Plaques have been unveiled at two stations and a viaduct in Scotland that commemorate their recognition in the National Railway Heritage Awards (NRHA).
At Glasgow Queen Street, the plaque was unveiled on Tuesday, 11th July, commemorating its Chairman's Special Award in last year's National Railway Heritage Awards. The £120m project to transform Scotland's third-busiest station.
The award recognised collaboration by Network Rail, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and main contractor Balfour Beatty in a £120 million project from 2017 to 2021 to redevelop the station, which remained open throughout.
The redevelopment was funded by the Scottish Government and is a vital part of the drive towards decarbonising Scotland's rail network which will permit longer and greener electric trains to operate from the station. It also ensured that the station's 180-year-old heritage remained as an integral part of its environment.
During the redevelopment, several cast-iron, Victorian columns that had been hidden for half a century were uncovered and tastefully reinstated. The concourse was also doubled in size from 900m2 to 2002m2 to make the station more welcoming and provide views of the Grade A Listed train shed, the historic fan-shaped gable, and the surrounding cityscape.
Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland's Railway, said: “The collaborative approach of the team – from architects, engineers and contractors to station colleagues – throughout the redevelopment of Queen Street contributed to the successful delivery of this project and this award is further recognition of their professionalism.
“Queen Street has also become much more than a station.
“Not only does it provide sustainable travel for thousands of passengers – it's also a vibrant public space in the heart of Glasgow that's enjoyed by the wider community.”
Before the Queen Street event took place, a plaque was unveiled at Stirling station commemorating the NRHA's Great Western Railway Craft Skills award, which recognises the best use of traditional craft skills in the restoration of a building. It was awarded to the Network Rail team responsible for refurbishing the non-glazed roofs of the Grade A Listed station as part of the station's £3 million investment
Later, Alex Hynes presented an NRHA plaque on behalf of ScotRail to Scottish Canals for the restoration of Bowline viaduct as a new cycleway in Bowling. ScotRail is the sponsor of the Network Rail Community Award.
Alex Hynes said: “Bowline viaduct is a great asset for the wider community and visitors alike to enjoy. The restoration is a wonderful way to repurpose and preserve an important railway structure. Congratulations to all who had the vision and determination to make this possible.”
Tricia Hill, head of placemaking at Scottish Canals, said: “Scottish Canals is delighted to receive this plaque as permanent recognition for the Bowline project and the contribution this has made to the local community and active travel connections. We look forward to welcoming many more walkers, cyclists and wheelers to enjoy this unique space.”
Andy Savage, chairman of the National Rail Heritage Association, said: “Glasgow Queen Street and Bowline Viaduct are such worthy winners of National Railway Heritage Awards.
“Both projects sought to preserve important historical elements of our railway assets. At the same time, they also regenerated each one by enhancing a station building that is now fit for 21st-century travel and by breathing new life into a viaduct for community use that can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
