logo
Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow

Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow

Scottish Sun3 days ago
The new stop will be a great addition for residents and for visitors to the area
FULL STEAM AHEAD Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WORK has officially started on a brand new £18.3 million train station.
The new rail link at Balgray will serve Barrhead, on the south-west edge of Glasgow, and its growing communities.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
The new station near Barrhead will be on the line from Glasgow Central
It will make it easier for people to travel to and from the city for work, education and leisure, while also improving access to local destinations and attractions.
Once complete, the station will feature two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, along with waiting shelters, ticket machines and secure cycle storage.
Margaret Gibb, commercial director at Network Rail Scotland, said: 'Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the Barrhead area.
'The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park.
'It's exciting to see work begin on a project that also supports active travel, encouraging more walking and cycling too.
'We're proud to be part of a partnership delivering real change and long-term benefits for people in Barrhead and the surrounding area.'
An 80-space car park at the station will include electric vehicle charging points, with new walkways linking the platforms directly to nearby housing developments and reservoir paths.
A new bus turning circle and stop have already been delivered on Springfield Road by East Renfrewshire Council (ERC).
The Balgray Station project, which is part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal, is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with ERC, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting.
Preparatory work and planning for the station began in October 2023, with the final proposal approved by the Glasgow City Region City Deal panel in September 2024.
Laughing gas 'epidemic' sweeping party island with tourists left foaming at mouth, having seizures & permanently scarred
Construction will continue into next year, with the station expected to open to passengers in Autumn 2026.
Councillor Owen O'Donnell, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'I'm delighted to see work start on the new Balgray station which will greatly improve transport links between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire with stations on the Neilston line - Williamwood, Whitecraigs and Patterton.
'Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow.
'We're proud to be working with our partners on delivering this new station which is one of our biggest City Deal projects.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place
The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place

