‘Doon the Watter’ train station’s a glass act

IT was designed more than a century ago to ensure that thousands of holidaymakers coming ‘Doon the Watter’ from sooty Glasgow could move seamlessly from their steam trains onto the boat for Rothesay.

Now the Wemyss Bay terminus in Renfrewshire has been named winner of the World Cup of Stations, in recognition of the volunteers who keep it in a pristine condition.

The Grade A listed building defeated 48 stations across Scotland, England and Wales in a contest run by the Rail Delivery Group.

A long-list of stations was chosen by broadcaster and historian Tim Dunn and whittled down to a line-up of finalists before Wemyss Bay – the gateway to Rothesay and the Isle of Bute – came out on top, landing more than 10 per cent of 70,000 votes cast throughout Community Rail Week.

Judges praised Friends of Wemyss Bay Station volunteers for developing a vibrant garden and running its bookshop.

Mr Dunn said: ‘With its second-hand book shop, original posters on the walls and floral displays all year, their work – plus the efforts of the cafe staff, ScotRail and others – means that Wemyss Bay is truly a community rail destination station.’

Opened in 1865 and redesigned in 1903, Wemyss Bay station has long been lauded by architectural experts and rail enthusiasts for its detailing, which includes a stunning glass roof emanating from a circular ticket booth.

Runners-up were Denmark Hill in London and Leamington Spa in the Midlands.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s head of customer operations, said: ‘With its picturesque surroundings and architectural wonder, it truly is one of the best railway stations in the world.’