100 Breathing Space Benches have been installed across Scotland in partnership with NHS24, Network Rail, and Scotland's Railway.
The 100th Breathing Space Bench was unveiled in Stirling on the 3rd February 2026, marking a major milestone for the Breathing Space Initiative that Samaritans Scotland is proud to be part of alongside NHS24, Network Rail, and Scotland’s Railway.
The first ever bench was installed in Troon in 2018 - the beginning of not only encouraging awareness raising and discussion around our mental health as a nation but also providing a physical space for people to take time to pause, take a breath, talk to someone, and to access mental health support if needed.
Each bench is fitted with a plaque containing information on accessing support via the Samaritans helpline, as well as through NHS24 Breathing Space.
Samaritans Scotland is proud to be part of this initiative, which has seen designated Breathing Space Benches appear all over Scotland, encouraging people to not only take a seat – but also to think about their own mental health.
Tony McLaren is the National Coordinator for Breathing Space and has overseen the bench initiative since its inception. He said:
“Reaching 100 Breathing Space benches is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication, compassion, and collaboration shown by communities right across Scotland.
“This initiative has brought together hundreds of individuals, from a variety of groups and organisations, who all share a commitment to promoting kindness, connection, and mental wellbeing.
“I want to thank every single person who has contributed to the success of this project over the last eight years. Each bench represents more than just a place to sit; it represents hope, community spirit, and a reminder that support is always available.”
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said:
“I am delighted to congratulate NHS 24’s Breathing Space service on the installation of its 100th Breathing Space bench. What started with a single bench has grown into a national success story, made possible through strong partnerships across Scotland, offering people a moment of reflection and a clear route to support.
“The new bench at Stirling Station, with its QR code linking directly to NHS 24 mental health services, is a welcome step in making help easy to find, wherever people need wellbeing and mental health support.”
Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, said:
“The Breathing Space bench initiative helps bring information about mental health support into everyday places like railway stations. The benches act as a visible signpost to NHS 24’s Breathing Space service and Samaritans, making support easier to come across as part of day‑to‑day journeys. We hope it continues to make a difference in communities across Scotland.”
Matt Hosgood, Regional Development Lead for Scotland at Samaritans, said:
“It’s important that people have the chance to take a moment to sit, reflect, have a chat, or just have a minute to take a breath.
“Samaritans Scotland is proud to play a part in the Breathing Space Bench initiative in Stirling, allowing people that space amidst what can be an overwhelming and busy world.
“Through the Breathing Space Benches, we’re reminding people to be aware of their own mental health and guiding them on how to reach out for support if they feel they need it.”