Stations in Bloom: ScotRail Plants Roots for Greener Communities

Scotland’s रेलवे network is becoming greener and more inviting, thanks to the introduction of new community orchards at several ScotRail stations.

In partnership with Thatchers Cider, the rail operator has planted apple trees at Cardross, Dumfries, and Aberdour, transforming station environments into more welcoming spaces for passengers and local residents alike. The initiative also aims to boost biodiversity and support wildlife habitats.

The project forms part of the wider Thatchers Community Orchard scheme, now in its sixth year. Across the UK, the programme has already provided more than 2,000 trees to community groups, including 500 distributed this year alone.

A mix of apple varieties—including Bramley, Dabinett, Katy, and Scrumptious—has been selected for the three stations. These types were chosen not only for their resilience but also for their ability to thrive with minimal upkeep, ensuring the orchards remain sustainable in the long term.

By introducing green spaces into station settings, ScotRail and Thatchers hope to encourage people to connect more closely with nature while enhancing the overall travel experience.

The collaboration also extends beyond the orchards, with Thatchers products available on ScotRail services that offer onboard catering.

Graeme Baillie, ScotRail’s Safety and Sustainability Director, said the initiative reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. He highlighted that the orchards will create lasting environmental benefits while making stations more pleasant places to visit.

Eleanor Thatcher, a fifth-generation cidermaker, spoke about the inspiration behind the project, noting the importance of orchards at the company’s own Somerset base. She said the partnership allows that experience to be shared more widely, bringing nature into unexpected locations and benefiting both people and wildlife.