Attendance
Present as recorded: Suzie McCheyne, Nigel Wunsch, Fraser Hamilton, Ros Houldsworth, Aiden Watt, Diane Whateley, Diane and Kieran Wise, Charmian Harrison, John Miller, graham Whitehead, Alex Bray, Andy Crosbie, Rosalie Dunn and Rose Hewitt.
Purpose of meeting
Partners received updates on current Rail 74 activity, accessibility and neurodiversity work, station and community projects, funding, and developments from ScotRail, CrossCountry Avanti, the National Autistic Society and local partners.
1 Partnership and collaboration
Suzie welcomed partners and chaired the meeting. Diane reported that discussions with SocialBite and Eugenie had not produced a viable option for on-site support. Suzie suggested that wider community engagement with SocialBite could still be explored.
Charmian advised that the service had moved from Care Campus to Caldride and Hamilton South Specialist Support Team. Potential links with Rail 74 and the National Autistic Society will be explored.
Suzie introduced Change Here, a developing programme intended to support young people into the rail industry. CrossCountry funding had been confirmed and Avanti funding was awaited.
2 Community rail and future funding
John Miller reported on the recent Community Rail Partnership meeting and confirmed that its minutes would be circulated. Discussion continues on the future funding arrangements for Scottish CRPs.
The rail and tourism strategy has been presented to Transport Scotland. Further updates are expected in the coming months.
3 Suicide prevention and awards
Suzie outlined plans for Conversation Cafes to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September and requested guidance from Graham. Graham agreed to assist and noted the volunteer recruitment difficulties experienced at previous events.
Aiden confirmed that Rail 74 had been shortlisted for an inclusivity award at the National Transport Awards in London on 1 October.
4 ScotRail and community activity
Ros reported that the new ScotRail app had launched successfully, despite some initial issues. ScotRail recorded 21 million passenger journeys between 26 July and 1 August. The ScotRail Community Awards will take place on 20 November.
5 ScotRail and community activity
Rose reported that Nature at Newton was halfway through delivery and progressing well. The next activity was a nettle rope-making session at Newton Station.
6 Douglas Park
Rosalie reported positive feedback following a Keep Scotland Beautiful visit. The maintenance work, fruit trees and planters incorporating school artwork were praised.
Replacement of the tarmacadam paths remains the main issue. Contractor options, quotations and possible funding need to be identified. Any works will require South Lanarkshire Council approval.
7 National Autistic Society and accessibility
Andy reported on work to increase participation in walking and art groups. The National Autistic Society was awaiting the sensory bag trial results and continued to update online rail accessibility information.
Suzie outlined planned Rail 74 website improvements, including a communities page and accessible days out and accommodation content, with appropriate links to National Autistic Society information.
8 CrossCountry and Change Here
Alex advised that a new CrossCountry community manager would begin shortly. He also highlighted the operator’s updated first-class food offer.
Suzie confirmed CrossCountry’s support for Change Here. Additional partners and suppliers were still being finalised.
9 Travelling Classroom and neurodiversity
Diane and Kieran reported that Travelling Classroom had exceeded expectations and engaged more than 24 participants.
The next phase, delivered through Change Here, will challenge myths about neurodiversity in the workplace. Six companies had already agreed to participate, including Siemens, CrossCountry and Avanti.
10 Finance and station volunteering
Nigel reported a healthy bank balance, while noting that a significant proportion of funds was already committed to agreed projects.
Additional volunteers are required at Cambuslang Station.
11 Rutherglen Station project
Suzie reported strong progress on the Rutherglen Station mural and vinyl project, supported by Coe Giffen, ScotRail, CrossCountry, local councillors, the Historical Society, the National Autistic Society and Grow73.
Hoarding installation was expected by the end of August, followed by vinyl installation in September. Overall completion was planned by the end of 2026.
Cleaning and aesthetic preparation require further discussion with Network Rail before the vinyl is installed, because contractors can clean internal areas but not all exterior surfaces.
12 Sensory bag pilot and related projects
Early sensory bag pilot feedback was positive and indicated increased confidence among parents travelling with autistic children. A larger pilot was planned with GBP 1,000 support from Siemens.
Suzie also noted continuing work with Lanarkshire Rape Crisis and award submissions linked to Rail 74 projects.
Decisions and agreements
- Explore SocialBite’s potential contribution to wider community engagement rather than on-site support.
- Continue planning Conversation Cafes for World Suicide Prevention Day, with guidance from Graham.
- Investigate contractors, quotations, approvals and possible funding for replacement paths at Douglas Park.
- Continue the Rutherglen mural and vinyl programme to the planned timetable, subject to cleaning and coordination with Network Rail.
- Provisionally hold the next partners meeting on 6 October 2026 at 12 noon, subject to resolving diary conflicts.
Action plan
| No | Lead | Action | Timescale |
| 1 | Suzie | Contact SocialBite about wider community engagement opportunities. | Before next meeting |
| 2 | Charmian | Explore how Caldride and Hamilton South Specialist Support Team could contribute to the partnership and National Autistic Society links. | Before next meeting |
| 3 | John | Circulate the minutes from the CRP meeting at Symmetra Plaza. | As soon as available |
| 4 | John | Share further updates on the rail and tourism strategy. | As updates arise |
| 5 | Graham | Advise Suzie on Conversation Cafes and follow up after speaking with Nick McGurk. | Before 10 September |
| 6 | Suzie | Speak with Aiden about attendance at the National Transport Awards in London. | Before 1 October |
| 7 | Rosie | Send Suzie and Graham details of the Samaritans relay event for possible linkage. | Before 10 September |
| 8 | Suzie | Research Douglas Park path funding and contractors, including Paths for All, and confirm the South Lanarkshire Council approval route. | Before next meeting |
| 9 | Suzie | Contact Network Rail about cleaning, aesthetic preparation and possible support or funding at Rutherglen Station. | Before vinyl installation |
| 10 | Suzie | Complete and circulate the sensory bag pilot report. | After holiday |
| 11 | Suzie | Arrange Lanarkshire Rape Crisis training for ScotRail front-line staff once the new CEO is in place. | When appointment confirmed |
| 12 | Suzie | Confirm and issue the invitation for the next partners meeting. | As soon as possible |
Next meeting
Provisional date: Tuesday 6 October 2026 at 12 noon, subject to confirmation following the diary conflicts raised.