Virgin Trains driver Iain Black honoured at Transport Awards

A train driver hailed as a hero by Sir Richard Branson for his role in a derailment has been honoured at a Glasgow awards ceremony.

Iain Black, 54, was given a Special Contribution to Transport Award at the Scottish Transport Awards a month after retiring from Virgin Trains.

Iain, from Dumbarton, was driving the Pendolino train that derailed in Cumbria in 2007 due to a set of faulty points at Lambrigg.

He was widely praised for his role in the crash. Despite breaking his neck and drifting in and out of consciousness, Iain called his girlfriend Jan – whom he subsequently married – to ensure that rail controllers were aware of the accident.

He has since worked to help other people in the rail industry prepare for traumatic events.

Speaking yesterday, Iain said: “I don’t think I should be getting the award, it should be the other way around.

“I feel like I owe the railways a big thank you for a 36-year career that’s been full of laughs. I’ve had a great career.

“I was taken aback when the award was announced but it’s a fantastic end to my career. It’s a nice swansong to the 36 years I’ve had with the industry.”

Before working as a driver for Virgin Trains, Iain had worked in a number of roles, including for British Transport Police and working in stations and maintenance under British Rail.

Presenting the award in Glasgow, Transport Times editor David Begg said: “This award goes to a career railway man who has spent over 35 years working in a wide variety of roles in transport. He is known outside the industry for his role as the driver of the Pendolino train that derailed at Lambrigg in 2007, when, despite having a broken neck and drifting in and out of consciousness, he called his then girlfriend (now wife) to ensure that Control were aware of the crash and could stop other trains.

“The injuries he sustained at Lambrigg left him with only a 5% chance of survival but, after 18 months recovery, he returned to work at Virgin Trains in a support role and retired in May this year.

“He is fondly known within the railway industry for his warmth, humour, generosity and the work he has done to help colleagues prepare for and support those involved in traumatic incidents.”

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said: “We’re really pleased to see Iain honoured at this awards ceremony for his outstanding contribution, which went far beyond the call of duty.

“He acted with great professionalism and fortitude both during the derailment and in the years subsequently. He is greatly admired and loved by colleagues and we all wish him a long and happy retirement.”