First ScotRail hite the right note with sponsorship of RSNO
11 June 2008
First ScotRail – Scotland’s national train operator – and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) – Scotland’s largest arts organisation - has forged a high profile partnership to promote sustainable transport – and encourage more people to travel by train.
The 12 month partnership, which was launched at Glasgow Queen Street Station today (Wednesday 11 June), is highlighted by First ScotRail’s provision of travel passes on key routes across the country. From now on, over 50 musicians from the celebrated orchestra can leave their cars at home and travel to rehearsals and concerts by train.
The in kind support will see the RSNO save more than just petrol money – it will help the environment and allow the members to focus more on their music and less on travelling costs. In return, First ScotRail will receive complimentary tickets for a number of shows from this year’s calendar, including family favourite ‘The Snowman’.
Peter Williams, Commercial Director at First ScotRail said, “This sponsorship reflects out ongoing commitment to the arts, music and culture in Scotland, as well as our drive to encourage more people to choose rail as their preferred mode of public transport.
“The RSNO has performances across Scotland and with services running throughout the country, there are plenty of opportunities for families and friends to travel by train and enjoy a fantastic day - or night - out.
RSNO Chief Executive Simon Woods said: “We are most grateful to First ScotRail for their support of our work, taking music right across Scotland and we look forward to a very fruitful partnership."
"As Scotland's national orchestra we naturally travel an enormous amount, so a partnership with First ScotRail is highly appropriate for us. With the environment and rising petrol prices in the forefront of people's minds at present, this is a very timely relationship indeed.
ENDS
Notes to editors
* To mark the launch of the sponsorship, David Danzmayr, assistant conductor at the RSNO swapped his tailcoat for tickets and joined First ScotRail conductor, Robert Laird to sell tickets and serve refreshments from the hospitality trolley on the train to Edinburgh.
* A string quartet entertained customers at Glasgow Queen Street Station with a medley of music from the RSNO’s concert calendar.
Media Contacts –
First ScotRail - Lally Cowell, PR Manager Tel: 0141 335 4788 / lally.cowell@firstgroup.com
Out of hours: T. 07738 141 198 / www.firstscotrail.com
RSNO - Daniel Pollitt – Communications Manager – 0141 225 3571 / Daniel.Pollitt@rsno.org.uk
www.rsno.org.uk
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