The Salvation Army Lockerbie welcomes rail passengers

The Salvation Army in Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, will open its community cafe from 10am to 4pm during the first week of January to support rail passengers affected by major engineering work taking place on the West Coast Main Line. 

Train operator, Avanti West Coast, approached the church and charity to open its cafe for passengers while the West Coast Main Line is closed between Carlisle and Lockerbie from 1st to 6th January 2026 due to planned engineering work being carried out by Network Rail.  

The cafe, located next to Lockerbie railway station, will open daily staffed by volunteers offering hot drinks, light refreshments and a warm, friendly place to wait between rail and bus connections. Avanti West Coast staff will also be on hand at Lockerbie station during the works to guide passengers and clear signage will point towards The Salvation Army cafe. 

With hundreds of people a day likely to change between buses and trains in Lockerbie as part of their journeys, The Salvation Army is expecting to be busy. 

On Sunday 4 January, instead of the usual church service, the congregation of The Salvation Army community church in Lockerbie will volunteer throughout the day to serve passengers. Avanti West Coast will donate refreshments, with all proceeds supporting The Salvation Army.  

Allan Isdale, church leader of The Salvation Army in Lockerbie, said: “When Avanti West Coast approached us, we knew this was an important opportunity to help. Many people will be making long journeys during the engineering works at what can be an emotional time of year. Some will be returning home after the Christmas break, perhaps having said farewell to friends and family who live in other parts of the country. We will provide a space for rest, to recharge and feel supported. Serving our community in practical ways is at the heart of what we do.” 

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Many of our customers will be making longer journeys with multiple connections this New Year, so we wanted to make them a little more comfortable. We’re incredibly grateful to The Salvation Army and their brilliant volunteers for joining us to create a welcoming stop at Lockerbie. Their support will help us offer some warmth and shelter for those travelling on our Anglo Scot route.”   

For more information about The Salvation Army in Lockerbie visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/lockerbie. Information about travel arrangements on the West Coast Main Line over the festive period can be found at: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/christmas