Plockton railway station adopted by local high school - MSP to unveil commemorative plaque
Issued by British Transport Police
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Jean Urquhart, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, will unveil a specially-commissioned plaque on Friday 26 April 2013 to recognise a unique partnership initiative - which has driven down anti-social behaviour at a west Highland railway station.
She will be joined at the Plockton station ceremony by representatives of British Transport Police (BTP), train operator ScotRail, Plockton High School, Highland Council Ward Members for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh and the local Community Council and the local Community Council.
Constable Matt O’Neill of BTP said: “Following complaints of low-level anti-social behaviour at the station by pupils from the neighbouring high school it was felt the best way to encourage a feeling of responsibility and ownership was by bringing together a collaborative committee of those affected.
“As a result incidents have been reduced considerably and the committee, which is made up entirely of pupils, has now gone one step further and adopted the ScotRail station. They now play a part in the station’s upkeep such as maintaining poster boards, planters and picking up litter.”
John Yellowlees, ScotRail external relations manager, said: “We welcome the students’ adoption of Plockton station. It is a fine example of how our Adopt A Station project is helping put stations at the heart of communities across Scotland.”
ScotRail’s Adopt A Station scheme finds community or start-up uses for vacant accommodation at stations – rent free.
Councillor Alasdair Christie, chairman of The Highland Council’s Adult and Children’s Services Committee welcomed the partnership with British Transport Police. He said: “This is an excellent example of how a Highland Council school can work with local organisations to empower communities, to make them stronger, safer and more caring. I commend the pupils at Plockton High School for their great efforts and achievements.”
Duncan Ferguson, rector of Plockton High School said: “We are delighted to have worked successfully with the local community, ScotRail, British Transport Police and other agencies to improve the appearance of Plockton Railway Station. It is an iconic station on one of Scotland’s outstandingly scenic lines and we are very proud to have our school located as a neighbour to this facility. It has been rewarding educationally and great for our youngsters’ personal development to have been given responsibility for this initiative. We are committed to working in partnership with Plockton villagers to ensure the station remains an attractive and litter-free amenity.”
Charlie M MacCrae, chair of Plockton and District Community Council added: “The Community Council welcomes this project. It has already stopped the many complaints we received regarding the state of the station and special thanks are due to Constable O’Neill for getting it all started.”