Wishart and Swinney congratulate local train station on award shortlist

Published date : 17 May, 2023

News Release from Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP

Attn: News Desk For immediate release 17 May 2023

Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP have congratulated Pitlochry Train Station on being shortlisted for ‘The UK’s Best Loved Station’ award in the World Cup of Stations tournament, organised by Rail Delivery Group and Community Rail Network as part of Community Rail Week 2023. The tournament celebrates the UK’s best stations by having them compete in an online public vote.

This year, judges are looking to shine a spotlight on the work of dedicated volunteers that support our stations through Community Rail. The categories for stations shortlisted for this year’s competition include creating social spaces, supporting local business, promoting local tourism, and sustainability. The Scotland regional group round will be held on 24 May, and if Pitlochry Station wins their group they will proceed in the competition to the semi-finals on 25 May with the winner being crowned on 26 May.

The public can follow the action and vote for the station they want to win by visiting the dedicated webpage between 22-26 May.

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:

“For its small size, Pitlochry Train Station is a hugely important station in Scotland. Falling in the middle of the route between Inverness and Edinburgh, it was used by over 120,000 passengers per year pre-Covid, with numbers steadily rising back up to that figure.

“It grants easy access into Pitlochry, allowing visitors to enjoy all the fantastic amenities and stunning scenery the town has to offer. It is great to see the station being recognised for its many benefits, and I wish staff and locals the best of luck in the competition.”

Also commenting, Mr Swinney said:

"I am delighted that Pitlochry Station has been nominated for the World Cup of Stations, and I am sure that locals will be justifiably proud of this honour.

"I would like to congratulate all those involved in the management and upkeep of the station for this magnificent achievement, and I would strongly urge those across Perthshire to vote for Pitlochry in this contest."

ENDS

Back to All Press Releases