Avanti West Coast has partnered with the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to deliver a symbolic wreath to London ahead of Remembrance Day, transported aboard a specially liveried Pendolino. The train operator and Cheshire East Poppy Appeal created the wreath, which will be assembled piece-by-piece by veterans, reservists and volunteers as it travels south from Glasgow.

To mark the tribute, Avanti West Coast worked with Alstom to wrap both cab ends of Pendolino 390151 at the Glasgow Traincare Centre, featuring poppies as a symbol of remembrance. The train, named Unknown Soldier, set out from Glasgow Central at 08:00, beginning a commemorative journey calling at 13 stations along the West Coast Main Line. At each stop, Avanti West Coast veterans and Royal British Legion supporters welcomed the train and added a posy of poppies.

The journey is intended to highlight the railway’s long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces and encourage donations to the Poppy Appeal. Before departure, a veteran from the operator placed the first tribute onto a plain wreath, with a bagpiper leading the send-off from the platform. Representatives from the Poppy Appeal joined the service, supporting fundraising efforts and accompanying the wreath south.

Serving and former Armed Forces personnel connected to the railway or the Royal British Legion, along with partners including Alstom and British Transport Police, travelled aboard a carriage decorated with poppies for the occasion. On arrival at London Euston, the wreath — representing tributes gathered along the line — will be carried to the station’s memorial by a small procession, before being laid during a service led by a local chaplain. A replica will be placed at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Dean Duthie, Engineering and Infrastructure Director at Avanti West Coast, who served in the military for eight years, said:

“We’re proud to be joining the Royal British Legion and industry partners to recognise the railway’s connection with the Armed Forces. Bringing together veterans, serving personnel and communities local to our route through this poignant initiative is especially pertinent as the UK marks 200 years of the modern railway. This Pendolino will also act as a lasting and moving reminder of remembrance across the West Coast. I’m incredibly proud of our employees, including Armed Forces personnel past and present, for their efforts to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed, while raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.”

Poppy Appeal Manager, Vicky Lawson, from the Royal British Legion said:

"The Poppy Express is a journey of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude - a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our democratic freedoms and way of life. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of passengers, partners, and colleagues at Avanti West Coast who make this special service possible. For over 100 years, remembrance has been part of the fabric of society - it continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities and generations, and this journey allows us to celebrate the enduring spirit of remembrance that unites communities across the nation."

Siobhan Lennine, Project Manager at Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre, said:

"My time in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) instilled in me discipline, resilience and a deep respect for teamwork – qualities that continue to shape how I lead projects at Alstom today. The mindset of service and pride in doing things right is something I carry with me every day. It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of Avanti West Coast’s Poppy Train tribute for Remembrance Day,” added Siobhan who is also part of Alstom’s Armed Forces Network. “The gesture of collecting posies at each station to form a wreath between Glasgow and London is a beautiful symbol of unity and remembrance – showing how every community along the route plays a role in honouring those who served. It’s also a poignant reminder of the railway’s historic connection to the Armed Forces. I’m proud to be part of a company that recognises and supports veterans through initiatives like Alstom’s Armed Forces Network. These groups provide a vital space for connection and support, and reinforce that our experiences are valued – not just within Alstom and Avanti West Coast, but across the wider rail industry”, she added.

Amanda Webster-Uz, Head of Euston Station Operations at Network Rail, said:

“Euston station has a proud tradition of honouring the Armed Forces, and we’re privileged to play a role in this year’s Remembrance tribute. Welcoming Avanti West Coast’s Poppy Train and attending the memorial is a poignant moment for our team. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect, pay our respects, and support the Royal British Legion’s vital work. We’re proud that Euston station can be the final stop on this symbolic journey, bringing together tributes from the length of the West Coast Main Line."

Image: Avanti