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Friday 15 May 2026

A place to pause as five Breathing Space benches installed in Scotland

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Five more Breathing Space benches have been installed at train stations across Scotland to mark Mental Health Awareness week (11-17 May).  

Cardonald, Linlithgow, Blairhill, Shettleston and Wishaw stations have all received a bench in a bid to encourage more people passing through the stations to open up about their mental health.

There are currently 19 benches in railway stations throughout the country, delivered by Network Rail, ScotRail, NHS 24s Breathing Space service, Samaritans and local authorities. South Gyle and Dunfermline Queen Margaret will also receive benches next month.

The seats encourage passengers and members of the community to take a moment to pause and reflect on their own mental health or talk through challenges and difficult times with others. They also include details of how to access support.

Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Scotland’s railway is part of everyday life for hundreds of thousands of people, which is why it’s so important we do what we can to look after mental wellbeing in the communities we serve.

“We want support and kindness to be a part of every journey, and it’s great that at so many stations, that can begin with something simple like a friendly check-in on a Breathing Space bench.

“These small actions can make a big difference. By creating welcoming spaces, we’re helping make the railway a place where people feel cared for and able to take a moment to pause when they need it.”

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space national coordinator, added: “Breathing Space benches are a simple but powerful reminder that taking action for your mental health doesn’t need to be complicated. For some people, it might be taking a moment to pause and breathe; for others, it could be the point they decide to reach out for support.

“Breathing Space is here for anyone aged 16 and over in Scotland who needs someone to listen. The service is free, confidential, and offers support by phone and webchat for people who are feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed. We want people to remember they don’t have to face difficult moments alone, and that support is always available when they need it.”

Matt Hosgood, regional development lead at Samaritans, said: “It’s important that people have the chance to take a moment to sit, reflect, have a chat, or just have a minute to take a breath.

“Samaritans Scotland is proud to play a part in the Breathing Space Bench initiative in Cardonald, allowing people that space amidst what can be an overwhelming and busy world.

“Through the benches, we’re reminding people to be aware of their own mental health and guiding them on how to reach out for support if they feel they need it.”

Paul McKay, ScotRail Communications Director, added: “The new Breathing Space benches at Cardonald, Linlithgow, Blairhill, Shettleston, and Wishaw highlight the continued growth and impact of this important initiative across Scotland’s Railway.

“Our stations are shared spaces used by thousands of people every day, and these benches provide a gentle, visible reminder to pause, reflect, and be kind to yourself.

“We’re proud to work alongside NHS 24, Samaritans, and partners across the country to expand the reach of the Breathing Space project and reinforce the message that no one has to face challenging moments alone.”