A volunteer who has transformed railway stations across the South West of Scotland has been named as Scotland’s Gardener of the Year 2018 by Gardening Scotland.

Louis Wall, from Newton Stewart, was awarded the accolade through his work with ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ programme.

More than 270 ScotRail stations across the country are part of the ‘Adopt a Station’ programme, with stations adopted by a range of community groups, businesses, charities, and individual volunteers.

Louis founded the ‘South West Scotland Rail Adopters Gardening Group’ through the ScotRail initiative. The group of volunteers has since grown to maintain the gardens at 19 stations between Gretna, Stranraer, and Glasgow.

Every year, Louis grows 5,000 bedding plants and, at the height of summer, travels 1000 miles a week by train helping to maintain the colourful displays.

One station, Dumfries, has been transformed by the South West Scotland Rail Adopters Gardening Group through the development of a biblical garden and biodiversity garden area.

Louis was awarded the title at Gardening Scotland’s annual event at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh.

ScotRail Alliance Head of Economic Development James Ledgerwood said:

“I would like to congratulate Louis on his award, it’s very well deserved.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Louis, and more than 1,000 station adopters across the country, our railway stations are a place our customers and local communities can enjoy.”

Gardening Scotland Director Bill Pebbles said:

“The judges were highly impressed by Louis. Amongst some very high-quality candidates, he proved to be outstanding.”