Scotland's Railway's Perth Maintenance Base has formed a partnership with local Letham Primary School.
Their joint initiative will see the maintenance base d0nate and upgrade equipment for the school and educate children about railway safety.
They held an event to launch the new partnership, at which Scotland's Railway – a group of around 150 organisations and suppliers from across the rail industry in Scotland – gave twenty one reconditioned bicycles to the school, along with accessories donated by Story Contracting.
Over the summer, the off-track maintenance team from the Perth Maintenance Base upgraded and revamped areas within the playground. the base also delivered a rail safety to pupils, which is particularly important due to the school's proximity to the track.
The maintenance base in Perth is following the example of a successful pilot scheme last year between the Glasgow Delivery Unit and St Roch's Primary School in Glasgow.
The Perth team nominated Letham Primary from among the city's schools to be their partner. Through the initiative, they will enable young people to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) activities, encourage them to learn more about technology and engineering, and maybe even consider following a career in this area after school.
Scotland's Railway staff will volunteer time and expertise to support the school community, giving assistance and teaching practical skills and assistance. Thei next project will be creating a sensory walkway within the school's playground.
Lee Ross, Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager for Scotland's Railway, said: We're thrilled to be formalising the community partnership with Letham Primary School after they were so deservedly chosen by our colleagues.
“We are grateful to the many people in the school community and our Scotland's Railway colleagues who have been pivotal in building the relationship up until now.
“We are confident that the partnership will create exciting opportunities in the coming months and we are looking at the different ways we can offer support to the pupils, the school and the wider community now and in the future.”
Jo White, Head Teacher at Letham Primary School, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Network Rail who are kindly giving up their time and resources to improve our outdoor spaces. The partnership is benefitting our children in so many ways; increased knowledge about rail safety, having their voice heard in planned developments and being able to engage and enjoy a range of outdoor spaces for learning and play.”
Craig Lafferty, Operations Director (Scotland) for Story Contracting, said: “Story are proud to support Network Rail's exciting new partnership with Letham Primary School by providing the delivery of the newly renovated bicycles and the donation of cycle safety kits. It's great to witness the positive impact it will have on the well-being of the pupils and we're looking forward to seeing the partnership grow, having supported the initiative for the past three years.”
