Alstom, Avanti Poppy Train: UK Rail Honors Veterans & Raises Funds

Introduction

Alstom, Avanti West Coast, the Royal British Legion, and Poppyscotland collaborated to create a travelling poppy wreath. The tribute was transported from Glasgow to London on a specially decorated train ahead of Remembrance Day, with the train departing Glasgow Central at 08:00 on Friday 7 November.

Collaboration and Purpose

Alstom partnered with Avanti West Coast, the Royal British Legion, and Poppyscotland to create a travelling poppy wreath ahead of Remembrance Day. The initiative aimed to honor veterans, highlight the railway’s historical connection to the Armed Forces, and encourage donations to the Poppy Appeal, which supports serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

The Poppy Train Journey

The wreath, created by veterans, reservists, and volunteers from the Cheshire East Poppy Appeal and Avanti West Coast, travelled aboard a Pendolino, Class 390 built by Alstom and named ‘Unknown Soldier’. The train departed Glasgow Central at 08:00 on Friday 7 November. The train made stops at 13 stations along the West Coast Main Line. At London Euston, the train was welcomed by a party including representatives from Network Rail. A replica wreath was later laid at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Industry Perspectives

Siobhan Lennine, Project Manager at Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that the initiative collects posies at each station between Glasgow and London to form a wreath, showing how every community along the route plays a role in honoring those who served. Dean Duthie, Engineering and Infrastructure Director at Avanti West Coast, expressed pride in the collaboration. He noted that the initiative is especially pertinent as the UK marks 200 years of the modern railway. Polmadie Depot celebrated its 150th anniversary on 12 October 2025.

Company Roles

Armed Forces personnel, past and present, with connections to the railway or the charity, travelled on board alongside representatives from Alstom and British Transport Police.

Conclusion

Alstom, Avanti West Coast, the Royal British Legion, and Poppyscotland collaborated on a travelling poppy wreath to honor veterans and raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. The wreath travelled from Glasgow to London on a specially decorated train, with stops at 13 stations. A replica wreath was laid at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Company Summary

Alstom: Alstom partnered with Avanti West Coast, the Royal British Legion, and Poppyscotland to create a travelling poppy wreath. Alstom built the Class 390 Pendolino, named ‘Unknown Soldier’.

Avanti West Coast: Avanti West Coast partnered with Alstom, the Royal British Legion, and Poppyscotland to create a travelling poppy wreath. The wreath was created by veterans, reservists, and volunteers from the Cheshire East Poppy Appeal and Avanti West Coast. Polmadie Depot remains central to Avanti West Coast operations.

Poppyscotland: Poppyscotland collaborated with Alstom, Avanti West Coast, and the Royal British Legion on a travelling poppy wreath.

The Royal British Legion: The Royal British Legion partnered with Alstom, Avanti West Coast, and Poppyscotland to create a travelling poppy wreath.

Technology

Pendolino, Class 390: The poppy wreath travelled aboard a Pendolino, Class 390 built by Alstom and named ‘Unknown Soldier’.