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Thursday 26 Feb 2026

Scotland’s Railway gives £40,000 boost to local projects

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Scotland's Railway has announced the recipients of the £40,000 community fund giving a boost to local projects across the country.

This new initiative reflects Network Rail’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities beyond transport infrastructure by investing in the people and places the railway connects.

Designed to help local groups bring their ideas to life, the fund has prioritised projects that focus on boosting the local economy, promoting equal opportunities and enhancing wellbeing.

Today, Network Rail has announced the 17 organisations across Scotland that will receive support via the fund.

Grants of up to £3,000 have been awarded to support a range of initiatives, including Feeling Strong, in Dundee City, which received £2957 funding award to support work in helping young people build their understanding and coping resilience for poor mental health.

Let’s Grow Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway has received £2000 to help buy a new rainwater harvesting system.

Glasgow’s SISCO has been awarded £3000 to fund it's ‘Getting Active’ programme to increase opportunities for physical activity, healthier routines, and community connection, addressing the challenges faced by former offenders at risk of poor health and social isolation.

Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director of Network Rail Scotland said: “Connecting people is about more than building the right infrastructure.

“Our dedicated community teams get right into the heart of communities, finding out what matters to local people, and helping to deliver positive change.

“The awarded funds will empower local groups address their specific needs that might otherwise go unfunded. We look forward to playing a part in their success.”

Helen Wray, head of Philanthropy at Foundation Scotland said: “This fund is all about connecting people to places, building stronger and more joined up communities, and providing opportunities for groups to bring their ideas to life, particularly those that might otherwise struggle to find funding.

“There is so much potential being recognised with these 17 awards, with some fantastic examples of how a relatively modest amount can make a big difference.

“This fund is building Network Rail's relationships with community groups and supporting them to discover the opportunities that rail links can offer, so that they can do things that matter to them.

“We are delighted to be supporting Network Rail with the delivery of this fund and seeing the impact it is already having.”

Full list of Community Fund winners

• Adoption and Fostering Group Angus
• Citizens Rights Project
• WorkPlusPlay Hub
• Let's Grow Stranraer
• Feeling Strong
• Avalon Autism Parental Support and Respite Services
• Levenmouth Foodbank and Community Support Project
• Unity For Integration Project
• Bridgeton Community Learning Campus Ltd
• People Relief Support
• MENSELF +
• SISCO
• The Inverclyde Shed
• African Collaboration Group
• R:evolve Recycle
• Rail 74 Community rail partnership
• Mindful Moments