Gabby becomes a champion of sustainable train travel

Photographer Gabby Secomb-Flegg from Edinburgh has been crowned one of National Rail’s ‘Chief Environment Officers’ (CEOs) who will champion sustainable travel by train around Britain.

Her prize includes all expenses paid trips to ditch the car, discover 10 of Britain’s hidden green attractions and locations, and vlog her experiences to inspire others to make green journeys by train.    

Originally from Australia, Gabby moved to Edinburgh in 2020 and fell in love with the Scottish landscape. Last year, she and her partner took on the NC500 route around Scotland, sharing their experiences with her followers. The trip ignited Gabby’s passion for championing positive, sustainable travel, as a self-described ‘wild-swimming, castle-chasing, Munro-hiking Scotland enthusiast’. 

After finding the National Rail CEO competition on Instagram, Gabby says she had a ‘gut feeling’ she should enter. 

She added: “Creating beautiful content that showcases sustainable positive and impactful travel in the UK is a dream opportunity for me. My goal is always to encourage more people to travel while taking care of the planet at the same time, so I can’t wait to get started.”

The CEO competition was judged by explorer and broadcaster Simon Reeve, who said: “Gabby’s CEO competition entry was visually stunning and authentically showed her passion for sustainable travel. I feel confident that her reviews of some of Britain’s best trips by train will inspire others to opt for green trips of their own, and I look forward to following along with her adventures.”

Travelling by train is one of the greenest forms of public transport, and a ready-made solution for a low carbon future where our roads are quieter, safer, and the air we breathe is cleaner.  Taking the train already helps tackle climate change – it cuts carbon emissions by two thirds compared to traveling by car – and it can do more in the future. That’s why National Rail began the search for three Chief Environment Officers and will be promoting their inspirational vlogs to inspire others to go green and get onboard.

Jacqueline Starr, CEO at Rail Delivery Group comments, “Travelling by train cuts carbon emissions by two thirds compared to driving, but many Brits are unaware of the sustainability credentials of rail. Therefore, we are proud to appoint Gabby as one of our Chief Environment Officers who will champion sustainable travel and enjoy visiting some of Britain’s greenest and most beautiful destinations over the next three months.”

Edinburgh North and Leith MP, Deidre Brock, said: “As Gabby’s local MP, I’m delighted to congratulate her on successfully becoming one of only three ‘Chief Environment Officers’ for the National Rail group. It’s an exciting role, promoting greener travel by ‘ditching the car’ for rail to discover some of the UK’s loveliest hidden gem destinations. As my party’s COP 26 spokesperson I fully back that objective! So, I look forward to following Gabby’s vlogs and wish her every success with her exploration.”

If you want to follow Gabby on her adventure as National Rail’s CEO follow her @scotlandmagic.