This November, senior leaders from the transport, business and tourism sectors will come together in Dundee to discuss how rail can contribute to a more sustainable, connected and prosperous future.
Hosted jointly by LNER and Transform Scotland, the reception will bring together stakeholders to hear from leading speakers, share ideas and build connections around the opportunities rail presents for Scotland’s communities and economy.
We’re pleased that Donna Webb, Business Development Coordinator at Dewar’s Aberfeldy is joining us to share their experience of the value of rail for sustainable tourism and to host a mini whisky tasting.
George Lowder, Chair of Transform Scotland, Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, and Stuart Thomas, Communications Director with LNER, will join the speaking lineup.
Meet the speakers
George Lowder
George Lowder brings extensive experience in transport, public service and organisational leadership. As former Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh, he led the continued development of Edinburgh’s integrated public transport network. He holds senior roles including Chair of Transform Scotland, Chair of the Light Rail Safety & Standards Board and Vice President of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Through his Chamber role, George understands the importance of economic growth to Scotland and the vital contribution Chambers can make to supporting businesses and driving regional growth.
Stuart Thomas
Stuart Thomas has a wealth of experience in communications, media and public affairs. In his current role, Stuart leads communications for LNER, a major rail operator whose services connect Dundee, Tayside and communities across Scotland with major destinations and economic centres throughout the UK. Stuart has also held senior positions at a number of high-profile media organisations, including the BBC, where he served as Head of the Midlands, as well as ITN and LBC.
Caroline Warburton
Caroline Warburton is Destination Development Director at VisitScotland and Chair of Dundee’s Tourism Leadership Group. She has extensive experience in tourism leadership and destination development, having previously worked with the Scottish Tourism Alliance and founded Wild Scotland. Caroline brings a strong focus on sustainable and responsible tourism, and its role in strengthening Dundee’s reputation as a attractive visitor destination while delivering benefits for the city’s communities, environment and economy.
Jess Reid
Jess Reid is Depute Director and Head of External Relations at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA). Drawing on her experience at the heart of Dundee’s cultural sector, Jess will discuss the role that culture plays in shaping the city’s destination appeal, the importance of rail connectivity and lower-carbon transport in enabling audiences, artists and partners to access Dundee’s cultural offer, and the wider contribution that culture makes to local businesses, tourism and the city’s reputation.
Joanne Davidson
Joanna Davidson is Director of Policy & Insights at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, bringing over 20 years of experience across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Joanna brings to the speaker lineup a broad understanding of business needs, policy development and stakeholder collaboration, and will provide updates on the Chamber’s recent work supporting the interests of businesses and contributing to a thriving and competitive Scottish economy.
About the event
The Think Rail First reception will take place on Wednesday 4 November at Dundee Contemporary Arts. It will bring together elected representatives, business leaders, tourism organisations, transport partners and civic leaders from Dundee and Tayside to explore the role of rail in supporting sustainable tourism, strengthening local economies and improving community connectivity.
The reception is hosted jointly by LNER and Transform Scotland, building on the success of the Think Rail First parliamentary reception in 2025. This event continues the conversation in Dundee, highlighting the city’s vital role in shaping the future of Scotland’s rail network.
Interested in hearing more about this event or getting involved?
Please contact Katherine at katherine.scott@transform.scot to enquire about attending.
