Commuters at three Scottish stations are set to get their morning on track with free treats from the ScotRail Alliance and its retail partner Selecta.

New Lavazza coffee machines has been installed by Selecta on the platform at Stirling, Rutherglen and Linlithgow, meaning customers can now get their caffeine fix as they wait for their train. Prices for hot drinks start at £1 for an espresso, increasing to £1.40 for a cappuccino and £1.50 for a Mocha.

To mark the launch, the ScotRail Alliance and their retail partner Selecta, will be handing out free coffees and light treats to customers during the morning rush on:
• Tuesday 24 October at Stirling
• Wednesday 25 October at Rutherglen
• Thursday 26 October at Linlithgow

The new coffee machines, which are a common sight on the Italian rail network, work in the same way as many home coffee makers. Capsules are used to keep the coffee fresh until it is brewed.

The three have been installed as part of a pilot scheme, and there are plans for more across the country if they prove a success.

Colin Whyte, the ScotRail Alliance’s commercial property manager, said: “We’re building the best railway Scotland’s ever had, and giving our stations the best facilities is a key part of this.

“This new ‘grab and go’ machine will help our customers to start their day on the right track.”

Richard Mattis, national account manager for Selecta, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Italy’s favourite coffee to Scottish stations. This new Lavazza coffee offer brings customers coffee shop quality at affordable prices.

“If you are passing through the station and see us, let us treat you to a coffee. We’re sure you’ll taste the difference.”

Image: The new Lavazza machine at Linlithgow station

• Bus operator sees rise in passenger numbers* on routes across Stirling, Falkirk, West Lothian and Edinburgh

• Investment and customer-focused approach a significant factor, says MD

• Operator recently announced new links and frequencies across network

Local bus operator, First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird, has recorded an increase in passenger numbers across a range of services.

The company, which operates across Central Scotland and on key routes into Edinburgh, has seen a year on year passenger increase in excess of 40% on one service and rises of more than 5% on others

First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird Managing Director, Paul McGowan, said a focus on listening to customers and stakeholders, route extensions and other service improvements have all helped to boost customer numbers.

Service 29, Falkirk to Bathgate has seen an increase of more than 48% in passengers in the past year and the company has now extended the service to Broxburn.

Service 2, Falkirk to Dunipace, has also been attracting significantly more passengers, with a rise of more than 12%, and the service has been now extended into Stirling.

Other route successes include:
• Services 62/63, Stirling Alloa Circular: almost 7.6% increase
• Service 5, Langlees to Bo’ness: a rise of more than 8.2% – and now benefiting from the Falkirk area cut-price zonal fares package announced last year
• Service 38, Stirling to Edinburgh Royal Route: an increase of more than 5.5% – and now with additional peak time journeys
• Service 21, Edinburgh to Fauldhouse: an increase of more than 21% – with the service extended to include Edinburgh Airport, Gyle and Edinburgh Park

There has also been a passenger increase of more than 7% on the high frequency Services 27/28, between Bathgate, Livingston and Edinburgh. Humza Yousaf, Scottish Government Minister for Transport and the Islands, launched a new high-tech/low emissions fleet of First West Lothian buses on the route last year.

Paul McGowan, Managing Director for First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird, said: “We’ve seen encouraging growth in passenger numbers on many routes in the past year and this has been exceptional in some cases.

“We’ve achieved this through significant investment in our fleet and services, by listening to customers and through close partnership with stakeholders.

“We will now be building on this success following the announcement of new links and increased frequencies on many services and our recent freeze on mobile mTicket prices, and simplified fares structure.”

– Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs encourages the public to explore Scotland’s built heritage
– The Engine Shed opens to the public on 3 July

An exciting new chapter for Scotland’s heritage sector begins today as Historic Environment Scotland unveils The Engine Shed, its pioneering £11m national building conservation centre.

Based at Forthside Way in Stirling, The Engine Shed seeks to ensure the knowledge, skills and materials are available to look after the important cultural and economic asset that is Scotland’s 450,000 traditional buildings.

The new learning and visitor resource was officially opened by Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop and will serve as the national conservation hub, using world-leading innovation to bring Scotland’s built heritage to life through technology and hands-on activities.

