A CHARITY in Garelochhead set up to help former service personnel says it’s encouraged by the latest talks over its bid to set up a permanent base in the village.

The Garelochhead Station Trust, as its name suggests, wants to establish a permanent home in the presently unused platform building at Garelochhead railway station on the West Highland line.

The charity’s representatives met the Railway Heritage Trust, Network Rail, ScotRail, the Royal Navy, IDP Architects and the Friends of the West Highland Line at the station earlier this month to discuss the next steps towards occupying the building – and said afterwards that they were “so excited” at the progress of the talks.

READ MORE: MoD land in Garelochhead sells for more than double its guide price at auction

Presently based at the Gibson Hall in the village, the trust was set up in late 2018 with the aim of offering former service personnel information, advice, learning and engagement opportunities to improve their mental health and support them in their transition from military to civilian life.

The charity recently received £1,808 from Argyll and Bute Council’s Supporting Communities Fund to help with the cost of providing online mindfulness courses to help members whose mental health has suffered during the Covid pandemic.