MORE than £330,000 has been raised by Scotland’s Railway to support older people across the country.
ScotRail and Network Rail contributed almost £332,000 to Age Scotland over the past 12 months.
The charity helps to tackle loneliness and promote the importance of older people feeling valued and included in Scottish society.
It has been the official partner charity of ScotRail and Network Rail since April last year.
The money was raised through a variety of initiatives and contributions from rail customers and staff.
This is said to have played a ‘vital role’ in supporting Age Scotland’s mission, which is to ‘inspire, involve, and empower older people’ in Scotland.
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Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: “The support from Scotland’s Railway has been fantastic and we are incredibly grateful to staff and customers for their wonderful fundraising efforts, volunteering to tackle loneliness with friendship calls, and sharing information about how our services can help.
“This positive partnership is having an impact and raising fantastic awareness of how we can support older people in Scotland.
“We’re really looking forward to what else we can achieve together.”
Fundraising activities included bucket collections at stations, customer donations through Delay Repay contributions, and staff-led events such as bake sales, craft fairs, musical performances, auctions, raffles, and a 13-mile walk from Clydebank station to Balloch station.
Employees further stepped up to the task by taking part in abseiling challenges at the Forth Bridge and the Falkirk Wheel, zip-lining across the Clyde, and the Supernova 5k at the Kelpies.
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David Ross, ScotRail Communications Director, said: “We are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved in partnership with Age Scotland over the past year.
“Thanks to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our staff, we have been able to help make a difference in the lives of older people across Scotland.
“We look forward to continuing our work together and making an even greater impact in the years ahead.”
Age Scotland also received in-kind support from Scotland’s Railway, such as complimentary travel for its employees as they work across the country to support older people.
The charity also featured in a significant brand awareness campaign delivered by ScotRail and Network Rail.
This included TV adverts, posters on trains and at stations, branding on trains, and a Christmas marketing campaign.
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Scotland’s Railway will continue to support Age Scotland with an exciting calendar of fundraising events – such as the Kiltwalks, more abseiling, and fire walks – lined up for 2025.
Staff will also be volunteering as Friendship Callers for the charity. This provides invaluable support and companionship to older people experiencing loneliness.
Innis Keith, Network Rail's health, safety, and environment director, said: "This is a deeply meaningful partnership that has helped us better connect with the communities we serve.
"A little effort goes a long way, and it's inspiring to see how small actions add up to make a big difference.
"It's in all our interests to ensure life as we get older is fulfilling and rewarding, and we look forward to continuing to support this in the year ahead."
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