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A letter from NHS nurse Gill Sturgeon,
@NicolaSturgeon
sister, reminding us that our FM is human, and working 24/7 to try and keep us all safe. Whatever your political opinion, let's admit that we are fortunate to have such a genuine and decent person to lead us at this time ❤
The 15 year old boy who lay in front of my train to end his life would have been 21 this year. EVERY single day I think of him, his family, and his friends. And then I see this. ADVERTISING showing a teenager taking photos on tracks. PLEASE stop romanticising the railway...
We ALL know the frustration of cancelled train services. But just a gentle reminder that family and friends still mourn those lost in the Stonehaven disaster less than 18 months ago. Please remember WHY we need to check lines.
Thanks to those working tirelessly to keep us safe
It's been one year since I moved to
@RailFreight
and it's the most I've EVER enjoyed my work! Great company to work for, truly fantastic people, and LOTS of time off. Yet STILL the only female freight train driver in Scotland? WHY?? Come ON women, this is an AMAZING industry!
Some of
@JaneyGodley
voiceovers have really lifted spirits, as well as helping get the message over in a fun and light hearted way. But massive thanks to the FM for giving us the punchline we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s text FIVE TO 70607. Watch below!
😂 Frank, get the door! A
@JaneyGodley
voiceover with the punchline from
@NicolaSturgeon
we've all been waiting for...
📲 Text FIVE to 70607 to donate £5 now
Just a very brief post to say how blessed we feel to know such kind, amazing people who made our day yesterday so special. Just starting to look at photos and wanted to share a couple quickly ❤️❤️
Love them or hate them, no one can deny that the Class 86 loco is truly unique. They are from a bygone era and are now only days from being retired. I feel lucky to have driven them and thought I'd share some special photos taken when the panels were removed, during training.
Someone asked if I'd felt 'proud at pride'. No, I felt safe. I held hands with the person I love and knew no one would spit, shout, or attack us. It might look like fun, but it's a yearly message not to take what YOU have for granted. A reminder to walk in the shoes of others 1/3
Belatedly sharing the news that, as of 1 Jan, I took up a new role with
@RailFreight
as a Rapid Deployment Driver.
In short, this will allow me to learn more traction, more routes, and gain more experience. I'll also gain mentor and instructor qualifications
#challengeyourself
It's unacceptable for women to wear ill fitting PPE. Unisex is code for menswear. Even a 'small' has arms that are several inches too long. What male would accept a female fit jacket? Or boots too narrow? So why should women have to buy their own boots? Or trousers?
I don’t take many photos at work cos a) I'm working! and b) even train drivers shouldn't be on the tracks when not necessary! But shunting today so perfectly safe to show
@RailFreight
4M11, 4L81 and 4L89 all prepared and ready for departure from Coatbridge Terminal
A fully loaded 4M11 leaving Coatbridge Terminal, being driven by Mossend’s 14th best Driver A Dunn (yes, I know we only have 13 drivers 🤷♀️ )! 4M81 sitting waiting to depart too, with 4L89 just awaiting locos to arrive.
#freightonrail
#freightfamily
#railwayfamily
@RailFreight
I LOVE Scottish humour. Tory leader in Scotland launches appalling attack on 50% of electorate by saying SNP voters are a cult. Instead of being offended, our positive bunch of nutters run with it! Check out
#SNPcommandments
for how to deal with unjustified, nasty attacks!
@AlexandraKeati3
@ScotRail
@WomeninRail
Alexandra, I have been sent your tweet by
@CiaranMcGilp
and copied in a few times by others. It is most likely that it was me as I am the only female driver in freight in Scotland at the moment! I am genuinely touched and quite emotional at reading your letter. (thread 1)
I don't particularly want to comment on today's tragedy other than to say it's a dark day for all associated with the railway. Thoughts are with all our friends and family at
@ScotRail
. I have many friends close to this and I urge them to talk with
@RailChaplains
. 😪❤💔
I hadn't intended sharing this as I felt so undeserving of my place. But it is impossible to attend an event like today and not share, such is the impact it has on you.
