LNER Continues Partnership With Edinburgh's Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian Football Clubs

Both clubs and the train operator have pledged to continue working together, to develop and introduce more initiatives which support the local Edinburgh community.

Initiatives like the brand-new community football programme launched last year between LNER, Heart of Midlothian FC and their Community Coaching and Football Development department. The programme supports young players and helps them develop both football and mental health skills.

Following a successful visit by LNER chefs and hosts to the Edinburgh derby at Hibernian FC’s stadium in October, where fans got to experience a taste of the train operator’s famous hospitality, more exciting opportunities to share a flavour of LNER with fans are planned for 2025.

Alan White, Head of Community at Heart of Midlothian, said: “LNER’s fantastic support of our football programme will help provide increased participation opportunities for young people in our community to engage in additional physical activity.

This backing provides us with an opportunity to create some great environments for children who choose to play football, where we hope to foster a life-long participation and involvement in the game.”

Commenting on the partnership, Murray Milligen Hibernian FC Commercial Director, said: “We’re delighted to extend our commercial partnership with LNER. We have worked incredibly closely with them over the last couple of seasons and have created activations that have had great benefits. They’re a well-renowned national brand, a market leader within rail travel with a base here in our city. We’re excited about the future and further plans we’ve got together.”

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said; “Supporting the local communities based along our route is one of LNER’s core values, so continuing our relationships with Hearts and Hibs is great news.

“We were incredibly proud to be lead sponsor for the Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens over the Christmas period. Working with the city’s football teams throughout 2025 is just one way we will be continuing our support for this fantastic city.”