Pitlochry Station Opens Charity Book Shop

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Pitlochry Station Opens Charity Book Shop

18 October 2005

Pitlochry station now has its own second hand book shop, thanks to the efforts of a local community group, with support from First ScotRail.
The train company, working with the Pitlochry Station Liaison Group, has refurbished empty station premises to house the shop which, until now, has been run from a stall on the station platform.
Every Saturday, volunteers operate a ‘book drop’ system whereby passengers can donate books or buy second hand copies. All proceeds go to local charities
To mark the event, First ScotRail managing director, Mary Dickson, will officially open the book shop on Tuesday 18 October. She and two fellow directors are currently touring Scottish stations to mark the first anniversary of the company taking over the running of Scotland's railways.
First ScotRail's investment in creating the book shop is part of its ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme, which gives local people the chance to suggest ideas to improve the environment of their local station.
Miss Dickson said, “The book store is a worthwhile addition to Pitlochry station and proves how much can be achieved with enthusiasm and a willingness to get things done. I am very impressed with the volunteers in the Liaison Group as their efforts mean that the station is the heart of the community. The Pitlochry volunteers have made a real community effort and it shows – the station is an inspiration to stations across Scotland”.

Liaison Group volunteer, Priscilla Lorimer, added: “First ScotRail has been helpful and encouraging. Around eight volunteers will take turns to man the book shop and I’m sure there will be a good response from visitors and local people in the Pitlochry area. Since we opened the platform stall in June, we have raised around £200. All proceeds are donated to four charities -Shopmobility, Cancer Research UK, CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) in Kinross and Amnesty International.
Media enquiries:
Clare Meikle/Lynn Railston or Lally Wilks/Iain Wilson
3x1 Public Relations First ScotRail Press Office
Tel 0141 221 0707 Tel 0141 335 4788/4565
(If calling out of hours please dial 08700 00 51 51 and ask for the on-call First ScotRail Press Officer)
NOTES TO EDITORS: KEY FIRST SCOTRAIL ACHIEVEMENTS

First ScotRail has achieved a 20% reduction in delays (caused by First ScotRail), compared to a franchise commitment of 2% per year.

Launched JourneyCheck, the UK’s first integrated train information service. It includes a facility for customers to receive warning text and/or email messages if rail services may be disrupted, allowing them to make alternative travel arrangements.
improved passenger safety including the installation of more CCTV, providing customer information systems on platforms, and fitting better lighting in station car parks

Installed cycle storage racks at every station in Scotland

Signed up to a new Scotland-wide Customer Service Quality initiative aimed at delivered cleaner stations and trains, better information and facilities.

Significantly improved the reliability of the train fleet. Delays caused by the fleet are at their lowest level for five years.

Begun a £20 million investment to make stations across Scotland more comfortable and welcoming for passengers.

Teamed up with Capability Scotland to equip staff with the knowledge and understanding to assist customer with mobility impairments or other special needs.