Telent has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 Spotlight Scotland Awards, recognising the strength of its collaborative approach and commitment to delivering for customers across the Scottish railway.
Shortlisted in both Acting as One Team and Delivering for the Customer, the Scotland Rail team has been recognised for its long-standing work as Principal Contractor and System Integrator across the West Highland and Far North lines. Since 2012, the team has built a distinctive way of working that goes beyond traditional supplier relationships, embedding itself within the operational fabric of the railway.
Acting as One Team
The Acting as One Team nomination highlights how the team has created a fully integrated delivery model, working seamlessly alongside Network Rail, train operators, and frontline railway staff. By developing strong, trust-based relationships with signallers, drivers and maintenance teams, the group operates as a natural extension of the railway rather than an external provider. This approach enables faster decision-making, more effective problem-solving and a shared ownership of outcomes.
Through active participation in cross-industry forums and day-to-day operational collaboration, the team helps identify challenges and co-create practical solutions. Innovations such as enhancements to the Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) system, automated reporting and operational improvements have all been shaped directly by frontline insight, ensuring they deliver meaningful benefits across the network.
Delivering for the Customer
The second nomination, Delivering for the Customer, recognises the team’s impact on improving reliability, performance and safety across some of the UK’s most complex and remote rail routes. The team provides continuous technical support for live systems, responding rapidly to issues that could otherwise disrupt services. In critical situations, their interventions have prevented train stoppages and avoided the need for replacement transport, helping to maintain continuity for passengers and freight.
Alongside this responsive capability, the team has driven a programme of customer-focused innovation. Improvements to RETB systems have reduced token exchange times and improved operational efficiency, while automated TRUST reporting has enhanced data accuracy and reduced manual workloads. Additional developments such as user worked crossing monitoring and advanced hazard detection have further strengthened safety and performance.
This work is underpinned by a deep understanding of the railway’s operational environment and a consistent focus on delivering practical, value-driven solutions. By working closely with customers and stakeholders, the team ensures that every innovation is relevant, implementable and delivers measurable improvement.
Being shortlisted in both categories reflects not only the technical expertise within the team, but also its collaborative culture and customer-first mindset. Together, these qualities continue to support a more reliable, efficient and integrated railway across Scotland.