Train station on track for award
Pitlochry on shortlist for‘world Cup‘ competition
Pitlochry Train Station has been shortlisted for the ‘UK’S Best Loved Station’ award in the World Cup of Stations.
The tournament celebrates the UK’S best stations by having them compete in an online public vote.
Organised by Rail Delivery Group and Community Rail Network as part of Community Rail Week 2023, the competition started up in 2019 and was won by Glasgow Queen Street in 2020.
This year judges have put the spotlight on the work of dedicated volunteers that help make stations safe, welcoming and add value to their communities.
Kilmarnock, North Queensferry, Nairn, Weymss Bay and Glenfinnan are the other Scottish nominees.
The categories for stations shortlisted for this year’s competition include creating social spaces, supporting local business, promoting local tourism, and sustainability.
The Scotland regional group round will be held tomorrow (May 24), and if Pitlochry Station wins their group they will proceed in the competition to the semi-finals on Thursday (May 25) with the winner being crowned on Friday.
The public can follow the action and vote for the station they want to
win by visiting the dedicated webpage between May 22-26.
Local politicians, Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart and Perthshire North MSP John Swinney, congratulated the station.
Commenting, Mr Wishart said: “For its small size, Pitlochry Train Station is a hugely important station in Scotland.
“Falling in the middle of the route between Inverness and Edinburgh, it
was used by over 120,000 passengers per year pre-covid, with numbers steadily rising back up to that figure.
“It grants easy access into Pitlochry, allowing visitors to enjoy all the fantastic amenities and stunning scenery the town has to offer.
“It is great to see the station being recognised for its many benefits, and I wish staff and locals the best of luck in the competition.”
Mr Swinney added: “I am delighted that Pitlochry Station has been nominated for the World Cup of Stations, and I am sure that locals will be justifiably proud of this honour.
“I would like to congratulate all those involved in the management and upkeep of the station for this magnificent achievement, and I would strongly urge those across Perthshire to vote for Pitlochry in this contest.”