Glasgow train staff reminisce on 40 years of ScotRail

From mixing with famous faces to finding love, Jim Craig and Alan Young have been part of some incredible memories and have seen some remarkable changes over the last four decades.

ScotRail was introduced on September 22, 1983, as part of a reorganisation of British Rail, and 25 years later the iconic Saltire logo was added.

Class 37 Oban to Glasgow service, 1988

Today, that logo adorns the firm’s fleet of 345 trains which cover more than 80,000 miles every day.

But before the days of electric fleets, M-tickets and automatic gates, Jim carried this ID card – which he still cherishes – when he started out as a clerk in 1975.

Struggling to find work, he spotted a job advert for the role in his local benefits office, or ‘burro’, and he has never looked back since.

Much like the services he and Alan work for, Jim’s journey with ScotRail kept him moving, working in general-purpose relief covering ticket and parcel offices at various stations including Larbert, Falkirk Grahamston and Dundee.

In 1983, Jim moved to Buchanan House in Glasgow and worked in several departments until 2005 when he was offered the role of business correspondence manager – where he remains today.

Jim in 2023 (Image: ScotRail)

A valued member of the communications team, a fountain of knowledge and an excellent baker, Jim has helped thousands of colleagues, customers, and stakeholders over the years, and this has resulted in many letters of gratitude.

He has served the railway during some of the most exciting events of the last 40 years – and the railway has even been a gateway to him meeting his wife.

Glasgow to Oban train departs Lochwinnoch, 1988 (Image: ScotRail)

Jim said: "Reflecting on the last 40 years at ScotRail, my favourite memories include working at the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup in 2014, and of course meeting my future wife in Buchanan House in 1983.

"I also fondly remember rubbing shoulders with stars back when the Motorail service ran from Stirling station. 

"From the legendary Rod Hull and Emu to Lena Martell singing on her way to film Top of The Pops.”

ScotRail Glasgow to Oban service, 1980s (Image: ScotRail)

Working in the rail industry was a no-brainer for Alan, whose father and grandfather were engineers. He sent out numerous letters to various engineering companies before joining British Rail in 1980 as an apprentice.

In his 43-year career, Alan has worked as a fitter, senior technical officer and shift manager before moving to the Corkerhill depot in Glasgow where he continues to work hard every day as a fleet manager.  

Alan Young (Image: ScotRail)

When asked what he believes is the best thing about working in the firm, Alan said: “The privilege of working with extraordinary people and some memorable characters.

“I also look back with pride at the quality of life that my career has provided for myself and my family."

Alan also feels that the longevity of his and Jim’s careers should tell anyone aspiring to work in the rail industry all they need to know.

“Join! Pure and simple,” he said. “There are not many industries that have so many staff with such long service. That alone should tell you something.”