01-07-2025
Airdrie freight train driver wins Woman of the Year honour at everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards
Heather Waugh, a rapid deployment train driver at Freightliner, devotes more than 1000 personal hours a year to promote and champion the sector in schools, events and on panels, and volunteer and fundraise for charity.
An Airdrie woman who is Scotland's only female freight train driver is on track for a bright future after scooping a top honour at the everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.
Heather Waugh was crowned Woman of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in London which was attended by industry leaders.
Heather is a rapid deployment train driver at Freightliner and her "extraordinary dedication" to the industry sees her devote more than 1000 personal hours a year to promote and champion the sector in schools, events and on panels, and volunteer and fundraise for charity.
All of this is on top of working long, challenging hours in a job with no access to communications, meaning every activity is organised in her own time.
A spokesperson for the awards added: "Instead of complaining about issues, Heather is committed to changing the system.
"She campaigned to improve conditions for women working in the freight industry by getting female toilets installed.
"After witnessing how drivers can struggle with their mental health, she campaigned to get them better support.
"Heather remains a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and is a volunteer with Samaritans, supporting them with case studies and featuring in a video promoting their suicide prevention training courses to encourage others in the sector to sign up.
"Heather is on the steering group for Rail Wellbeing Live and has been appointed a trustee of Women in Rail.
"When it comes to fundraising, Heather unites the sector to support good causes through the Railway Family Fundraiser, an initiative she launched.
"It has raised over £100,000 in just over three years through a variety of inclusive events involving over 60 rail companies.
"By rallying the industry, significant sums have been donated to Ukrainian Railways, a school in Cambodia, Andy's Man Club, White Ribbon and Railway Mission."
Maxine Benson, co-founder at everywoman, said: "This year's cohort of inspiring finalists and winners demonstrates the huge variety of ways in which women are driving innovation and growth in this pivotal sector.
"From spearheading sustainability initiatives and automation projects to launching groundbreaking enterprises, these women are not just participating in the industry's evolution, they're leading it.
"Their inspiring stories demonstrate the wealth of opportunities available to the next generation of female talent.
"Our winners are authentic role models whose achievements will inspire newcomers in the transport and logistics industry.
"Their stories highlight an extraordinary depth of talent, from apprentices to CEOs and every role in between.
"This sector offers limitless pathways for growth and innovation, and we know that every one of the finalists will continue to empower other women to pursue their ambitions with unwavering confidence and determination."
