The improvements have been made thanks to a partnership between First ScotRail, the Highland Rail Partnership and members of the 'Friends of Carrbridge Station'.

The friends have planted half barrels which date from the opening of the line in 1892 and supplied by First ScotRail at the station which has recently benefited from a number of improvements recently.

They including the introduction of an 'Invernet' train - a morning commuter service to Inverness - as well as rebuilt platforms, additional lighting, new seating and painting of the buildings.

As a result, the station on the main Highland line is now looking bloomin' lovely and provides an attractive setting for customers to enjoy whilst on the platform.

The peat-free compost and plants were supplied by Speyside Heather Centre.

Mr 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.

Carrbridge residents, Dick and Mary Langridge, with one of the floral arrangements now in place around their local railway station.

"Our 'Adopt a Station' scheme has been a great success since it launched and we have been delighted with the quality as well as quantity of the proposals coming in. We hope that this addition will encourage more people to put forward proposals for other stations."

Mr Roy Brown, of the Friends of Carrbridge Station, added: "The station is a great asset to the community but looked like it could benefit from some plants and colour to make it even more welcoming."

Carrbridge Community Council chairman, Scott Bruce, said that the village station was looking much better and thanked the volunteers for their efforts.

First ScotRail's 'Adopt a Station' scheme was launched in September 2005 and is designed to encourage local individuals or community groups to enhance the overall environment of a station and find ways in which unused station buildings may be utilised.

Despite its small size, Carrbridge boasts many attractions including the historic 1717 pack horse bridge and the Landmark Forest Theme Park and is home to the famous 'Golden Spurtle' world porridge championships, 'Carve Carrbridge' chainsaw carving competition and 'Carrbridge Live' music festival.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend