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Thursday 7 May 2020

Coatdyke viaduct Lit It Blue in support of NHS

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

 Coatdyke viaduct in Coatbridge, was lit-up blue to show solidarity with key workers and frontline NHS staff all across the country.

The viaduct, east of Coatdyke station in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, joined with other Network Rail stations and structures across the UK in lighting up in NHS colours to salute the continued dedication and efforts of healthcare workers in the battle against the coronavirus.

The ten-span brick viaduct dates from 1861 and, as well as being an impressive structure in itself and a suitable backdrop to ‘Light-up’, is next to University Hospital Monklands, which houses one of Scotland's four regional infectious diseases units and is at the centre of the struggle to save lives during the pandemic.

The illumination of the North Lanarkshire structure comes as people throughout the country once again join in a mass round of applause at 8pm on Thursday to thank NHS staff for their incredible work. 

Staff at railway stations across the country will also come together at 8pm with colleagues from train operators and the British Transport Police to join the applause and show their support for all of our key workers.

Margaret Meek, director of hospital services, University Hospital Monklands said “We are grateful for the support from the public at this time, which is appreciated by everyone in the NHS on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. 

“Lighting up some of the nation’s stations and iconic bridges in blue is a great gesture of solidarity and support. It is a real boost to all of us knowing that we have so much backing from right across the country for the work that we are doing.”

Alex Hynes, Managing Director at Scotland’s Railway said: “Coatdyke viaduct looked fantastic as we lit it blue to show our support for the vital and incredible work being done by NHS staff at nearby University Hospital Monklands and all across Scotland.

“We are grateful to all key workers across the country, including those in our railway family, who are playing a massive role in supporting the country at this time. Day by day, the stories of bravery and dedication shown by care workers, staff in the NHS and everyone else who is working to keep our people safe, and give comfort and support  where it is needed, is truly humbling.”

The lighting of Coatdyke viaduct has been undertaken by the Stage Group, following the clear social distancing messages from government.