Age Scotland named charity partner of Scotland's Railway

Scotland’s Railway has launched a new charity partnership with Age Scotland, after staff across ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland selected it to be their new nominated charity.

Age Scotland is the national charity for older people, working to improve the lives of everyone over the age of 50, with a mission to tackle loneliness and to connect and empower older people in Scotland to make the most of later life.

Age Scotland topped an internal poll of nominations, which signals the start of a drive to raise money and awareness for the charity through a variety of events and activities over the next three years.

Scotland’s Railway, and its 7,500 employees across ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland, will be supporting the charity through activities such as staff fundraising events, payroll giving, and sponsored challenges.

ScotRail is also launching a new feature as part of the delay-repay scheme, enabling customers to have the additional option to donate to Age Scotland.

The charity will also receive support from Scotland’s Railway though awareness raising activities, and promotional information displayed on train and in stations.

Representatives from ScotRail, Network Rail Scotland, and Age Scotland launched the partnership in Edinburgh Waverley today (Friday, 12 April).

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, said:

“We’re delighted to be able to support Age Scotland as our new charity partner.

“With more than 7,500 staff working within Scotland’s Railway, our colleagues will be fully engaged in raising as much as we can, organising fundraising events, and shining a spotlight on the vital work Age Scotland do for our older people.

“We recognise the importance of Age Scotland in promoting a better quality of life for Scotland's older people, and we are really proud that our staff and customers will have the opportunity over the next three years to help support them.”

Liam Sumpter, Managing Director of Network Rail Scotland, said:

“Scotland’s Railway provides a vital public service connecting communities across the country.

“Age Scotland does tremendous work supporting the nation’s older people, and tackling the loneliness some older people can experience, keeping them connected too.

“Colleagues across Scotland’s Railway are looking forward to supporting Age Scotland over the next three years and contributing to the charity’s vital work.”

Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said:

“We are thrilled to be chosen as the Scotland’s Railway charity partner and look forward to an exciting three years working closely together.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the work we do to support older people across Scotland.

“With the support of Scotland’s Railway and the thousands of staff across the network, we can raise vital funds to tackle loneliness and isolation among older people, help older people engage with our services, and live well in later life.”