Community projects across Scotland’s Railway have benefited from almost £4million of investment in recent years.
Investment from ScotRail’s Stations Community Regeneration Fund, along with grants and third-party funding, has helped to deliver projects across the country since 2015.
The Stations Community Regeneration Fund (SCRF) enables business and community groups to transform redundant station rooms and buildings into facilities to benefit local people.
A number of the projects have been delivered in partnership and with support from the Rail Heritage Trust.
Among those to receive a funding boost was Stow Station House on the Borders Railway.
This community-managed project, led by the Stow Community Trust and supported by the ScotRail in the Community team, saw the regeneration of the former station house to provide a new community hub housing a bistro, cycle business, and community space.
The project was delivered at a cost of over £816,000, with £108,000 of funding through the ScotRail SCRF.
The new Shibumi Karate Club Training Station at Saltcoats also benefited from funding.
An unused space at Saltcoats railway station was refurbished and converted into a fully accessible community facility, including a large multi-functional space, changing room, Wi-Fi network, and multimedia equipment for training, local meetings, and presentations.
The community-led project received funding of almost £500,000 from a number of sources including £83,300 from ScotRail’s SCRF.
James Ledgerwood, ScotRail Head of Economic Development & Communities, said:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to see the real difference that the Stations Community Regeneration Fund, along with the third-party funding and grants, has made to the lives of people the length and breadth of the country.
“ScotRail is much more than a railway operator – we recognise the significant role we can play in improving the towns and villages we serve.
“By working in partnership with community groups, local businesses, and wider organisations, it’s helped bring communities together and we want to do all we can to strengthen and support that link.”
Andy Savage, Railway Heritage Trust Executive Director, said:
“The Railway Heritage Trust has been delighted to be a partner and supporter of the SCRF programme in Scotland.
“This joint working has helped transform and regenerate a number of the redundant listed railway buildings in Scotland.
“We congratulate The Scottish Government, and ScotRail, for this wonderful scheme, which sets an example for other train companies to follow.”
Notes
Stations Community Regeneration Fund funded projects have been delivered at the following stations:
- Stow
- Saltcoats
- Kilmarnock
- Ladybank
- Helensburgh Central
- Aberdour
- Dumbarton Central
- Lanark
- Newtongrange
- North Queensferry
- Tain
- Nairn