Passengers at Carluke Station are set to benefit from a brighter and more colourful overall station environment, thanks to a joint partnership between First ScotRail and the Carluke Development Trust.

As part of their 'Adopt a Station' scheme, which launched last year, First ScotRail was approached by Carluke Development Trust with a proposal for how they would like to improve their local station, for the benefit of both customers and local residents.

As a result, the train operating company is supporting the proposal with funding, which will see a number of planted flower tubs installed on both platforms as well as hanging baskets on the station building. These are set to enhance the natural atmosphere and create a more colourful and attractive environment for everyone using the station.

Work is anticipated to start on site shortly and the Trust is endeavouring to set up a rota system of volunteers from amongst its members who will be responsible for the upkeep and ongoing maintenance of the plants and flowers. In addition, First ScotRail has invited the Trust to put forward possible ideas for utilising a currently unused room within the station building, which would bring further improvements to the overall environment.

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

Since launching, the train company has been encouraged by the number of proposals which have been put forward. Already the scheme has seen a bookstall go in to Pitlochry station, a coffee shop at Uddingston station and the planting of flowers at Linlithgow, Gleneagles, Kilwinning, Garrowhill and Haymarket stations.

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 is proving a real success and we hope that this addition will encourage more people to put forward proposals for other stations."

The chairman of Carluke Development Trust, Joey Adam, said: "First ScotRail's 'Adopt a Station scheme is ideal for groups like us who are looking for ways to improve environments in their local area. We've had strong support from First ScotRail and we're looking forward to getting started and making the station a more attractive place for everybody using it."