The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB.
SCVO Partner - ScotRail Station Spaces
ScotRail operates 362 stations all over Scotland, with over 99 million journeys through ScotRail stations every year covering key commuter, intercity and tourist routes.
Many stations have vacant or underused spaces within properties available to rent. We're happy to be partnering with ScotRail to help SCVO members find the right space for you in the heart of the community you serve and, importantly, to benefit from favourable lease agreements costing from just £1 per year*.
Affordable access to station spaces
For charities, community groups and voluntary organisations, ScotRail leases from just £1 a year are an affordable way for you to access spaces and properties that range from vacant station buildings and rooms, outlets or perhaps the opportunity for stand-alone kiosks in stations.
You can use ScotRail properties and spaces for many purposes including:
- Community spaces
- Club or team premises
- Office or meeting spaces
ScotRail also welcomes you to discuss other commercial opportunities with them by contacting the Station Spaces team by email.
The leasing process
You'll be supported by the Station Spaces team of experts at ScotRail who will guide you through the leasing process and support you throughout your tenancy agreement. The ScotRail in the Community Team can also help. They can an offer advice and assistance throughout the application process. This includes support in areas such as business planning, funding applications and much more.
You can also, of course, rely on SCVO's support and the support of our partners where you need it. SCVO can point you to legal advice from our professional partners. If you're an SCVO member organisation with income less than £500,000 per year, you might be able to access up to two hours of free legal advice.
Expert free insurance support is available from our valued partner Keegan & Pennykid.
Other than the lease cost of £1 per year, there are some other costs to renting a ScotRail property or space that you'll need to be aware of and consider:
- Annual service and insurance contributions which are typically £500-£750, and £250 respectively
- Utility charges – a straight cross charge of energy use plus a daily standing charge
- Waste management – you can arrange your own waste management or use ScotRail's service at a fee to be agreed
- You'll need to arrange your own Public Liability Insurance (you're welcome to ask Keegan & Pennykid for free advice)
- Business rates – you would manage this directly with your local authority. Some charitable organisations might be exempt.
Learn more
If you'd like to learn more about ScotRail's Station Spaces and the spaces that they have available across Scotland, there's more information about available properties across Scotland on their website or you're welcome to drop them an email to stationspaces@scotrail.co.uk.
As always contact your SCVO membership team if you've any questions. We'd love to hear from you and we'll be happy to help.
*subject to landlord and Network Rail approvals.