As part of Scotland’s Railway, QTS is supporting a £40,000 community fund to help support the development and delivery of inspiring local projects across Scotland.
The new initiative will help build stronger, more resilient communities beyond transport infrastructure by investing in the people and places the railway connects. The fund is designed to help local groups bring their ideas to life, particularly those that might otherwise struggle to secure financial backing.
The community fund will prioritise projects that focus on boosting the local economy, promoting equal opportunities and enhancing wellbeing.
Grants of up to £3,000 will be available to support a wide range of initiatives, from community garden schemes and youth mentoring programmes to accessibility improvements and local heritage projects.
The fund was officially launched on Friday 20 June 2025 with an event at Keir Hardie Memorial Primary School in Motherwell, which has previously received funding through its partnership with Network Rail. The money was used to provide a range of safe outdoor spaces for learning and play, used daily by pupils throughout the school year.
”QTS has always been passionate about grass roots sponsorship and so we were more than happy to be a part of this community fund. In recent years we have put a renewed focus on social value and have been working with communities in the areas we work to not only give aid where we can but educate young people on what goes in to keeping the railway running.
Andy SteelManaging Director, QTS
I'm extremely proud of the work we've done to help communities across Scotland and look forward to being a part of this new Network Rail initiative.
”Connecting people is about more than building the right infrastructure. Our dedicated community teams get right into the heart of communities, finding out what matters to local people, and helping to deliver positive change.
Liam SumpterManaging Director, Network Rail Scotland
This new fund empowers local groups to address their specific needs that might otherwise go unfunded. Whether it’s refreshing community spaces, supporting young people, or launching environmental initiatives, we look forward to playing a part in their success.
The QTS Workforce Development team also delivered STEM and career talks within both Abington and Crawford Primary schools and donated a handmade bench for use by the pupils at Crawford.
