- Cazrdross is one of four stations in Scotland among 20 shortlisted across Britain for the World Cup of Stations 2026
- This year’s competition celebrates “The stations creating connections that matter”
- Public voting runs from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October, with the winner announced on Tuesday 20 October
- Get behind your favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations
The race to crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion begins on Monday 12 October, with Cardross Kilmarnock, Saltcoats, and Stow competing for the public’s support.
Bringing the rail industry together to celebrate “The stations creating connections that matter”, this year’s competition gives people the chance to choose their Station of the Year. The four Scottish contenders are among 20 stations shortlisted across Britain for the difference they make to the people and communities they serve. Scotland has enjoyed success in the competition twice before, with Wemyss Bay crowned champion in 2023 and Glasgow Queen Street taking the title in 2020.
Following over 150 nominations from the public, a judging panel selected stations whose stories show how the railway brings people and places together. Now it is over to the public to decide which one deserves the crown.
The shortlisted stations in Scotland are:
- Cardross volunteers have turned the station into a vibrant community garden filled with flowers and edible produce. Their care has created more than a beautiful welcome: it has brought neighbours together and built shared pride in the place they call home.
- Kilmarnock has transformed redundant railway offices into a thriving Community Village of shops, cafés, meeting spaces and an active-travel hub. Its volunteering and training projects help people facing addiction, poor mental health, loneliness and isolation reconnect with opportunity and one another.
- Saltcoats has transformed unused station space into a fully accessible home for new Shibumi Karate Club and the wider community. The flexible facility connects people through sport, meetings and shared activities, giving residents a welcoming place to participate and belong.
- Stow has turned its station into a lively community-focused hub where a volunteer-run pub, live music, sports clubs, karaoke and food nights bring people together. It is a social heart for the village, built around shared experiences.
Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways. The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive. Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.
“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.
“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “We’re delighted to see Kilmarnock, Saltcoats, Cardross, and Stow recognised in this year’s World Cup of Stations.
“Each of these stations shows why the railway is about more than just getting people from A to B. They are great examples of how local people have used station spaces to bring communities together, support local projects, and create opportunities for people to connect.
“We’re incredibly proud of all four stations and would encourage everyone across Scotland to get involved and vote for their favourite.”
Last year, Ashington took the title following the return of passenger services after a 60-year absence. This year, Kilmarnock, Saltcoats, Cardross, pictured at the top of this page, and Stow will be hoping to follow in its footsteps.
Voting takes place online at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations from 00:01 on Monday 12 to 23:59 on Sunday 18 October. On the evening of Wednesday 14 October, the leading station from each regional group will progress to the final stage, leaving five stations in the race for the crown.
The station receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner on Tuesday 20 October.
Make your voice heard and help crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion.