Strathaven Model Society stay on track with community grant

May 1 2008 By Sandra Walls

STRATHAVEN Model Society can keep the local park’s train on the right track after receiving a community grant for running costs.

Chair of East Kilbride Area Committee, Councillor Alice Marie Mitchell, presented the group with a cheque for £500.

The money was awarded at a recent area committee meeting from the community grants scheme, which will be used for refurbishing wheels for the Strathaven Miniature Railway steam locomotive in Strathaven Park.

Strathaven Model Society formed in 1974 and members of the society took over running the train in the park 30 years ago.

Throughout this period the train has carried thousands of passengers, including 968 people, at last year’s gala day.

New track layouts have been built as well as new carriages and locomotives.

The railway is recognised as a major attraction in Lanarkshire, bringing visitors to the park and the local area.

Councillor Mitchell said: “I remember coming to Strathaven Park as a child and the highlight of my day was having a go on the train. It is just the way I remembered it and it is great to see children still enjoying the train today.

“I am pleased to be able to help Strathaven Model Society and would encourage other groups in the area to apply and see how we can help them.”

Groups can apply for funding up to £1000. The community grants scheme is aimed at groups and organisations in East Kilbride, Strathaven and surrounding areas who promote social, cultural and leisure activities.

The park train runs every Saturday and Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, from April 1 to September 30 and requires a minimum of three people to run the railway.

The group, with members from all over Scotland, are looking for adult volunteers who can spare a few hours over the weekend to help run the train. Contact Robert Watt on 0141 641 5478.