Once the lifelines of local community, the growth of the mobile phone industry has inevitably meant phone box usage has dropped dramatically, and nearly half of the phone boxes in the UK have been removed. However, rather than lose their local landmark, many communities have opted to give them a new lease of life by “adopting” them from BT.
In fact, since the Adopt a Kiosk scheme was launched in 2008, more than 3500 communities across the country – including 155 in Scotland – have seized the opportunity to do something wonderful with local red phone boxes that had little or no usage.
You can read about some of the adopted phone boxes in Courier Country in today’s Courier Weekend Magazine and at
Here’s a selection of phone boxes across the UK with a whole new lease of life thanks to their caring communities and some innovative and downright wacky ideas…
A handy stop-off for lunch, this old phone box serves an array of delicious salads.
A mini art gallery for a spot of culture.
Blooming lovely – a kiosk brimming with flowers.
Those origami skills have finally come in useful at this eye-catching phone box. What happens if it rains though?
This phone box offers a welcome haven for sheep.
A striking knitted and crocheted cover keeps this kiosk cosy.
Letham, Fife, residents have peace of mind since a defibrillator was installed in their adopted box.
Torryburn’s adopted kiosk serves as a useful community information centre.
Scotland’s oldest payphone still in use in Rhynd, Perthshire. Made from concrete rather than the usual cast iron, it is uniquely painted white and red.
Old BT phone kiosks have been turned into boxes of delight