2 months ago I received an email that I assumed was a mistake. But apparently it wasn't and
somehow I was.. 1/6
Clearing through Mum's house and came across this. My Dad's retirement certificate with 43 years service with the railway
@ScotRail
. And not once did we ever discuss the possibility of me joining the railway!
I do often wonder what he'd think of me joining! 18 years so far!
Time flies when you're having fun; Week 2 came and went in a flash!
I am loving everything about this course so much, I have to pinch myself every day. Forever grateful for this incredible opportunity.
#traininglife
I received a deeply hurtful and damaging DM accusing me of being ‘glad’ a young boy chose my train to end his life, as I was using it to ‘further my career’. I’m left wondering if that is how others see me? So I’d like to make a few points for the sake of my sanity... 1/8
Working today so first chance to catch up on social media following today's article on BBC. When you are already a minority the last thing you want is to draw more attention but sometimes the message is too important. I'll respond to all messages but thanks for the positivity!
Heather Waugh is Scotland's only woman freight train driver. Here's my longread about how a tragedy inspired her to get men to open up about their problems:
(With pics by
@m_err
)
Who needs the coca cola advert when you have the Tesco train?! Come on
@Tesco
, this should be a Christmas TV advert! Delivering Christmas by Rail 👍 Diesel hauled train 76% carbon neutral. Electric hauled 99% carbon neutral. 100 lorries off the road. Well done Tesco 👍
No industrial action
No political interference
Lowering fares
Simplifying tickets
No wonder passenger numbers are returning to
@ScotRail
, and 9 out of 10 customers are happy with the service.
Our off-peak all day: cheaper and simpler fares trial starts on 2 October. We know you'll have lots of questions and we have our Managing Director, Alex Hynes to answer some of the most frequently asked such as, why have you removed super off-peak returns?
Good morning from the centre of the Scottish freight world! Mossend is an awe-inspiring place every morning as freight trains arrive back from all corners of the U.K.
In the words of
@DBCargoUK
we really ARE the backbone of the economy!
@MalcolmGroup
@RailFreight
@JaneyGodley
This is a comedian who the GREAT Billy Connolly rates and adores. Would you throw this level of abuse at him? NO, you wouldn't. So accept that we all have different tastes and turn off if you don't like her humour. Shes bringing a much needed laugh to many of us.
I’m overwhelmed with the incredible feedback today. Thank you all so much. Still getting through the comments slowly but wanted to take a moment to single out our very own
@RailChaplains
for the incredible work they do every day for our railway family. Thank you
It’s official! Passed out on Friday to become Scotland's only female Freight Train Driver! Credit to everyone
@RailFreight
from Drivers and Shunters to Comms and HR. Massive company worldwide and yet so approachable at every level. Such a friendly, close-knit company to work for!
Quite a sight passing the freight trains these last few nights, knowing what a vital role they are playing in bringing medical supplies, food, and other essentials. Big shout out to
@DRSgovuk
@DBCargoUK
and my own
@RailFreight
for every single container safely transported.
Ignore the rather grumpy face I appear to have! That's me driving 4L81 from Mossend to Crewe. 10,000 bhp worth of locos right there 💪💪
#TrainDriver
#RailFreight
#JobsForAll
Wow, just WOW. This was done with drones. Utterly stunning. And emotional. Imagine seeing that stag in the sky. Massive congratulations to all involved. What an amazing concept.
Fare Well Part 1 - Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2020 via
@YouTube
For those who don't get it, THIS is the railway family. Every driver, signaller, crew, manager, chaplain, BTP, volunteer, enthusiast, etc. We are one. Regardless of location, nationality, employer, race, ethnicity, age, role. This photo is beautiful
@SheilaD77516915
❤💔
So, somewhere in the midst of ranting about a cake company, I realise that I announced I'm getting married! Thanks for all the lovely messages. It is a mixed marriage (I am
@RailFreight
and she is
@ScotRail
) but we'll do our best to make it work.! 🤪
#railwayfamily
A wise woman told me once that it's not how long you stay, it's how much you give whilst you're there. These 2 have given everything for
@RailFreight
.
