New community orchards have been established at ScotRail stations across the country as part of a community project. 

ScotRail has partnered with Thatchers Cider to plant apple trees at three stations, helping to create welcoming spaces for customers and local communities. 

Trees have been established at Cardross, Dumfries, and Aberdour stations, with a range of apple varieties planted to enhance the environment and support wildlife. 

It’s all part of the Thatchers Community Orchard Project – now in its sixth year – which has already donated more than 2,000 trees to community groups across the UK, including 500 this year alone. 

By working together, ScotRail and Thatchers hope to further enhance outdoor spaces at stations and create places where people can connect with nature, while supporting sustainability and biodiversity goals across Scotland’s Railway. 

The trees planted at Cardross, Dumfries, and Aberdour include carefully selected varieties including Bramley, Scrumptious, Dabinett, and Katy – chosen for their ability to thrive with minimal maintenance. 

The train operator’s partnership with Thatchers Cider also sees the company’s cider available on board ScotRail services where food and drink options are offered.  

Graeme Baillie, ScotRail Safety and Sustainability Director, said: “This project highlights ScotRail’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities across the country. 

“These new orchards will help create greener and more welcoming spaces for customers, while also supporting local wildlife and leaving a lasting, sustainable legacy for the communities we serve.” 

Eleanor Thatcher, fifth generation cidermaker at Thatchers Cider, said: “We’re surrounded by over 550 acres of orchards at Myrtle Farm. Spending time in them is something me and my family are lucky to enjoy, and we want to share that with others.  

“By supporting ScotRail with their exciting community and sustainability work, we’ve been able to help apple trees take root in locations they never normally would. 

“We hope the partnership and trees bring continued joy to both the people and wildlife of these unique stations across Scotland.”