A new railway station at Barrhead is set to open later this month, with the Balgray Station project leaving a strong community legacy across East Renfrewshire while improving links to Glasgow. Delivered through the Glasgow City Region City Deal — funded by the UK and Scottish governments alongside East Renfrewshire Council — the scheme has channelled substantial investment into local firms and created skills and education opportunities for young people.

Project partners report that more than £1.6m has been spent with local businesses within the Glasgow city region, over 350 young people have taken part in careers and school activities, volunteers have contributed more than 400 hours to community initiatives, and 44 bicycles with helmets, high-visibility clothing and safety kits are being donated to nearby schools.

The outreach has included a railway industry taster day for pupils from Barrhead High School and St Luke's High School, plus classroom sessions at St Mark's and Hillview primary schools where children designed stations and built model bridges.

Early-career opportunities on the scheme have provided hands-on experience for trainees and students. Graduate apprentice Karan Raj joined via Story Contracting's early careers programme, engineering student Kieran Mooney completed more than 580 hours of on-site learning, and local resident Brandon Wotherspoon secured a permanent role after a year-long placement through the QTS Rail Skills Academy.

Ashley McDonald, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: "As well as building a new station, we've built strong connections with the local community, and that's been one of the most rewarding parts of the project. Seeing young people take their first steps towards a career in rail has been particularly inspiring, and it's something I'm incredibly proud to have been part of.

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"Balgray Station will improve journeys for local people, but the opportunities created through the project are just as important. I hope the skills, experiences and relationships developed along the way will continue to benefit the community for many years to come."

The build has supported the regional economy, with around 10% of subcontract spending awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises. More than £1.6m has gone to companies including Akela Construction in East Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire Welding and Alter Fencing, with a further £749,000 invested via supply chain partner Kelly Group.

David Fenwick, project manager at Story Contracting, added: "While Balgray Station will transform connectivity for local communities, we are equally proud of the positive impact created throughout its construction. From inspiring young people through STEM and employability initiatives to supporting local businesses, sustainability projects and community groups, our team has worked hard to ensure the benefits of the project extend far beyond the railway. The dedication shown by our people and supply chain partners has been outstanding, and together we have created a legacy that will continue to benefit the community long after the first train calls at the station".

Community organisations, including Auchenback Resource Centre, The Foundry Community Hub and Include Me 2 Club — which supports children with learning disabilities — have received financial support and donations.

Volunteers have delivered more than 400 hours to local projects, from enhancing outdoor learning spaces at Hillview Primary School with new play and planting areas to helping run a family fun day attended by over 200 children.

As part of the station's long-term legacy, two local schools will receive 44 bicycles, along with helmets, high-visibility clothing and cycle safety equipment, to promote active, sustainable travel.

East Renfrewshire Council leader, Owen O'Donnell, said: "I'm delighted that the impact of the City Deal funded Balgray station project has extended far beyond improving public transport, leaving a lasting legacy for communities across East Renfrewshire.

"We're committed to ensuring that our local communities benefit from large contracts. It's been great to see Network Rail and Story Contracting sharing this ethos and delivering meaningful and impactful initiatives for our young people, businesses, community groups, local causes and schools."

Balgray Station is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with East Renfrewshire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting. The station will officially open to passengers on Sunday 27 September.