Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners steam home to victory at the ScotRail awards

Newtongrange train station has undergone a transformation this year, thanks to Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners, who scooped the Community Project of the Year title.

Article Source: McCosh Communications
Last Updated: 18 December 2024 12:12

Newtongrange train station has undergone a transformation this year, and it’s not just local commuters that have praised the makeover. The The Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners, responsible for the eco takeover, have now been recognised and rewarded at a national level, as they scooped the Community Project of the Year title at the ScotRail in the Community Awards.

From the moment passengers alight from the train, visitors to the Midlothian village are greeted by a wide variety of butterfly and bee friendly plants and flowers in planters and beds around the platform, car park and surrounding areas. It’s all down to the hard work of the Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners who for the past year have been litter-picking, digging, weeding, planting, watering, sowing and growing.

According to volunteer Rebecca McCosh, taking over Newtongrange train station as part of ScotRail’s Adopt a Station initiative wasn’t just about the physical transformation of the station, it was also about transforming people’s attitudes.

“Neighbours who have never spoken before have come together and new friendships have been forged. Some have learned new skills, some have grown in confidence and some have enjoyed a real boost to their mental health by connecting with nature. Others have benefited from the feelgood factor that comes from giving back to your local community, and many have been inspired and empowered by the fact they can make a real difference to their local area and to the environment” she said.

Today, Newtongrange train station is a shining example of what happens when locals take pride in their community. Their key strength is their diversity – the Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners consist of volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Commuters, home workers, retired pensioners and young school children work together to water the flowers and maintain the area. And it was this intergenerational collaboration that stood out to the judges. Not only did it earn them the crown for Community Project of the Year, they also took home the silver award in the Station of the Year category.

“We’re delighted to take home these awards – it’s testament to the hard work that all the volunteers have put in this year” said volunteer Becky Stewart. And their hard work won’t stop there. “We’re excited to add yet more colour and interest to the station in spring 2025” added volunteer Julie Mair. So commuters keep your eyes peeled!

Image: Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners being presented with their awards by the BBC's Judith Ralston. (Left to right: Julie Mair, Becky Stewart, Judith Ralston, Rebecca McCosh)

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