Dumbarton Stations Improvement Trust

Dumbarton Stations Improvement Trust was registered on 21^st April by the Scottish Charity Regulator, as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation [No. SC046496].

The charitable objects are: To advance environmental improvement through the provision, maintenance and/or improvement of public open space and other public amenities and environmental and townscape projects in the environs of the railway stations of Dumbarton; and to advance knowledge of, and education in railway heritage for the benefit of the public, through the provision of opportunities for people to engage in heritage, environmental, and cultural activities.

Dumbarton Central Station [1896] is one of only 12 Category ‘A’-Listed stations in Scotland; it is a station on the internationally-known West Highland Line, and the National Cycle Network; and is a valuable asset to the local community, as a gateway and arrival point close to the centre of Dumbarton, and within easy reach of the Kilpatrick Hills, and Loch Lomond National Park and surrounding countryside.

The Trust aims to act as a catalyst in attracting the interest of Network Rail, Abellio/Scotrail, West Dunbartonshire Council and other interested partners, in generating improvements to the structures and public realm associated with the three railway stations in Dumbarton. In particular, the Trust would seek to encourage the restoration and regeneration of appropriate disused areas of Dumbarton Central Station for community benefit.

The Trust proposes to build on the contribution made by West Dunbartonshire Council and Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, in the production in 2014 of a substantial Scoping Report on the present condition and future potential of Dumbarton Central. It is intended, with the co-operation of West Dunbartonshire Council, Network Rail, Abellio/Scotrail and other partners and advisors to commission and produce a more comprehensive Conservation Management Plan, which would provide detailed strategies and procedures for a range of improvement actions by the partners over a long-term future.

The Trust comprises six initial trustees; while it is not open to public membership, the Trust will be examining the most appropriate means (eg through the Association of Community Rail Partnerships) of establishing a public membership group which will be able to initiate and undertake smaller, quickly-achievable practical improvement projects, and to become a visible public support for wide-ranging environmental and heritage projects and enhanced railway stations in Dumbarton.

Enquiries would be welcomed from other individuals interested in becoming involved in our aims, or potentially as trustees.

 

For further information please contact:

Dave Harvie
Afton Cottage
82 Bonhill Road
Dumbarton G82 2DY

e-mail: [email protected]