Dundee and Swansea railway stations lit blue for NHS and all critical workers

Dundee and Swansea railway stations have been lit-up blue to show solidarity with key workers and front-line NHS staff all across the country.

In Dundee, the recently redeveloped station joined with other Network Rail stations and structures across the UK and other buildings in the City in lighting up in NHS colours to salute the dedication and efforts of healthcare workers in the battle against the coronavirus.

The £38m two-year redevelopment of Dundee station was completed in July 2018 ahead of the British Open golf at Carnoustie and the opening of the V&A Museum in the City in September of that year.

The station’s location, with panoramic views over the River Tay and on to the new waterfront plaza ensured that this show of solidarity with our NHS staff and key workers was visible both in the City and beyond.

The illumination of Dundee station comes as station staff and people across the country once again join in a mass round of applause at 8pm on Thursday to thank NHS staff for their incredible work.

Alex Hynes, Managing Director at Scotland’s Railway said: “We are delighted to illuminate  what has fast become an iconic building in the City as a symbol of public support for the vital and fantastic work of NHS staff who are tackling the coronavirus.

“We are humbled on a daily basis by the bravery and dedication shown by staff in the NHS and we are grateful to all key workers across the country, including those in our railway family, who are playing a massive role in supporting the country at this time.”

Councillor John Alexander,  Leader of Dundee City Council said: “We are hugely grateful to all the staff at Ninewells hospital and NHS staff and key workers across Dundee and beyond for their efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This of course includes so many of our own staff and key workers from the council who are at the forefront of supporting vulnerable individuals and serving and supporting the community in so many different ways at this difficult time.

“Lighting the station blue is a great way to show support for everyone in the fight against COVID-19 and we are grateful to Network Rail for taking forward this activity at the redeveloped Dundee station – which will provide a fantastic back-drop.”

The lighting of Dundee station has been undertaken by the Stage Group, following the clear social distancing messages from government.

Meanwhile on Thursday night, Network Rail also lit up Swansea station in honour and gratitude to all NHS staff and other critical workers who continue to battle the coronavirus crisis.

The lighting of the station was also in recognition of railway colleagues, who themselves are classed as critical workers, as they have ensured passengers who need to travel are able to do so, whilst enabling vital freight is moved across the country.

The station opened in 1850. It was built by the South Wales Railway, which amalgamated with the Great Western Railway in 1863. It has been renovated and extended several times in its lifetime, most notably in the 1880s, when the stone-built office block facing High Street, on the west side of the station, was added, and in 1925-7 when the platforms were lengthened. The present-day frontage block, facing Ivey Place, was completed in 1934. Nothing now remains of the original wooden station with its two platforms and galvanised iron roof. It is the fourth-busiest station in Wales, after Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street and Newport.

As an ongoing symbol of continued support and thanks to all NHS and other critical workers, Swansea station will light up blue every night, following Thursday night’s inaugural event.

Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s Route Director for Wales and Borders, said: “Every Thursday, for the last couple of months or so, we come together as a nation to pay tribute to all our critical workers who continue to work every minute of every day to keep us safe and to keep the country going. It is an absolute honour for the Wales and Borders route of Network Rail to be part of this weekly event that gives so much love and appreciation to our wonderful NHS workforce and indeed all critical workers, including our very own railway family.

“The lighting up of our infrastructure, which we do on a weekly basis, is a simple yet effective way of showing all our critical workers that we understand, appreciate and applaud all their efforts during this difficult period.”

Photo credits: Network Rail

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