SCOTLAND’S Railway is celebrating the first anniversary of its partnership with Age Scotland, a charity for Scotland’s older people.
Since April 2024, they have been the official charity partner of ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland, raising awareness and providing community support for the older population.
The partnership has contributed almost £332,000 over the last 12 months in support through fundraising and in-kind contributions to help tackle loneliness and promote the importance of older people feeling valued and included in Scottish society.
Through various initiatives, rail customers and colleagues have played a vital role in supporting Age Scotland’s mission to inspire, involve, and empower older people in Scotland.
Fundraising activities have included bucket collections at stations, customer donations through Delay Repay contributions, and exciting staff-led fundraising events such as bake sales, craft fairs, musical performances, a 13-mile walk from Clydebank station to Balloch station, auctions, and raffles.
The charity has also benefited from in-kind support, including complimentary travel for Age Scotland employees as they work across the country to support older people, and the charity featuring in a significant brand awareness campaign delivered by Scotland’s Railway.
Throughout 2025, ScotRail and Network Rail will continue to support Age Scotland with an exciting calendar of fundraising events, including Kiltwalks, abseiling the Kelpies, the Edinburgh marathon, 5km runs, and fire walks.
Scotland’s Railway staff are also set to volunteer as Friendship Callers for Age Scotland, providing invaluable support and companionship to lonely older people.
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.”
Innis Keith, Network Rail 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 supporting this in the year ahead.”
Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland’s 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.”
