Pollokshields group win award for station 'adoption'

Monday 16 February 2009 

A Glasgow group has ‘adopted’ Pollokshields East railway station.

Now The Hidden Gardens’ work in adding colour to the station has led to an award from ScotRail.

Rachel Mimiec, the artist in residence at the Hidden Gardens established a seasonal daffodil stall in March 2007, followed by a lavender stall in October 2007.  Now, head gardener Jean Gavin has made the flowers a permanent fixture.

The Hidden Gardens’ work has been recognised with first place in the train operator’s awards scheme for station adopters.

It was the only inner-city station to make the awards list, thanks to the array of beautiful plants and shrubs ‘adopted’ by the group.

Members enhanced the station’s overall appearance under ScotRail’s Adopt a Station scheme, designed to encourage local involvement and put stations at the heart of communities.

They received the Best New Group Adopter certificate at a lunch held in Glasgow.

Jean, who accepted the award on the group’s behalf, was delighted at being honoured.

She said: “This award has topped off a lovely day.

“We have worked hard to show the people at Pollokshield’s East that you can find a garden – even in the middle of the city.”

John Yellowlees, ScotRail’s external relations manager, added: “ScotRail’s Adopt a Station scheme is about putting stations at the heart of their communities.

“We are delighted that so many individuals and groups like the Hidden Gardens are making a real difference to enhancing the overall appearance with colourful floral displays.”

Since launched in September 2005, the Adopt a Station scheme has gone from strength to strength - with 71 stations now benefitting from floral displays maintained by volunteers.  Other initiatives include spectacular murals, coffee shops, a charity bookshop, a toy library and community meeting rooms.
 
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Carla Rinaldi, Communications Assistant: 0141 335 5156 / carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com
Iain Wilson, Head of Media Relations: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com
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