A new community group has given ScotRail’s Kingussie station a floral makeover, by installing a dozen colourful planters on the main platform. The Friends of Kingussie Station, founded this summer, has bought and planted the whisky half-barrels as part of ScotRail’s Adopt a Station community project.

The barrels have been filled with screened soil supplied for free by Aviemore recycling firm, David Ritchie & Sons, and will be cared for by Friends group members.

Valerie Emmett, chairman of the Friends, said: “This has been a real team effort by the community, and we’re glad to be able to introduce a touch of seasonal colour to our historic station.”

John Yellowlees, ScotRail external relations manager, said: “ScotRail’s Adopt a Station policy is about putting stations at the heart of their communities.

“We are delighted that the Friends volunteers have taken Kingussie station to their hearts by adopting it with these dozen planters, which will make it a more welcoming place for visitors and regular users alike.”

The floral displays will be enjoyed by visitors next summer during Highland Rail Heritage’s celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the first direct rail link between Inverness and Perth.

Dr Ann Glen, of Highland Rail Heritage, said: “We are so pleased that communities along the route are coming together to help us celebrate next year’s anniversary.”