Poppy train completes journey from Glasgow to London

Avanti West Coast partnered with the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to create and transport a commemorative poppy wreath from Glasgow to London, through Cheshire, on a specially decorated Pendolino train as part of a moving tribute along the West Coast Main Line.

Dean Duthie, engineering and infrastructure director at Avanti West Coast, who served in the military for eight years, said: "We’re proud to be joining the Royal British Legion and industry partners to recognise the railway’s connection with the Armed Forces.

"Bringing together veterans, serving personnel and communities local to our route through this poignant initiative is especially pertinent as the UK marks 200 years of the modern railway.

"This Pendolino will also act as a lasting and moving reminder of remembrance across the West Coast."

Andrew Walker of Avanti West Coast salutes Steve Brammer of the Royal British Legion (Image: Matthew Pover)

The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Cheshire East Poppy Appeal and saw veterans, reservists, and volunteers assemble a poppy wreath as the train travelled south.

Avanti West Coast also worked with train manufacturer Alstom to wrap the cab ends of Pendolino 390151, named ‘Unknown Soldier’, in a poppy-themed design at the Glasgow Traincare Centre.

The train departed Glasgow Central at 8am, accompanied by a bagpiper, and stopped at 13 stations along the route.

At each stop, veterans employed by Avanti West Coast and Royal British Legion supporters greeted the train and presented posies of poppies.

The plain wreath received its first tribute from an Avanti West Coast veteran before departure and was gradually completed during the journey.

A small welcome party, including representatives from Network Rail, greeted the train at London Euston.

The completed wreath, representing tributes from across the route, was carried in procession to the station’s memorial and laid during a short service led by a chaplain.

Vicky Lawson, poppy appeal manager at the Royal British Legion, said: "The Poppy Express is a journey of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude – a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our democratic freedoms and way of life.

"We are deeply grateful for the continued support of passengers, partners, and colleagues at Avanti West Coast who make this special service possible."

L to R: Steve Brammer of the Royal British Legion and Avanti West Coast's Andrew Walker at Crewe Station with the wreath that travelled to London Euston (Image: Matthew Pover)

A replica of the wreath was laid at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday.

Siobhan Lennine, project manager at Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre and a former member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), said: "It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of Avanti West Coast’s Poppy Train tribute for Remembrance Day.

"The gesture of collecting posies at each station to form a wreath between Glasgow and London is a beautiful symbol of unity and remembrance."