Passengers using Falkirk Grahamston Station are benefiting from a brighter and more colourful overall station environment, thanks to a joint partnership between First ScotRail and the Falkirk Rotary Club.

As part of their ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme, which launched in September 2005, First ScotRail was approached by the Rotary Club with a proposal for how they would like to improve their local station for the benefit of both customers and local residents, through the installation of new floral displays and tubs.

As a result, the train operating company is supporting the proposal by replacing the floral displays in the existing planters and tubs as well as renewing the compost, which should lead to more vibrant and sustained blooms. Work commenced at the station on 14 June 2007.

In addition, First ScotRail is joining up with Falkirk Rotary to establish a shared watering and weeding rota to tend to the plants which will enhance the natural atmosphere and create a more colourful and attractive environment for everyone using the station. The Klondyke Garden Centre is also sponsoring the scheme by supplying small trees, plants and shrubs at a reduced price.

John Yellowlees, external relations manager at First ScotRail, said, “By supporting local initiatives such as this, we can help further improve the environment of our stations, making them more attractive places for customers. Our ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme has been a great success since it launched 18 months ago and we have been delighted with the quality as well as quantity of proposals coming in. We hope that this addition will encourage more people to put forward proposals for other stations.”

First ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme also highlights ways in which unused station buildings may be used by local groups, as well as ideas for improving the environment of a station.

Robert Craig, President of the Falkirk Rotary Club said: “We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to play a part in enhancing the town’s image at Grahamston Station. In joining together with First ScotRail and staff at Klondyke Garden Centre in Polmont, a truly stunning display of shrubs and flowers has been created, transforming the overall impression given to travelers arriving in our town.”