Anas Sarwar MSP has visited his local rail depot in Polmadie, Glasgow, to gain further insight into the workings of Scotland’s rail supply chain.
The visit was part of the Railway Industry Association (RIA) Rail Fellowship Programme, which helps senior stakeholders better understand the rail sector and the wider rail supplier community.
The Polmadie depot is run by Alstom, who maintain a range of train fleets on the site – including Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolinos and the Caledonian Sleeper rolling stock – and are carrying out heavy overhauls on ScotRail’s Class 334 trains. Staff provide a round-the-clock service, seven days a week – welcoming 17 trains per day.
During the visit, the Glasgow region MSP and Scottish Labour Leader witnessed various aspects of the depot’s operations including train fleets being overhauled and day-to-day rolling stock maintenance. He also spent time meeting with apprentices and long-serving team members based at the site.
Alstom is the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, and a major signalling and rail infrastructure provider. The company employs 6,000 people across the UK and Ireland, including over 100 in Scotland.
Originally opened as Polmadie Shed in 1875 by the Caledonian Railway Company, Alstom Glasgow Traincare Centre is today one of five such facilities on the West Coast Main Line managed by the company.
The RIA Rail Fellowship Programme is an important industry initiative which provides stakeholders and politicians like Anas Sarwar with the knowledge, information, and insights necessary to make informed decisions about the rail sector. The visit reflects the commitment of MSPs like Anas to improve their understanding of the work carried out by the rail industry.
Anas Sarwar MSP said: “It has been a pleasure to visit Alstom’s Polmadie works in my constituency. I appreciated the time taken to show me round and explain in detail what this historic site does, particularly its 24/7 work on the Caledonian Sleeper. I’m especially pleased to help inaugurate RIA’s Fellowship Programme to my fellow MSPs.”
Peter Broadley, Director of Services at Alstom UK & Ireland said: “As a leader in smart and sustainable mobility, Alstom is committed to helping Scotland become better connected, while supporting the country’s ambition to reach net zero by 2045. It was brilliant that our local MSP was able to see, first-hand, the important work we do at Polmadie – round-the-clock, every day – to keep Scottish passengers moving, while also meeting some of the talented and dedicated people who make it all happen.”
Lorna Gibson Vice Chair of RIA Scotland said: “Alstom’s commitment to the Scottish rail supply chain is providing real economic and social benefits for both passengers and taxpayers across Scotland. Scottish rail suppliers are investing in infrastructure and rolling stock upgrades which boost social value by creating good jobs and improving workforce skills. It also turbocharges public funding and helps deliver a better railway for Scotland.”
Photo credit: RIA
