Customers at Girvan Station are benefiting from a brighter and more colourful overall station environment, thanks to a successful partnership between First ScotRail and the Daldorch House School and Continuing Education Centre.

The partnership came about following an invitation from the new Stranraer to Ayr Line Support Association (SAYLSA) for the school to join them in ‘adopting’ Girvan Station, as part of First ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme. SAYLSA has taken up residence in the vacant shop on the station platform to sell refreshments and souvenirs on Saturday mornings.

As a result, SAYLSA, along with Jane McCallum, Lead Principal Teacher at the National Autistic Society’s Continuing Education Centre approached First ScotRail with a proposal for improving the station environment through the introduction of 10 planters for floral displays. The design, production and painting of these planters, as well as the ongoing maintenance would be carried out by students from the continuing Education Centre.

First ScotRail fully supported the proposal and work was quickly underway by the students, who have filled the tubs with an array of conifers and bulbs, which are now providing an attractive addition to the station and benefiting both customers and local residents.

John Yellowlees, external relations manager at First ScotRail, said, “We are delighted with the results of this station adoption and customers and already benefiting from the attractive displays that have gone in. The hard work put in by the students and the occupation of the shop by SAYLSA has made a real difference and I hope that others will be encouraged to put forward proposals for the stations in their local area.”

Jane McCallum added, “This has been a greatly beneficial project and the students have enjoyed seeing it through from start to finish. The station looks really attractive and I am grateful for the invitation from SAYLSA to join them in adopting Girvan Station, as well as the support we have had from First ScotRail all the way through.”

Since launching in September 2005, First ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme has gone from strength to strength and now has over 40 stations adopted by individuals, community groups and businesses.