STAFF at Glasgow Central received recognition from Deafblind Scotland, for completing specialist visual and hearing impairment training.

Network Rail employees in the city station were given level one Guide Communicator certificates from the charity, for completing the course which enables staff to improve support to customers with sensory impairments.

The award makes Network Rail one of the first major organisations in the country to undertake the four-week training course, with employees based in Edinburgh Waverley also achieving the certificate, with a total of 11 workers in Scotland's busiest stations who are formally trained.

Isabella Goldie, Deafblind Scotland chief executive, said: “Awarding the Guide Communicators certificates represents a landmark moment for both Deafblind Scotland and Network Rail, as it is the first time any company has committed to undertake this level of accredited training with us.

"It shows a genuine regard for the challenges that people with sensory loss face."

“It was evident from the start that they could see the real value training such as this provides. For the deafblind community, knowing that both stations have trained Guide Communicators on hand to provide support and understanding helps make rail travel possible for so many.”

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “By having Guide Communicators at Scotland’s two busiest train stations, this could be life-changing for a number of sensory impaired people in maintaining their independence and. crucially, helping them access the network in a much more supported way."