Stonehaven - One Minute's Silence

Our Ref: HSR/2/1
Head Office Circular NP/200/20
17th August 2020
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

STONEHAVEN – ONE MINUTE’S SILENCE

Members will be aware of the tragic accident at Stonehaven on Wednesday 12 August 2020 where all six vehicles of train 1T08 derailed after striking a landslip around 1.4 miles north-east of Carmont, Aberdeenshire. There were nine people on the train at the time of the accident; three train crew (the driver, conductor and a second conductor travelling as a passenger on this train) and six passengers. Tragically, our member Donald Dinnie - the train’s conductor, Brett McCullough - the train’s driver and a passenger Christopher Stuchbury suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The remaining passengers and a further member of train crew were taken to hospital.

ScotRail have agreed to hold a one minute’s silence on Wednesday 19th August 2020 at 09.43 – the time the incident was reported. Railway colleagues across Britain will also fall silent, including at Abellio-owned operators and Network Rail’s managed stations. It is unclear what other GB rail companies intend to do at this time. If it is safe for you to do so at the agreed time I would ask that you join the minute’s silence with other colleagues across the railway network.

ScotRail have set up support for their staff affected by the accident and these include:

A critical incident support line for anyone who has been involved, witnessed, or knows somebody who has been involved with the incident. You can contact them any time on 0800 731 8630.
Our HELP Employee Assistance programme, that offers independent and confidential counselling, advice, and support for all colleagues and their families. They’re available 24/7 on 0330 109 2999.

Please bring the contents of this Circular to the urgent attention of RMT members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary