and these awards celebrate the people who help ScotRail deliver a service that goes far beyond the railway itself.”

See details of the full list of winners here.

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