Media centre

Wednesday 27 Jun 2018

Heart of Midlothian joins forces with Network Rail to raise awareness of rail safety

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

With support from the British Transport Police, the Football and Rail Safety initiative has engaged with over 1,000 pupils in the Wester Hailes area of Edinburgh to improve safety and raise awareness to the potential real-life dangers of misusing railways.

Hearts’ Head of Community, Alan White, has built relationships with Canal View Primary, Clovenstone Primary and Sighthill Primary where he, along with British Transport Police, have delivered interactive presentations to educate pupils about safety in a new and fun way.

To further enhance the programme Network Rail have provided funding for pupils nominated by their school to attend coaching sessions delivered by Heart of Midlothian coaches, as a way to create opportunities and path-ways into sport.

Plans are also being made for British Transport Police Officers to attend the Club’s Summer Coaching Courses, to meet with over 200 participants and broaden the reach of the initiatives vital messages.

Alan White said: “This has been a fantastic programme which has been well received and supported by the Head Teachers and schools.

The pupils have responded really positively to the assembly presentations and we have been really impressed with their enthusiasm.

We are looking forward to seeing a number of these kids on our coaching courses this summer.”

Mark Henderson, Network Rail’s Senior Community Engagement Manager, said: “Our railway is one of the safest in Europe, but we still see too many instances of youngsters trespassing on our infrastructure.

As we continue to upgrade Scotland’s railway, we’re keen to explore more opportunities to educate young people about safety and to engage them in the topic in a way that is fun as well as informative.

We are pleased to be working with Hearts and the British Transport Police to deliver this innovative programme that helps improve their footballing skills and their ability to stay safe near the railway.”