Cheers to that! Stow train station recognised for national award
Last updated 12th Oct 2026
A stop on the Borders Railway is just one of four in Scotland to be shortlisted for a national award recognising railway stations that are “creating connections that matter”.
The plaudit comes just over a decade after locals successfully campaigned for it to be reopened.
According to judges in the World Cup of Stations 2026, the once redundant Station House has been transformed into a "social heart for the village" - hosting live music, karaoke, food nights and a volunteer-run bar.
Grace Murray, chair of Stow Community Trust, told Greatest Hits Radio "it's in no small part thanks to all the work of the community over a lot of years".
“Not only is it a lovely place to be in, but we do lots and lots of events for the community," she said.
“At the moment, we're running the place by the community and for the community. That means that we've got about 40 volunteers who help behind the bar and take turns.
“We've got cleaners going in on a Saturday morning and we try really, really hard to make sure that what we're doing is going to attract and support the different needs of the different parts of the community.”
Stow is one of three stops on the Borders Railway, which connects Edinburgh and Tweedbank.
Events planned include winter warmers, karaoke and gin nights, alongside regular Friday and Saturday bar nights.
Grace says it’s “always great to see folk from the community coming in and enjoying the space”.
She also paid tribute to the support of ScotRail over the years, saying the trust “wouldn’t be in this situation actually without everybody’s help”.
The other Scottish finalists are Kilmarnock, Cardross and Saltcoats.
Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: "This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways. The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive. Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.
“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.
“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.”
Last year, Ashington took the title following the return of passenger services after a 60-year absence.
Public voting runs until Sunday (October 18th), with the winner announced on Tuesday, October 20th - click here to vote: raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/