Scottish Sun

time27 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Women's Rugby World Cup is taking place across the UK next month. And for the first time, it will take place across eight English cities - and VisitEngland have shared their top tips on what to do in each. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The Women's Rugby World Cup takes place next month Credit: Getty Running from August 22 to September 27, the eight cities are Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York - with Anne Marie headlining the opening ceremony. Here is the full guide of what to do in each - and the rugby-themed events taking place. Brighton & Hove Brighton & Hove previously hosted three UEFA Women's Euro fixtures in 2022. But beyond the pitch, Brighton offers a rich mix of experiences from panoramic views atop Brighton i360 to the adrenaline of the Brighton Zip. Read more on UK cities SINK A FEW Quirky UK city named one of the top foodie destinations for 2025 with pub crawls The colourful Lanes entice visitors with eclectic boutiques, artisan coffee shops and bakeries, while Shelter Hall on the seafront provides a contemporary twist on the traditional food hall. No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the iconic Palace Pier with its exhilarating roller coaster rides and views of the English Channel. Top Tip: The Red Roses take on Australia on September 6 whilst New Zealand go head-to-head with Ireland on 7 September. Head to the fan zone in Victoria Gardens between September 4 and 7 for a free, family-friendly, female-focused festival including local music and rugby taster sessions. Bristol The city's engineering legacy is front and centre at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain. Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol Bears and Bristol City FC, is set to host both semi-finals and two quarter finals – and has already made history with England's highest attended women's rugby game outside of London. Ellie Kildunne: Defying Odds and Inspiring a Generation For a creative fix, dive into the immersive world of Wake The Tiger or create your own masterpiece with Graft's graffiti workshops – a must-do in Banksy's hometown. Top Tip: A dedicated Rugby World Cup walking route will link the two fan zones at Ashton Gate and Bristol Amphitheatre to allow visitors to take in the sites en route. Quarter finals will take place on the weekend of September 13 and semi-finals on the weekend of September 19. 8 The colourful Bristol will host the semi and quarter finals Credit: Alamy Exeter The tournament's most south-westerly venue, Sandy Park in Exeter has been home to the Exeter Chiefs for the past 18 years and will host seven matches this year, including two quarter-final fixtures The Devonshire city offers a culture-packed break with riverside walks, Gothic architecture and top-notch local food. Start with the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral, boasting the world's longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling, before heading beneath the city's surface on a tour of the Exeter Underground Passages. Back above ground, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum offers a rich collection of art, archaeology and natural history. If the sun's out wander down to the scenic quayside, home to indie shops, artist studios and riverside pubs. Top Tip: Exeter's free and accessible Princesshay fan zone will show all matches on a big outdoor screen for the duration of the tournament with plenty of seating options, a pop-up bar and nearby street food vendors. 8 Exeter will host seven games but there is a lot to explore in the city too Credit: Alamy Twickenham, London The legendary Twickenham Stadium will host both the Women's Rugby World Cup final and bronze final on September 27. In nearby Richmond, discover natural beauty and regal heritage with walks and wild deer spotting in Richmond Park, explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew or step into history at Hampton Court Palace. For a tranquil meal in a secret garden setting, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the charming Petersham Nurseries hidden away along the River Thames. Top Tip: Organisers are anticipating that the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final could sell out Twickenham Stadium and surpass England's record for the highest attended women's rugby game. If you do miss out on a ticket, you can still soak up the sporting atmosphere at one of Twickenham's rugby pubs, such as The Barmy Arms or The Cabbage Patch, which always come alive with fans on match days. 8 Twickenham Stadium is likely to sell out, but there is lots going on elsewhere Credit: Alamy Salford, Greater Manchester Manchester is no stranger to ball sports, but it's rugby that's set to shine in the city this summer with the Salford Community Stadium hosting four Women's Rugby World Cup fixtures. Make a post-match visit to Salford Quays, where the city's industrial past has been transformed into a cultural and culinary hub. Sample the 19 independent kitchens at Kargo food hall or take in the creative legacy of L.S. Lowry at The Lowry arts centre and theatre. Top Tip: To align with the four games being played at Salford Community Stadium on August 23 and 30, Piccadilly Gardens in the heart of Manchester's city centre will host a fun filled fan zone experience with more details to be announced. 8 Salford Quays is now a cultural hub Credit: Alamy Northampton Northampton, the Midlands' only Women's Rugby World Cup host city, will see six matches staged at Franklin's Gardens, a venue dating back to 1880. Northampton has plenty to explore between games too, such as the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, or enjoy a countryside escape at the gardens of Castle Ashby. Motorsport fans can head to the world-famous Silverstone Circuit to explore its museum – or even drive the iconic track in a single-seater racing car. Top Tip: Across weekends that the tournament is on, Northampton Market Square's fan zone will be celebrating with live music and street entertainment – along with an all-important big screen and a licensed bar. The fan zone will have a different theme each weekend, from technology and innovation to art, music and culture. 8 Northampton will host six games this year Credit: Alamy Sunderland The North East is all set to welcome fans with the tournament's opening show and first game – a must-watch match between England and the USA – taking place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22. Beyond the pitch, Sunderland offers sandy summer escapes at Roker and Seaburn beaches. For cultural exploration, visit Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – keep an eye out for Wallace the lion – and the National Glass Centre, where you can watch live glassblowing in action. Top Tip: A mini music festival will take place at the city's Keel Square fan village on the evening of August 21 – featuring a lineup of female-led live music. The celebrations continue at Keel Square for the next two days with live entertainment, interactive games, food, drink and big screens. They'll also be plenty of community events taking place locally, including touch rugby festivals on nearby beaches. 8 Sunderland will host the games at the Stadium of Light Credit: Alamy York One of the tournament's newest venues, the York Community Stadium previously hosted the Women's Rugby League World Cup in 2021 and this year will have six matches taking place during the tournament. York is a city layered with history – visit the 7th Century York Minster, uncover Norse heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre or brave the thrills of York Dungeon. For something more modern, enjoy food and drink at creative community venue SPARK* or join a craft beer tasting tour at Brew York. Top Tip: The Red Roses' captain is North Yorkshire-born Zoe Aldcroft, who hails from Scarborough and started playing at her local rugby club aged eight. It takes under an hour to reach Scarborough from York by train, and the coastal town (touted to be England's first seaside resort) offers rich heritage, outdoor adventures and plenty of water sports – perfect for a breezy break away from the pitch.

