29-04-2025
Dumbarton train station could be in line for name change in honour of town's historic castle
Discussions are being held over the potential name change of a Dumbarton train station in a bid to boost links with historic Dumbarton Castle . Scottish Rail Holdings and ScotRail have held discussions regarding the introduction of a formal station name change process and there is a test case for station re-naming currently underway to change Dumbarton East station to Dumbarton Castle station. Dumbarton's Labour MSP Jackie Baillie has written to the Scottish Government's Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, to request that Dumbarton East railway station, which sits less than a mile from the iconic landmark, has its name changed. Ms Baillie, the deputy leader of the Scottish Labour party, has embarked on a campaign to deliver investment in the castle and promote its cultural significance to the community. A Transport Scotland spokesperson today said: 'Scottish Rail Holdings and ScotRail have held discussions regarding the introduction of a formal station name change process and there is a test case for station re-naming currently underway. When this is completed a formal application process will be shared with interested parties for other stations. 'As passengers are generally familiar and recognise existing station names, there must be a compelling case for change. 'Successful station name changes will incur costs and adjustment, so it is important that applications are evidenced as considered, robust and well supported. 'Applications must demonstrate what the value and positive impact of changing the name will be. 'It should set out the longer-term benefits and why the name is worthy of being changed. Applicants will be responsible for undertaking and presenting evidence of support within the local community and relevant stakeholders. Click here for more news and sport from West Dunbartonshire. 'Transport Scotland officials will engage with Scottish Rail Holdings and ScotRail once the application process is ready to proceed.' It's expected that applications will come from recognised public groups or organisations – such as a councils or the Chamber of Commerce, as part of the process does not allow individuals to submit an application. Ms Baillie said: 'I'm delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, has agreed that renaming Dumbarton East station to promote links with Dumbarton Castle and help boost tourism is a possibility. 'I would urge businesses, organisations and members of the public to get behind the move and help us to secure this change, to help bring more visitors to the area and boost tourism potential.' The move follows a recent visit by Angus Robertson MSP – the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture - to the site, at Ms Baillie's invitation. He visited the Rock after Ms Baillie called for greater investment from Dumbarton Castle site owners Historic Environment Scotland. Pressure group Friends of Dumbarton Castle has backed the bid to rename the station and promote cultural links. Paul Neeson, chairman of the organisation, welcomed the news, saying: 'It would be an excellent idea to rename Dumbarton East station. 'Dumbarton and the castle are intertwined and to have a station named after the castle would be a great thing.' Click here for more news and sport from West Dunbartonshire.
