Spotlight
Scotland
Rail Awards
2026
The rail industry is constantly evolving, with key priorities changing to align with the objectives the sector has. Over the past few years the industry has gone through vast change and with this in mind, we are also excited to bring a significant change to our annual rail Scotland dinner.
We’re delighted to announce that the Rail Scotland dinner will now incorpororate a post dinner awar ceremony, showcasing excellence across the rail sector in Scotland. There are great things happening on a daily basis and we aim to recognise teams, initiatives and projects that positively impact communities. All our catgeories are free to enter and are designed for all companies and stakeholders working across the rail industry to enter.
By honouring these successes, the awards not only inspire continued improvements but also emphasise the vital connection between superior asset management, customer satisfaction, and net zero.
Recognising
Excellence in Rail
The Spotlight Rail Awards play a significant role in recognising the accomplishments of the rail sector, showcasing innovative practices and outstanding contributions that drive the industry forward.
By honouring these successes, the awards not only inspire continued improvements but also emphasise the vital connection between superior asset management, customer satisfaction, and net zero.
Categories to Enter
Young Rail Professional
This award goes to the person who has shown huge dedication to their role and have gone above and beyond their expectations. This award is open to employees at all levels working in Scotland.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
This award is dedicated to individuals and teams who have highlighted the importance of DEI within the rail industry.
Training Excellence
It’s the people that make the rail sector what it is. This award is intended to reward a person or company who has shown exemplary training that has positively impacted the Welsh rail sector.
Best Use of Technology
The rail sector will only evolve if we incorporate innovative thinking, with this award highlighting excellence in how technology has benefited Scotland. This can be technology that has improved the infrastructure or passenger experience.
Commitment to Safety
Network Rail’s key principle is ‘Everyone Home Safe Everyday’, with this award designed to recognise excellence in safety initiatives.
Acting as One Team
The industry needs to collaborate with partners to deliver best outcomes, this award is to highlight where multiple stakeholders and suppliers have come together to deliver successful outcomes.
Outstanding Project (over £1M)
This category is to celebrate a project over £1m which has shaped the Scottish rail industry to become what it is today. This project can be in progress, or complete, demonstrating why it has positively impacted businesses, communities and the wider public.
Outstanding Project (under £1M)
This category is to celebrate a project under £1m which has shaped the Scottish rail industry to become what it is today. This project can be in progress, or complete, demonstrating why it has positively impacted businesses, communities and the wider public.
Product of the Year
This award is to recognise a product which has transformed the industry.
Service of the Year
This award is to recognise a service which has had a positive impact to Scotland over the past twelve months.
Application Process
Applications will only be accepted when submitted via the online form.
Each award will require a unique application, duplicates will not be considered.
We will only accept applications via the attached template file.
Awards Submission
Event
Schedule
12.00 – 13.00
Welcome drink on arrival and networking
13.00 – 13.15
Call to lunch
13.15 – 13.30
TBC
13.30 – 13.45
Presentation
13.45 – 15.15
Lunch – A three course lunch and drinks
15.15 – 16.00
Rail Scotland Award Ceremony
16.00 – 17.00
Networking and drinks
