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First ever train to display Scottish poppy unveiled
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Poppyscotland-branded carriages can be seen across the country
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ScotRail Alliance aiming to beat £57,000 raised last year
The ScotRail Alliance has unveiled one of five specially-branded trains as part of its support for this year’s poppy appeal.
The trains were unveiled by soldiers from the 2nd and 4th Battalions, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, alongside ScotRail Alliance staff. The carriages have had their ScotRail logos replaced with a poppy-inspired design, and will be seen on routes linking Scotland’s ‘seven cities’ – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Stirling, and Inverness.
The trains are the latest demonstration of the ScotRail Alliance’s support for Poppyscotland, for which it raised over £57,000 last year.
This year, collection tins have been placed at all staffed stations, with poppies for sale at every ticket office. There are also collections every day until 11 November at four of Scotland’s busiest stations: Glasgow Central, Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket.
Syeda Ghufran, head of engineering projects at the ScotRail Alliance, said:
“At this time of year, it’s important that we remember those who gave their lives for our country. However, it’s just as important to remember those who did come back, and the support that they require.
“These poppy trains will encourage people across the country, not just to remember, but also to show their support in practical ways.”
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland, said:
“The poppy trains looks absolutely fantastic. Not only will they remind the public of the importance of the poppy during the remembrance period, but given they will be proudly on display beyond this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal it will highlight the need to support our Armed Forces community all year round.
“These trains demonstrate once again that the ScotRail Alliance is going the extra mile in its support of Poppyscotland and those who need our life-changing services.”
Notes
About Poppyscotland
The theme of this year’s Poppy Appeal is going the extra mile. While collection tin donations remain absolutely vital to help fund life-changing support, Poppyscotland is encouraging supporters – existing or new – to go the #ExtraMile in their fundraising for this year’s Scottish Poppy appeal. Poppyscotland has been sharing the stories of some of its amazing fundraisers and hopes this will inspire others to do the same, whether that be a bungee jump or a bake sale. Every extra penny raised really does make a huge difference. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/extramile .
Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.
The poppy trains, from the Class 170 fleet, serve the following routes (including intermediate stations):
- Edinburgh – Glasgow Queen Street
- Edinburgh / Glasgow – Aberdeen
- Edinburgh / Glasgow - Inverness
- Edinburgh / Glasgow – Perth / Dundee
The following units feature the design: 170425, 170428, 170430, 170433, 170450.