Your train journey helping to boost community groups across the country
AS HUMANS, we thrive on our ability to help others. Whether that’s donating to charity, helping those in need or volunteering our time, good turns of every size help make Scotland a better place.
For some, they dedicate their time back to their communities. With the help of ScotRail, they’re doing inspiring things. And did you know that when you travel with ScotRail, you’re helping these incredible people? Your ticket goes further than you think.
Let’s hear from just two of the community groups that have done amazing things thanks to your ScotRail journeys.
FRIENDS OF WEMYSS BAY STATION
Over a thousand volunteers from across Scotland have adopted their local railway station to enhance the look for the entire community to enjoy. In 2023, ScotRail invested over £100,000 in adopters’ hard work.
Each station involved in the programme receives an annual budget to spend on making their space bloom with supplies and equipment they need. And there’s the option to apply for a bigger grant if a station needs an extra bit of love.
Friends of Wemyss Bay
Station, formed in 2009, with the ambition of restoring the glory of the station’s traditional floral displays.
Since then, the group has taken up unused station space and transformed it into a community bookshop.
Sheena, founder at Friends of Wemyss Bay Station said “Our relationship with ScotRail is one of trust. We’ve been here for 15 years and they’ve trusted us to get on with the job.
“ScotRail provides the space to facilitate these services and through the help and support of the station staff.
“The Friends of Wemyss Bay Station aims to promote and enhance the beautiful Grade A listed station by providing flower and plant displays throughout the year and running a bookshop and gallery inside the station which provides information about the station, the local area and Bute.
“We also enhance the station environment with artworks and information displays. The activities provide a welcoming presence in the station and act as a community hub in the station.”
SHIBUMI KARATE SALTCOATS
As well as getting you from A to B, your train ticket is helping to improve the mental and physical health of many people in Scotland.
For members of Shibumi Karate in Saltcoats, they have a regular place to meet and there are lots of great activities running throughout the year to keep kids of all ages entertained.
John from Shibumi Karate said “We would not have been able to do this without the help and commitment of the team at ScotRail, the railway heritage trust, Sport Scotland and North Ayrshire Council.
“The Training Station is the home of Shibumi Karate Club, previously desolate the space has been transformed and now we host eight clubs, run a charity and provide returned funding for all the clubs that run activities from the station.
As a result, the community has a fantastic centre for training in physical
ties and a perfect place for groups to meet.”
To find out more about these remarkable initiatives, or to find out how you can get involved either as individual, community group or business search ScotRail Community.
This is your railway, and your ticket goes further than you think