Cupar Station in Fife has been named as Scotland’s ‘Best Adopted Station 2011’ by Passenger Focus, the independent passenger watchdog.
The award follows the creation of a Heritage Centre in the former stationmaster’s cottage by Cupar Heritage, the local history society.
The conversion is another example of ScotRail’s Adopt a Station Scheme, with financial support for the Heritage Centre from the Railway Heritage Trust and the Stations Community Regeneration Fund.
Robert Samson, Scottish link manager for Passenger Focus, said of the award presented to the new Cupar Railway Station Users Group:
“Cupar exemplifies the spirit of a station that is at the heart of its community.
“I also congratulate Councillor Margaret Kennedy on her initiative in convening the new station users’ group.”
Councillor Kennedy said, on receiving the award:
“I am absolutely delighted for all involved. Cupar Station has developed over the years into a very community focussed asset.
“This award is testimony to all the hard work put in by many individuals and I look forward to it being displayed in a prominent position for all to see when using Cupar station.”
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said:
“Cupar Station has benefited from investment as well as community care and attention in recent years. The award is a tribute to all involved in our Adopt A Station scheme.”
Meanwhile, a statue overlooking Cupar Station has just been restored by a funding coalition led by the Cupar and North Fife Preservation Society.
Last year, gardening at Cupar Station won second place in the Cupar in Bloom competition for Best Station Garden at the Community Rail Award.
ScotRail is introducing an additional morning commuter train from Cupar to Edinburgh in its winter timetable from 12 December.
