Age Scotland charity partnership train unveiled by Scotrail

A special ScotRail train featuring Age Scotland branding has been unveiled to mark the first six months of the partnership between the charity and Scotland’s Railway.

Representatives from Age Scotland and Scotland’s Railway gathered at Glasgow Queen Street station to support the launch, which included charity volunteers and ScotRail staff who have taken part in raising funds for Scotland’s national charity for older people.

Since Age Scotland was named as the official charity partner in April, ScotRail staff have been engaged in many fundraising activities such as abseiling off the Forth Bridge and zip-lining across the Clyde.

Throughout the three-year partnership, the charity will also receive support from Scotland’s Railway though awareness raising activities, and promotional information displayed on train and in stations.

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

The special ScotRail train, which features the charity partnership branding, will go into regular operation across the rail network, further promoting the organisation as it crosses communities around the country.

Age Scotland was chosen by the 7,500 employees across ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland to be their nominated charity partner for the next three years. Scotland’s Railway charity partnership seeks to raise awareness for Age Scotland, as well as raising vital funds to enable them to help anyone aged over 50 in Scotland.

David Lister, ScotRail Safety, Sustainability and Asset Director, said:

“It’s fantastic for ScotRail staff to be engaged in supporting Age Scotland and raising awareness for this good cause.

“Through the generosity of our staff and our passengers, we’ve already raised funds and highlighted their great work in the first six months - but there’s much more we can and will do over the three-year partnership.

“By branding one of our trains with the Age Scotland logo, we can continue to support the aims of the organisation; helping tackle loneliness and to connect and empower older people in Scotland to make the most of later life.”

Stacey Kitzinger, Age Scotland Associate Director of Fundraising and Marketing, said:

‘’It’s great to be working in partnership with Scotland’s Railway. We are very grateful to staff and passengers who have supported our work over the first six months of the partnership, and we are excited for what more we can achieve.

As we move into the winter months, many older people will struggle with feelings of loneliness, isolation and the challenges that later life brings.

By branding one of their trains with our logo, ScotRail is providing a unique way of raising awareness of our vital work to tackle loneliness in older people across Scotland.”

Innis Keith, Network Rail, Health, Safety and Environment Director, said:

“We’re thrilled to be marking the first six months of our partnership with Age Scotland.

“The charity does a wonderful job in supporting older people, and colleagues across Scotland’s Railway have been playing our part in contributing to that vital work through fundraising and other promotional activities.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership over the next two-and-a-half years.”