Stations battle it out to be pride of Scotland and the region’s champion in the World Cup of Stations

Six train stations across Scotland will battle it out for a place in the final to be crowned ‘The UK’s best loved station’ and winner of World Cup of Stations 2023, the competition hosted by the Rail Delivery Group in partnership with the Community Rail Network. 

This year’s competition takes place during Community Rail Week (22-26 May) to showcase community rail and the benefits railways bring to residents, the environment and the local economy.  

The six stations in Scotland that have been nominated are all managed by Scotrail are: 

• Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire has been nominated as it has created bright modern facilities, which offer office space and meeting rooms used by a range of local groups, as well as a coffee shop and book shop.  
• Nairn, Highland has a 'man shed' and also provides a meeting space for lots of local groups to meet. 
• Pitlochry, Perth has been nominated as a volunteer-run bookshop has been set up which both raises thousands of pounds for charities every year as well as saving books which would otherwise have been sent to landfill. 
• North Queensferry, Fife has been nominated as The Forth Bridge Heritage Centre is housed here, with a new exhibition showing unique photographs by renowned railway photographer John Clemmens. 
• Wemyss Bay  has been nominated as the 'Friends' group have developed a vibrant and colourful community garden as well as opening the Station Bookshop. *
• Glennfinian  has been nominated as a volunteer-run museum was set up at Glenfinnan over 30 years ago to tell the story of the West Highland Railway, its construction and development.* 

Over 100 nominations were whittled down to 48 by TV presenter Tim Dunn in the competition that was last held in 2019. They now face each other in a series of mini-battles to be crowned World Cup of Stations champion 2023.  
 
Each of the nominees are from one of 11 regions, with four bonus stations selected by Tim Dunn. People can vote for their favourite Scottish station on Wednesday 24 May via #WorldCupofStations @RailDeliveryGrp or raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations 

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Day in, day out stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities and this year during Community Rail Week, we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales, which includes the six Scottish stations.

“All of the stations are making a positive impact on their local community, whether that’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment better by being more sustainable, whatever they’re doing to make a difference, we want to celebrate.” 

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations - tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.  

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too. It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail. Remember: like a football World Cup, the winners each day need more and more support - in every battle, it's the one with the most votes who wins!” 

Ronnie Cowan, Inverclyde MP, said: "Wemyss Bay station is a building that is close to the hearts of many local people and many more that have travelled through it over the years . Whether it was a journey by train or ferry the sweeping walkways and glass panelled roof make for an enjoyable experience that contribute to the positive experience of travel.

"The building is steeped in history and remains at the heart of the local community both physically and metaphorically.".
 
Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Community Rail partnerships and thousands of ‘station friends’ volunteers the length and breadth of Britain are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about sustainable travel by rail, and get people enthused about its many benefits.”  

Over 1,200 stations across Britain are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, that help to make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities. Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing, local arts projects, and workshops and visits with children and young people. 

We received more than 100 nominations for stations to feature in this year's competition, recognising the efforts of so many across the country in the following categories:  

• Creating social spaces – stations rejuvenated by local adoption groups who are creating spaces for the local community   
• Supporting local business – adoption groups using station spaces to host and celebrate local businesses  
• Education stations – educational spaces and workshops arranged by adoption groups held in their station   
• Tourism stations – adoption groups using their station to promote local attractions 
• Sustainable stations – environmental efforts by local community groups to improve their station’s green credentials