Train operating company Lumo has given a family a ‘grand day out’ in Edinburgh, to celebrate the launch of the new Wallace & Gromit All Systems Go AR Trail at Dynamic Earth in the Scottish capital.

Charity Family Fund, which supports those raising disabled or seriously ill children, nominated the family for the outing.

Sienna, who is autistic and has the eating condition Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFIS), was accompanied by her mother and her grandmother.

Lumo arranged Sienna’s travel from Newcastle to Edinburgh, where her day out included a visit to Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium.

During the trip to the science centre, Sienna was taken on a guided tour and experienced the new Wallace & Gromit All Systems Go Augmented Reality (AR) Trail. The experience is open to visitors until the end of August, and is in Scotland for the first time only at Dynamic Earth.

Sienna also took an open-top bus tour to see the many attractive sights in Edinburgh.

Lumo believes that the experience highlights its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all. Its services connect Newcastle with Edinburgh and London, and Lumo will launch a new route to Glasgow later this year. Last year, its all-electric train fleet was recognised as the most reliable in the country and it achieved a 96% satisfaction rate in a survey of pasengers.

Lumo’s trains have accessibility features including extendable tray tables, wheelchair spaces, power sockets within reach. The operator’s Customer Experience Ambassadors are also available to help.

Dynamic Earth also boasts of its inclusivity and accessibility. It is a leading Earth Science engagement charity, and its fully accessible Science Centre caters for visitors of all abilities and sensory needs. It offers interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling and hands-on experiences. Sienna engaged with these features at her own pace, enabling her to show curiosity about the planet in a safe and welcoming space.

Sienna and her family described the outing as “a brilliant day out”.

“We were delighted to be able to link Sienna and her family up with Lumo and Dynamic Earth for this wonderful trip.  At Family Fund we work with thousands of families raising children with additional needs, who tell us how difficult it can be to have a great, fully accessible day out catered to their needs. We want as many organisations as possible to provide inclusive services and events, like Lumo and Dynamic Earth, so more families can enjoy quality time together, have fun and make memories.”

Zoe Hull, Head of Fundraising and Volunteering at Family Fund