With sustainability at the heart of the building’s conservation, the former MOD munitions store has been respectfully adapted, retaining much of the original fabric and character of the original building while demonstrating how traditional materials can be used in a modern context in two extensions, also incorporating modern technologies to enhance its energy efficiency.

The centrepiece of the main space is a large-scale map of Scotland compiled from hi-resolution satellite images, from which visitors can access additional information using an iPad as an augmented reality device.

With interactive exhibits, a 4K 3D auditorium and augmented reality experiences, The Engine Shed aims to spark the public’s passion and interest with Scotland’s historic environment and inspire a new generation to be interested in traditional buildings.

The Engine Shed will be home to Historic Environment Scotland’s building conservation research and education facility, which will share its world class expertise with national and international partners in building conservation.

People across Scotland are being invited to visit The Engine Shed as it unveils a summer programme of events designed to encourage a greater understanding of Scotland’s historic buildings and traditional craft skills, as part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Workshops will include creating pieces inspired by Mackintosh’s designs currently on temporary display at The Engine Shed, which were recovered from the fire that affected The Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building in 2014.

Chair of Historic Environment Scotland Jane Ryder said: “Today’s opening marks a significant milestone in the journey of Historic Environment Scotland and The Engine Shed is a visible demonstration of our commitment to both leading and supporting the vital heritage economy.

“It is the result of great collaboration and partnership working, and thanks must go to the Scottish Government, Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund and the Historic Scotland Foundation, who have supported us in delivering this unique facility. In particular, thanks must go to our partners at Stirling Council for providing us with the building, which I hope will play a key role in continuing to maximise the potential of heritage-led regeneration through their broader city deal.

“This world-class facility is a wonderful living classroom with science and technology at its core, demonstrating that innovation can be inspired by the past. The Engine Shed is about thinking differently and challenging perceptions, which will act as a catalyst and a beacon for the historic environment.”

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “The new Engine Shed will couple state-of-the-art technology and world-leading innovation with our historic building traditions, inspiring a new generation to learn the traditional skills and use the authentic materials that will help to keep Scotland’s history alive.

“The Scottish Government has proudly supported this ambitious project since its very beginning, underlining the importance we place on protecting, preserving and promoting our rich history, heritage and built environment.

“I am particularly pleased to open The Engine Shed during Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. The centre will help to provide a lasting legacy for the year, increasing knowledge and understanding of the values of our precious historic environment.”

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland Lucy Casot, said: “What is being done at The Engine Shed is leading the way, not just in Scotland but in the UK. We need people with traditional building skills to look after our heritage. Without them, historic buildings, whether it’s the local bank or a national monument, will crumble. Thanks to players of the National Lottery, we have been able to support this centre of excellence which will ensure that a new generation is equipped with the skills to care for the fabric of our nation.”

Stirling Council Leader Scott Farmer said: “Stirling Council has been delighted to support the development of The Engine Shed since the project’s inception and look forward to working closely on it with our partners Historic Environment Scotland. This adds another world class attraction to Stirling which will have a big impact economically, culturally and socially across the whole area.”

The Engine Shed will open its doors to the public on Monday 3 July and the building is open Monday to Saturday, between 10am-4pm. Entry is free. The building will be available to hire as a conference space, with room for up to 200 delegates.

For further information on the Engine Shed, please visit www.engineshed.org.

Stirling Castle is to provide the atmospheric backdrop for a dramatic adaptation of one of the most famous gothic romances of the 19th century.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company is bringing an open-air production of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre to the castle this weekend (Saturday 17 June).

A bold and dynamic production of one of the classics of English literature, Jane Eyre uncovers the story of a woman whose independence and bravery shaped her life.

Audiences can lose themselves in this haunting and unconventional love story in the shadow of Stirling Castle as they follow the journey of the spirited heroine, watching as she faces life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart.

Lorna Ewan, Head of Visitor Experience, Content and Learning at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who manage Stirling Castle, said: “Drama and story-telling are at the heart of Stirling Castle’s history. Its Queen Anne Garden, overlooked by the royal palace, provides a magical venue for outdoor theatre productions.

“Jane Eyre is a fresh and inventive production which captures the spirit of the novel – it’s a must-see at the castle this summer.”

Jane Eyre takes place from 7.30pm – 9.45pm on Saturday 17th of June. Doors open at 6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets are available online and on the door.

Historic Scotland Members will receive a 10% discount when they login to the membership website to buy tickets.