Generous railway staff support Age Scotland’s ‘Big Gift Appeal’

Staff from across Scotland’s Railway have come together this Christmas to donate an incredible 125 gifts to Age Scotland’s Big Gift Appeal, helping to bring joy and support to older people across the country.

Age Scotland’s Big Gift Appeal aims to make the Christmas period brighter for older people who may be feeling isolated or alone.

In 2024, Age Scotland found that 64,000 older people had no one to exchange cards or gifts with at Christmas, while 100,000 people aged over 65 feel more isolated at Christmas than at any other time of the year.

Thanks to the generosity of ScotRail and Network Rail colleagues, dozens of thoughtful gifts will now be distributed to older people supported by Age Scotland, helping to combat loneliness and reminding them that they are valued and not alone during the Christmas period.

The partnership between Scotland’s Railway and Age Scotland continues to focus on raising awareness of the challenges faced by older people, including loneliness and isolation, while providing practical support through fundraising, volunteering, and community initiatives.

Tracy Stevenson, ScotRail Community Rail Executive, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues for the kindness and generosity they’ve shown in supporting Age Scotland’s Big Gift Appeal.

“Christmas can be a challenging time for many older people, so it’s been lovely to see teams from across Scotland’s Railway come together to help make the Christmas period a little brighter.

“Every gift donated is a thoughtful reminder to those receiving it that they are valued, supported, and not alone.”

Rebecca Meechan, Network Rail Scotland Charity Partnership Lead, said:

“It’s heartbreaking to think that so many older people across Scotland will feel lonely and isolated this Christmas. If we can do even a little to ease that, it’s absolutely worth it.

“Every gift donated is a small gesture with a big impact, showing older people that they’re part of a caring community. We’re really proud to do our bit and help them feel included at this special time of year.”

Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said:

“We are blown away by the generosity of those who have contributed to this year’s Big Gift appeal to help combat loneliness among older people at Christmas.

“We have received around 2,500 gifts in total and these are being distributed to older people’s groups across Scotland, spreading festive cheer at what can be an extremely challenging time of year for many older people on their own.

“We would like to thank our amazing partners at Scotland’s Railway for their part in making this appeal such a success. Their kindness will help older people who receive these gifts feel valued and less alone over the Christmas period.”

Source: ScotRail