The South West Scotland Community Rail Partnership is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation that aims to engage people in their local railway across Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. Our area includes 17 stations from Stranraer in the far south west to Ayr and Kilmarnock in the north then south again to Dumfries and east to Gretna Green on the Anglo-Scottish border.

SWSCRP seeks to engage with communities and help people to get the most from their railways. It aims to promote social inclusion and sustainable travel by collaborating with train operators to bring about real improvements in terms of bringing stations back to life and making travel by rail an enjoyable experience.  

CRPs deliver social, economic and environmental impacts in a wide range of ways adding value at local level and supporting national transport strategies.

Key Objectives

• To promote the 17 stations on the Stranraer –Kimarnock – Gretna Green lines for passenger and freight traffic in accordance with local, regional and national transportation policies and provide a formal link to the ScotRail franchise holder, Network Rail, other freight and train operating companies, central and local government groups and individuals interested in the line.
• Improve links between the communities of South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway and the railways in the area served by the Partnership.
• To protect the environment and promote culture and heritage of areas surrounding the railway lines including sustainable development.
• Work with transport operators to deliver improved rail services and connectivity in our area.
• Working with schools and local authorities to educate children about rail travel.
• Support and encourage projects aimed at giving the communities a sense of ownership and pride in their local railway and enhance the ambience of their stations.
• Encourage rural tourism and help support local businesses.
• Work with the community to help overcome physical,financial and social barriers to travel by helping access to education, employment,healthcare and social facilities by encouraging car-free and sustainable travel.
• Hold events that celebrate the history and heritage of the railway lines in our area.

Board & Structure

Our Executive Board comprises of volunteer Trustees who give their time to overseeing the work of SWSCRP and a contracted Project Manager whose role is to develop and promote the Partnership throughout the south west area.

If you would like to become involved with SWSCRP then click here to see a general structure and membership options.