WATCH: Community reacts to decision to fund study into feasibility of extending Borders Railway
Last updated 3rd Mar 2025
It's imperative the business case for extending the Borders Railway builds on the year-upon-year increase in passenger numbers to complete what's being described as an "integral transport route".
That's according to local authority convener Watson McAteer, who has penned letters to the UK Prime Minister and First Minister of Scotland - thanking them for their decision to fund a feasibility study.
Adding his signature, Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine said: "I am delighted to have signed letters of thanks to both the Prime Minister and the First Minister. This moment is truly special, as it marks the beginning of a long process, one we are confident will pave the way for extending the railway to Hawick and Carlisle.
"My sincere thanks go to everyone in both the Scottish Government and the UK Government for ensuring that the necessary funding was released. I hope they will remain unwavering in their support and commitment as this project moves forward."
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from the former Waverley Line, near Melrose...
The UK and Scottish governments have each agreed to release up to five million pounds to support a study into the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway.
The cash allows Scottish Borders Council to push ahead with plans to appoint a project manager, to help build the business case.
Deputy leader Scott Hamilton, the local authority's Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, added: “Witnessing the signing of the letter was a momentous occasion, symbolising the collaborative efforts and dedication of all parties involved. We are thrilled to see this project moving forward and are confident that it will bring substantial benefits to the residents of the Scottish Borders and beyond.”
The cash was first promised four years ago as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal. But the funding was put on hold last year, after Labour announced a review of all transport infrastructure projects by the previous Conservative administration.
Speaking following the opening of the former Station House in Stow last week, Marion Short, from the Campaign for Borders Rail, said: "We've worked at this for years, we've had a lot of knockbacks - frustration was a word we used quite a lot, but this is now the way forward.
"We've seen what's happened to the areas around the Lothian stations to Galashiels; this is not just for people currently here, this is for future generations. It's going to be beneficial for everybody and completely regenerate the whole area."
The cost of completing the line between the current rail terminus in Tweedbank and Carlisle is estimated to be around £1.5 billion.
But local MSP Christine Grahame believes its fate shouldn't be decided on price alone.
She said: “As a longstanding supporter of the reinstatement of the Borders Railway and its subsequent popularity, I continue to stand firmly behind the campaign for the extension of the line beyond Tweedbank. I am pleased that the Scottish Government also remains committed to its investment in this important infrastructure project in the Borders.
“Now that the green light has been given to get things back on track, I am confident that a case can be made to make this rail link a reality.”
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