Scotland’s Railway is marking the one-year anniversary of its charity partnership with Age Scotland, celebrating a remarkable £332,000 in combined fundraising and in-kind support aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation among older people.
The initiative, launched in April 2024, has brought together ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland staff, customers, and communities across the country in a shared mission to make later life more inclusive and fulfilling for Scotland’s ageing population.
A Broad-Based Impact
Over the past 12 months, the collaboration has generated nearly one-third of a million pounds in value through traditional fundraising activities, staff-led events, brand visibility campaigns, and complimentary travel services for Age Scotland employees.
Fundraising highlights have included:
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Station bucket collections
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Delay Repay donations from customers
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Community-driven events such as bake sales, craft fairs, and musical performances
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Sponsored physical challenges including a 13-mile walk from Clydebank to Balloch, abseils from landmarks like the Forth Bridge and Falkirk Wheel, and a zip-line across the River Clyde
The partnership has also facilitated wide-reaching public engagement. Age Scotland’s branding has featured on trains, TV adverts, station posters, and a festive Christmas marketing campaign, helping the charity reach millions of people and amplify its core message: that older people should feel valued, connected, and supported.
A Personal Commitment from Railway Staff
Railway employees have taken a leading role in the charity’s mission, not only by organising and participating in fundraising events but also by volunteering their time as Friendship Callers — offering companionship to elderly individuals experiencing loneliness.
Upcoming events planned for 2025 include participation in:
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The Edinburgh Marathon
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Kiltwalks across Scotland
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Abseils at The Kelpies
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Supernova 5Ks
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Fire walks
David Ross, Communications Director at ScotRail, praised the enthusiasm of customers and staff:
“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.”
Strategic Value for Network Rail
From Network Rail’s perspective, the partnership also reinforces its community engagement credentials.
Innis Keith, Network Rail’s Health, Safety, and Environment Director, called it “a deeply meaningful partnership” that strengthens community ties and reminds the organisation of its social responsibilities.
“It’s inspiring to see how small actions add up to make a big difference,” Keith added. “We all benefit when older people feel connected and supported.”
A Mutually Empowering Collaboration
Age Scotland CEO Katherine Crawford emphasised how the railway’s platform has significantly elevated the charity’s visibility and operations:
“The support from Scotland’s Railway has been fantastic… from friendship calls to fundraising to nationwide awareness, this partnership is genuinely changing lives.”
Crawford noted that the partnership’s success lies not only in financial outcomes but also in the cultural shift it is helping to foster around ageing and community solidarity.
Looking Ahead
As Scotland continues to grapple with the challenges of an ageing population — including social isolation, underfunded care systems, and digital exclusion — partnerships like this one offer a replicable model for public engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and corporate social responsibility.
For Scotland’s Railway, it’s also a demonstration of how transportation infrastructure can serve not just economic efficiency but human connection.