Driving mainline has always been the goal, and they've more than earned that right. I'm incredibly proud of them both.
Farewell to the Class 86 from Scotland. My colleague started them on their final journey, as far as Carlisle. Love these locos. And their heaters ALWAYS work 🥰
Benefits of treating your staff right no.315..... they don't hide when there's disruption. A sea of
@LNER
red greets me at Edinburgh Waverley as staff work hard to help passengers on a difficult day. Doing a fantastic job and I'm now York bound.
@DavidHorne
Today marks the start of Freightliner operating additional services from Coatbridge to London Gateway in support of the large-scale export of high value Scottish goods, helping alleviate supply chain congestion.
#railfreight
#decarbonisation
#electrification
#scottishexports
It's not uncommon for manufacturers, in all industries, to face problems with new fleets.
What's less common is to see the integrity and honesty shown today by
@HitachiRailENG
. We will never eradicate problems, but we CAN eradicate distrust by being this open and decisive.
And that's a wrap. RHTT season over. Unbelievably challenging weather at times, managed superbly by
@NetworkRailSCOT
and
@ScotRail
.
I took our Operator, John, out for a last day meal, and we chipped in to buy him and his wife a hotel break. He's not been home since September.
It's not very often I take photos whilst working but safe opportunity to do so tonight so here is a fully laden 4L81 ready to depart Mossend. I take as far as Crewe.
@RailFreight
@railfreightscot
Many people will be disrupted due to the WCML closure at Beattock. But I'd like to take a moment to thank the track workers of
@NetworkRailSCOT
for spotting the danger, in the middle of the night, and keeping us all safe. Many of my freight colleagues had been due drive over...
Pretty good day 'at the office' today!
It's not every day you get to spend time with a great friend as part of your job. And time up front on a fantastic
@LNER
Azuma! Whilst learning a spectacular route. It doesn't get much better than this!
#Jealous
@1701aStarship
@DavidHorne
Oh well, I was enjoying getting to stay home for a few days but I've cut my annual leave short as our sick has risen. Everyone of us has a vital role to play. Whether that means working extra shifts, or staying at home, please play your part to
#protecttheNHS
.
#InThisTogether
There are no words to adequately say what
@bessbbe
and
@S26PHY
mean to me. Not just friends, they really are family. I'm proud of them every day, and grateful for the support they offer unconditionally. Two of the hardest working and passionate people I know.
Aye, freight is no place for a woman. All these horrible, sexist, nasty drivers that we have... 😂 told the guys that I'm starting back next week... big softies. Normal abuse will recommence soon no doubt.. 😂❤
#freightrules
@AlexandraKeati3
@ScotRail
@WomeninRail
@CiaranMcGilp
I myself have been inspired by women who ignored barriers or expectations so for you to let me know that I have done this for Sophie is wonderful. Thank you so much for taking the time to do that. And please thank Sophie and Adam too! (thread 2)
...employer will judge me on. Not on how many Twitter followers I have. So, much as this DM made me want to back away, I will continue to support the rail industry and can only hope that the majority of people accept that it is not for personal gain or attention. End
The
@RailwayFamilyR1
fundraiser is always, first and foremost, about bringing people together.
@LordPeterHendy
giving up his personal time epitomises that.
Thank you to every single person who joined our event in London tonight. You make it all worthwhile. ❤️
Well, it's my Mum's first outing since the pandemic, and it was no mean feat getting here, but we are onboard the
@PS_Waverley
- the world's last seagoing paddle steamer.
Huge thanks to fantastic staff for all their help.
