Pitlochry railway station is vying for the esteemed title of ‘Station with the Best Local Businesses.’ The station is part of a competition involving 48 railway stations across Britain, all competing for the coveted award. Nestled within the picturesque Highland Perthshire, Pitlochry station offers visitors a chance to explore Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, marvel at stunning landscapes, enjoy performances at the local theatre, or relax in charming independent hotels.
The World Cup of Stations 2024, organized by Rail Delivery Group, has kicked off on Monday, October 14 and will run until Friday, October 18, with the winner set to be announced on Tuesday, October 22. Scotland is one of four regions participating in the competition, with Pitlochry station facing off against strong competition from Glasgow Queen Street, Kilmarnock, and Edinburgh Waverley stations. Voting for the best station with local businesses will take place on Wednesday, October 16, opening at 8 am and closing at midnight.
Jacqueline Starr, the chief executive officer of Rail Delivery Group, highlighted the importance of local businesses within railway stations, emphasizing that these businesses are integral to the communities they serve. The competition aims to spotlight the stations that are making a positive impact on their local surroundings and supporting independent businesses. A recent report commissioned by Rail Delivery Group revealed that rail travel contributes around £42 billion annually to local high streets near departure stations, with a significant portion benefiting independent enterprises.
Passengers in Scotland are notably contributing to their local economies by spending an average of £28 in the towns and cities where they depart from, and £7 per journey on independent businesses. With 70% of people acknowledging the positive impact of having a train station in their locality, the competition serves as a platform to underscore the significance of these local transit hubs in fostering economic growth and community support.
The World Cup of Stations 2024 acts as a celebration of the crucial role train stations play in bolstering local economies and supporting small businesses. As the competition progresses, the public is encouraged to participate by casting their votes for their favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations. It is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together and show appreciation for the vital role that railway stations play in enriching the local fabric.