I ditched the UK for Spain & there's 3 things that make drop-offs so much nicer, my boys say school is ‘more relaxed'
I ditched the UK for Spain & there's 3 things that make drop-offs so much nicer, my boys say school is ‘more relaxed'

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

I ditched the UK for Spain & there's 3 things that make drop-offs so much nicer, my boys say school is ‘more relaxed'

Plus, scroll down to find out more on how easy it is to move abroad SPAIN GAINS I ditched the UK for Spain & there's 3 things that make drop-offs so much nicer, my boys say school is 'more relaxed' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTHER who ditched life in the UK for sunny Spain has opened up on the 'biggest changes' she has experienced since moving abroad. After feeling fed up of working just to pay bills, mum-of-two Becky packed up her life and moved to Alicante, a port city on Spain's southeastern Costa Blanca, alongside her partner and two sons. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A mother has revealed that she left the UK for a "fresh start" in Spain Credit: Getty 4 Not only is the school drop-off totally different, but Becky is also adjusting to different meal times too Credit: tiktok/@bex_from_rain_to_spain 4 She claimed that teachers will kiss students on the cheek when they arrive and youngsters will go to the park at 8pm Credit: tiktok/@bex_from_rain_to_spain 4 Social media users described Becky's life in Spain as a "dream" Credit: Getty But now, the mother has got candid on her 'fresh start' as she shared the five things that have 'altered her brain chemistry since moving to Spain.' In a short clip uploaded online, the content creator posted a variety of snaps from Alicante and while she can't get used to the eating schedules, explained that she is a huge fan of the way those in Spain do the school drop-off. Not only does she prefer the school run in Spain, but her kids do too and have described it as 'more relaxed.' Becky confirmed that shortly after arriving, she experienced the 'school drop-off shock,' with three huge differences from that in the UK. She acknowledged that not only do teachers give students kisses on the cheek, but parents always casually hang around the gate after saying goodbye to their little darlings. And that's not all, as she also explained that unlike that in the UK, there is 'no chaotic morning rush,' making the whole experience much smoother and more chilled. Having said that, Becky has struggled to get on board with popular meal times in Spain and claimed that the 'eating schedules make no sense,' with many sitting down for lunch at 2pm and dinner at 9pm. Kelly has also had to adjust to seeing the local police at the school gates helping control traffic and was shocked to witness kids crossing the roads without parents accompanying them everyday. She also found the 'playground culture' a challenge at first, as she recognised that it is now 'normal' for children to go to the park at 8pm. Finally, she recognised that those in Spain are always throwing street parties, with parades, bright costumes and loud music. I quit my job and did a complete 180 moving to Spain - beer is just $3 a pint and my life is so much better She shone a light on the Spanish "carnavals," vibrant pre-Lenten festivals, as she explained: 'There's always a carnaval to celebrate.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @bex_from_rain_to_spain, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 61,700 views. The kids have been amazing! Literally took it in their stride Becky Social media users were impressed with Becky's clip and many raced to the comments to praise her 'dream' life. One person said: 'It's freedom and less stress for parents, our nervous system loves it.' Another added: 'I love it. Spain is my dream.' How easy is it to move abroad? Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move. Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address. Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving. If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre. You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service. If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre. If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools. A third commented: 'I love all of these things about living in Spain, except the meal times! I just can't get in the rhythm! But school drop off is such a vibe!' Meanwhile, one mother penned: 'Spanish school and the school run was the biggest culture shock for us too. I love it just seems a little more fun here!' In response, Becky wrote back and confirmed: 'That's what the boys tell me, 'it's just more relaxed here mum.'' Not only this, but another parent asked: 'If you don't mind me asking, how did the kids adjust? We would love to move over with our seven year old.' To this, Becky responded and shared: 'The kids have been amazing! 'Literally took it in their stride, also I no longer battle [getting] my little one into school in the morning.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club

All the bank accounts you can sign up to and get perks like free cash and save £100s on insurance
All the bank accounts you can sign up to and get perks like free cash and save £100s on insurance

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

All the bank accounts you can sign up to and get perks like free cash and save £100s on insurance

