Alstom will open the doors of its Glasgow Traincare Centre to the public on Sunday 12 October, marking the 150th anniversary of the historic Polmadie Depot.
Located just two miles south-east of Glasgow Central station, the facility is the operational heart of the Caledonian Sleeper service, where over 100 staff maintain and clean trains around the clock. The depot also services Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolinos, welcoming up to 17 trains daily.
Originally opened as Polmadie Shed on 16 September 1875 by the Caledonian Railway, the site has evolved from steam engine maintenance to supporting modern rail fleets. This year’s open day marks the first public opening in 25 years, offering a rare glimpse into one of Scotland’s most iconic rail hubs.
Visitors will be invited aboard several Caledonian Sleeper Mark 5 coaches, showcasing the luxury ‘hotel on wheels’ that connects Scotland to London via the West Coast Main Line — a route with overnight services dating back to 1873.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at Alstom, commented:
“For 150 years, Polmadie has continuously been a home to dedicated maintenance staff and train drivers that in turn have proudly served passengers and freight across Scotland and along the West Coast Main Line. It’s a privilege to celebrate this milestone with enthusiasts and the local community, and showcase the incredible legacy of rail in Scotland.
“Polmadie is more than just a depot – it’s a symbol of engineering excellence and commitment to keeping Britain moving. We’re proud to open our doors and share this heritage with the public, while inspiring the next generation to help us shape the future of rail.”
Alstom will also host family-friendly activities, including hands-on engineering experiences and demonstrations of cutting-edge rail simulation technology, aimed at inspiring the next generation of rail professionals.
The event coincides with global celebrations of Railway 200, marking two centuries since the birth of the modern railway. Alstom previously commemorated the milestone with The Greatest Gathering in Derby, welcoming 40,000 visitors and raising thousands for charity.
This anniversary event not only honours the past but also highlights Alstom’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in the rail sector.
Image credit: Alstom
