THE group behind a bid to transform a disused platform building at Garelochhead’s railway station into a veterans’ hub has received a significant boost to its fund-raising efforts.
A donation of £1,000 was handed over to the Garelochhead Station Trust (GST) recently by Paul Rytal from the Glasgow Credit Union.
The trust, which was set up at the end of 2018, has set a target of £7,000 to enable it to purchase the lease for the building and turn it into a focal point for services to veterans and their families.
READ MORE: Plans unveiled for veterans' hub at Garelochhead station
The credit union’s donation means the trust is now more than halfway towards achieving that goal.
Trust chairman Alan Moodie told the Advertiser: “We are delighted to be able to accept this contribution towards the purchase of the lease for the station building from Glasgow Credit Union.
“It will enable us to deliver services to veterans, their families and the wider community at a local level.
“There is a recognition that local delivery is the best solution for improving mental wellbeing and building the local communities’ capacity.
“As a veteran myself I know how important it is to be able to talk to, and share experiences with, other veterans and this facility will enable more veterans and their families to access this service.
“We can see a bright future for this building and the veterans and their families that will access it.”
READ MORE: Helensburgh train enthusiasts bid farewell to ScotRail Class 314 fleet
GST trustee Anthony Martin added: “As a veteran and a member of Glasgow Credit Union for seven years, I am delighted they are supporting veterans and their families in the local community.
“All the Trustees, including myself and my family, have seen the benefit of being involved with Garelochhead Station Trust and would like to see more veterans and their families accessing this service.
“This contribution towards the lease will enable us to do this so much quicker.”
Click here for all the latest headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here