Scroll to find out how you can get freebies worth up to £310 from some banks BANK HELP All the bank accounts you can sign up to and get perks like free cash and save £100s on insurance Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THINKING of setting up a new bank account or switching to a new bank? You might be able to bag freebies worth hundreds of pounds, including free gifts and up to £185 in cash. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Lloyds, NatWest, TSB and Barclays are among the banks offering freebies and perks Credit: Alamy Many high street and online banks offer incentives to encourage people to switch, so it's worth doing your research to see where you could find the best value. There are also some catches you should look out for when signing up for a new bank account. You must meet each bank's criteria when signing up or switching in order to get the rewards. You should check whether you'll need to pay in a minimum amount each month or have a minimum number of direct debits. Some accounts come with a monthly fee, which could leave you out of pocket. Your credit score could also be impacted by switching or opening a new bank account, so you should keep this in mind if you're planning on applying for any big loans or a mortgage. If you're looking to switch bank accounts to avail of any switching offers, you'll likely need to use to Current Account Switch Service (CASS) to do this. We've rounded up all the bank account perks and freebies you can get right now. Lloyds Lloyds Bank is currently offering a free cash payment of £185 to new and existing customers who switch to a Club Lloyds account. If you meet the switching criteria, you'll be paid the cash into your account within 10 working days of opening the account. Daily Money News However, you'll need to act fast, as the offer ends today, July 28. You'll also get freebies including a 12-month subscription to Disney+ worth £60, six cinema tickets a year, or a magazine subscription. You'll also have access to a Club Lloyds 6.25% regular saver account, which is one of the highest interest savings accounts available, with interest paid after 12 months. However, Club Lloyds comes with a £5 monthly fee, which is waived if you pay £2,000 into your account. Santander Santander offers £180 to new and existing customers who move to some of its current accounts. This includes its Everyday Current Account, as well as the Santander Edge and Edge Up accounts. With a Santander Edge and Edge Up account, you can also get up to £20 a month in cashback, including on household bills and at supermarkets. The Santander Edge account costs £3 a month, while the Edge Up account costs £5. The Everyday Current Account comes with no added fees. Co-operative Bank You could save hundreds on your insurance costs by switching to Co-op Bank. If you open an Everyday Extra account, which normally costs £18 a month, you can get three months of account perks for free. This includes free worldwide family travel insurance, mobile phone insurance, and UK and European breakdown cover, worth hundreds of pounds. When you sign up or switch, you'll pay the £18 month fee but it will be refunded into your account by the bank for the first three months. Barclays You can get £175 by opening a Barclays Bank Account, which comes with no monthly fee. However, you'll need to join the bank's Blue Rewards to be eligible for the £175, which costs £5 a month. This rewards scheme offers monthly cashback of up to 15% at selected retailers and exclusive savings rates. You'll also be able to get a free AppleTV+ subscription worth £8.99 a month. NatWest You can get a £125 bonus by switching to a range of NatWest current accounts, including its Select and Reward accounts. You could also earn another £50 by opening a linked savings account with the bank. You'll get extra freebies by signing up to a Reward account, which costs £2 a month. NatWest will give you £1 in rewards by simply logging into your mobile banking app once a month, and £4 by paying two or more direct debits from your account. You can also earn cashback from a range of retailers including Greggs, Morrisons and Ikea. TSB You can get £100 if you switch to one of TSB's Spend and Save current accounts. The bank is also offering up to £90 cashback for the first six months as part of the switching offer. You can get extra rewards if you sign up to a Spend and Save Plus account, which TSB says are worth up to £310. If you switch and make 20 or more payments on your debit card in February 2026, you can choose a £120 hotel voucher or access to access to 12-months' activity tickets in March 2026. The Spend and Save Plus Account has a monthly fee of £3. First Direct First Direct offers £175 in cash for switching to its 1st Account, which comes with no monthly fee. This account also offers fee-free spending abroad, making it a good option if you've got summer trips coming up. How to switch successfully FOLLOW these steps to make a successful switch and bag a perk STEP 1: Choose a new account with a switching perk. Check it is suitable in other ways, including the overdraft charge, any monthly fees and any fees for spending abroad. STEP 2: Check you are eligible for the perk. Ensure that you can meet the requirements to get the reward, which may include not having had a bonus from that bank before. You may need to ensure you have sufficient direct debits on your account before switching. If you do not, you could set some up for household bills or some small ones to charity. STEP 3: Open the new account in-app or online. This may require ID such as a passport or driving licence. STEP 4: Choose a switch date. When you apply for an account, you should be asked whether you want to switch an existing bank account. You should say yes and pick a day seven days in the future for the switch to complete. STEP 5: Wait. The whole process should take seven days, after which your account and direct debits should be switched. Each bank has different timelines on when any cash reward will be received. Other rewards, such as linked accounts, should also be ­available in your app. STEP 6: Switch again. If you have received the reward you wanted and would like to receive more, start the process again with another bank that offers a cash sweetener. IF IT GOES WRONG CONTACT your new bank and quote the Current Account Switching Rules, which you can find on its website (currentaccount If you are out of pocket because of missed payments due to the switch, your bank needs to refund you under the terms of the guarantee. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store