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Friday 5 Dec 2025

Scotland’s railway helps get kids on bikes at Kilwinning school

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail and Story Contracting have donated 22 refurbished bikes to pupils at Blacklands Primary School in Kilwinning.  

The donation is part of Scotland’s Railway Schools Partnership initiative, which delivers a year’s worth of investment, lessons and workshops centred around key priorities for the railway including safety, career opportunities, and active travel.   

Each bike is available for pupils at school so children, who may not have access to them at home, can cycle with their friends. 

The donation is a simple way support physical activity, build confidence, and encourage inclusion.   

It comes after the passing of the school’s head teacher, Susan Lauder, who was instrumental in ensuring the project was delivered for pupils.  

Deputy head, Lynne Gibson, paid tribute and spoke on the donation: “We are delighted to have received all of the bikes from Network Rail and excited to be part of the wider project. 

“Mrs Lauder was a big advocate of getting children outside and moving, and the bikes will allow us to teach and develop cycling skills with all of our children. 

“Some of the them have already asked if they can organise a cycling club for the school in the New Year! Network Rail are helping to make this incredibly difficult time a little bit easier.” 

Mark Wilson, senior programme manager for Capital Delivery at Network Rail, said: “We value the importance in giving back to the areas we work in, especially schools, which are at the heart of our communities.  

“Cycling is a great way for children to stay active, build independence, and enjoy time outdoors. 

“For some pupils, this might be their first bike and that’s a big moment, which we hope opens up new opportunities for them.” 

Every bike was also delivered with a helmet, lights and a jacket to ensure pupils can cycle safely.  

Story Contracting, which partnered in the delivery of the bikes, provided all the safety equipment.  

Stuart Millar, head of operations for structures and renewals at Story Contracting, said: "Story have been delighted to be a part of this giving back to the local community's initiative over the last few years. 

“Our site teams particularly enjoy the opportunity to collect the bikes and deliver to schools, as it allows us all to gain a first-hand appreciation of what these gestures mean to people. 

“We would also be delighted to continue assisting Network Rail in the future with such endeavours." 

Blacklands Primary School is one of four schools across Scotland currently partnered with Network Rail.  

The other schools involved are St Anne’s Primary School in Glasgow, Camdean Primary in Rosyth, and Goodlyburn Primary in Perth.