It's always nice to add routes or traction. Yesterday, after a 7 hour drive, I was officially passed out on Inverness to Aberdeen. Many thanks to the drivers of
@ScotRail
and
@LNER
for kindly allowing me to route learn with them.
Next week it's Aberdeen to Dundee 🤞
#HST
#RHTT
I'm not one for personal posts, but after a tough few months I faced a particularly sad day today. I try to find a positive in most situations, and I hope that today will bring perspective.
Sometimes we can focus on problems so much, we fail to see solutions.
Time to reset.
I needed this! Thanks
@JaneyGodley
! And what makes it even more special is when the FM shares it herself! Humour and kindness are what gets us through. 👏👏👌
Excellent thread for those less familiar with the responsibilities of a train driver. A train driver running at 72/73 mph on a 75 line speed indicates a driver at the HEIGHT of their concentration. Any less and questions would be asked as to whether they were distracted. 👇
1/I've been giving more thought to media coverage which either at worst directly implies Driver Brett McCullough was going too fast (he wasn't) or at best leaves the unpleasant whiff of the question hanging in the air. It does come from judging rail speeds as road speeds are
@RailFreight
and myself were delighted to further develop our relationship with the amazing
@RailChaplains
by having
@birdsnestsblog
along for a rare cab ride, and an opportunity for them to gain greater insight into the unique aspects of freight driving.
I was working last night so quite overwhelming to get finished and find all your messages. I am so grateful for our amazing railway family and all the incredible men and women who support and encourage each other. Thank you
@wr_awards
for this incredible honour.
#highlycommended
I've never been more proud to be part of the
#railwayfamily
. We support each other in a way every other industry could learn from. Across dozens of companies, and 100s of roles, we are working hard to keep vital supplies, and vital people, moving.
In Vienna to speak at the European Year of Rail Conference tomorrow. Feeling very out of my depth but honoured to have been asked, and to spend time with truly inspiring people.
Incredible visit to
@OBB
Training Academy today. World leading facilities for railway apprentices. 🇪🇺
The quickest way to alien yourself as a woman in a male dominated environment is to start talking about equality.
My fantastic colleagues at
@RailFreight
Mossend clearly didn't get that memo. Finished shift today and my car is sparkling. Washed and polished 😍
#MaleAllies
Only a few weeks left of the RHTT Season, and you can tell how much John, our Operator, (middle) has loved working with us? Or maybe he's just sad cos I've got a couple of days off, and he's stuck with Dave now?!
Team work.
#RailwayFamily
@RailFreight
@ScotRail
@NetworkRailSCOT
Beautiful night. 4M80 safely handed on to continue its journey.
And yes, the photos would have been better from down on the line but I don’t go on the tracks unless I have to so these will have to do!
#FreightOnRail
#NetZero
#TrainDriver
I see this and imagine a Granny being told her beloved grandchild is gone. And the horrific toll it brings to railway workers. Drivers, signallers, BTP, chaplains, all affected. Barely a day without an incident. The scenic railway can be beautiful. The tracks are NOT. REMOVE THIS
I want to thank every single person who has ever taken the time to encourage me, whether it was simply liking a comment or offering support. Some thoughts and photos from last night...
Credit to TOC and manufacturer for making the tough call to investigate fully. Putting passengers and staff first. I'll await updates direct from the companies involved rather than speculate but I'm disappointed to hear some very deliberate misinformation.
#factsnotfiction
⚠️
#LNERUpdate
Due to a problem under investigation, services route wide are subject to delays and cancellations. Please DO NOT TRAVEL, tickets will be valid up to and including Sunday 16th May 2021 (a new reservation MUST be made).
I don't recall anyone from
@ScotRail
ever being shortlisted for the rail industry's premier awards ceremony for E.D. I.
@wr_awards
. Tonight they only went and produced the winner of the E.D.& I Award itself! Congratulations Karen Wallace. Amazing moment.
@AlexHynes