Painting a pretty picture of southside station

The school has signed up for ScotRail’s adopt a station scheme, promising to spruce up the southbound platform by maintaining eight half-barrel planters.

What grows in the planters come full bloom time is up to the youngsters – but a few artistic pupils have already made their mark.

Staff invited the school to design an artwork collage to brighten up the station, unveiled by some of the budding artists last week.

Principal teacher Basia Gordon explained: “We wanted to design a poster which shows the range of artistic talent from S1 to S6, using paint and photographs.

“Given that the end product is destined for display in Crossmyloof station as part of the adopt a station scheme we concentrated on local places in Shawlands such as cafés, churches and portraits which would be of interest to people who live in the area.

“Our school is very much at the heart of the community and we wanted to reflect this. We also wanted to produce a beautiful colourful piece of art for everyone to enjoy as they wait for their train.”

The poster features a photo of Shawlands Kirk, taken by14-year-old Chantelle Booth as part of a first year project.

Chantelle, now in third year, told The Extra: “It feels pretty good to have my picture end up on the board – I get the train when I’m going into town, and it will be nice to see my name on it whenever I come here, and to bring my family and friends along to see it.”

The adopt a station scheme is just the beginning for the Shawlands Academy clean up team, with further plans to spruce up the streets surrounding the station.

Abbie Gallagher (13) added: “We’re going to be talking to local businesses and finding out how we can help to clean up the area.

“It’s quite messy just now, and I think residents will be grateful for anything we can do.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do, and how the station looks when we’re finished with it.”

John Yellowlees, Scotrail’s external relations manager, welcomed pupils to Crossmyloof and commented: “This is a fine example of how our adopt a station project is helping put stations at the heart of their communities – and we are very grateful to Shawlands Academy pupils for creating this lovely poster.”