A RAIL depot in Glasgow has welcomed its first train since it reopened earlier this year, heralding a new chapter for rail engineering in the city.

Gibson's Engineering, a leader in the field of train manufacturing, maintenances and repairs, welcomed the first train to its new facility at the St Rollox depot, locally known as The Caley, in Springburn. 

Gibson's will begin work on its first contract, with more in the pipeline, which marks the first steps of restoring Glasgow to its former glory as a hub for advanced rail engineering. 

St Rollox, which is the largest manufacturing and repair depot in Scotland, will serve as a one-stop ensuring the seamless operation of light and heavy rolling stock. 

It also intends to have a fully electrified rail line from its buildings to the mainline, between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and will be the only active wheel-shop facility in Scotland.

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First train at St RolloxFirst train at St Rollox (Image: Supplied)

Fraser Gibson, managing director of Gibson’s Engineering, said: "The first train entering St Rollox is a proud moment for the team, and getting here required a lot of hard work and collaboration with Network Rail.

"This is a really exciting moment for Glasgow and Scotland, given what we are planning to do and the number of people that we’re going to employ.

"The size of the site gives us an opportunity to do more training, take on more apprentices, and make this place a centre of engineering once again.

"St Rollox has always been the main hub of the British engineering industry, so we want it to thrive once again.

"We’re going to put it back on the map – not just for the UK rail industry, but Europe’s."

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Fraser and Dougie GibsonFraser and Dougie Gibson (Image: Supplied)

David Moulsdale, non-executive chairman at Gibson’s Engineering, added: "Growing up nearby, I remember the importance of St Rollox to the community and had family and friends who worked here.

"It is very emotional to see it up and running again, and we’re determined to grow the business quickly and make it successful.

"There are huge opportunities in the market, and we are perfectly placed to take advantage and restore ‘The Caley’ to what it once was."