BLUE lights are being installed at a rail crossing to try and tackle the rising numbers of suicides across Scotland's rail network.
The calming lights are being trialled at a foot crossing in the St Ninians area of Stirling, where there has been a number of deaths.
As reported in the Scotsman, the number of suspected suicides has doubled in the past six months to 14, compared to seven at the same time last year.
Network Rail said the numbers were "very atypical", with no clear explanation.
They also cause serious disruption and cost more than £60,000 in each case.
Network Rail is experimenting with the blue lights, which changes a person's mood, as well as being associated with the police and emergency services.
It can reportedly be unexpected and distract someone with suicidal thoughts.
Several stations in England have switched to blue lighting, and at Gatwick Airport a "blue wash" covering the platforms at night.
There have also been trials of "rail pastors" at stations in Fife, which act in a similar way to street pastors who aim to help vulnerable people during the night.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "Any death on the railway is a tragedy which has a real emotional impact on the family and friends of those involved, and on our staff and customers.
"We have put in place a range of initiatives to try to reduce fatalities on the railway.
"We’re working with Samaritans to help train railway staff in how to identify and approach people exhibiting suicidal behaviour, and we also have posters and signs raising awareness of the Samaritans’ helpline in stations and at level crossings.
"Even something as simple as changing lighting can help alter the environment and influence behaviour."
Chief Inspector David Gray from the British Transport Police said: "Most people who choose to end their lives do so for complex reasons.
"We do a huge amount of work to prevent people from taking their own lives on the railways and have a dedicated team."
He said the rail pastors, which is a joint venture between Network Rail, ScotRail, the Railway Chaplaincy and the Ascension Trust, would be extended to Edinburgh and then go Scotland-wide.
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