Extension of Borders Railway back on track, as funding released
Last updated 25th Feb 2025
Ten years on from the opening of the Borders Railway, it's been confirmed funding is finally being released for a study into the feasibility of completing the line to Hawick and Carlisle.
£10 million was first pledged four years ago, with the signing of the Borderlands Growth Deal.
But the new Labour government at Westminster withheld its share of the cash while a review of all major transport projects was carried out.
It's now going to match Scottish Government funding of up to £5 million.
Today's announcement unlocks the first tranche of money, which allows Scottish Borders Council to appoint a Project Manager, who will support work to assess the benefits and challenges of extending the line beyond the current rail terminus in Tweedbank.
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: "Growth is a priority mission for the UK Government and we've been clear that the £450 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal spanning southern Scotland and northern England is vital to achieving this.
"It's great news that the UK Department for Transport has now confirmed up to £5 million towards feasibility work to explore the potential to extend the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle. We look forward to working with deal partners as the feasibility work progresses.
"The UK Government is focused on delivering our Plan for Change to turbo-charge economic growth and deliver a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all. This includes investing nearly £1.4 billion into important local projects across Scotland over the next ten years, including the Borders."
The latest development comes just weeks after it was revealed trains on the Borders Railway are the most overcrowded on the ScotRail network - with passengers packed on to some services "like sardines".
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said “The Scottish Government believes in strong investment in public transport and looks forward to the 10th anniversary of the Borders railway later this year, which will be a celebration of the transformation it has delivered to this region.
“We remain committed to providing up to £5 million for this business case work as part of our £65 million investment in the region through the Borderlands deal."
And she added: "We welcome the news that the UK Government will now match our commitment of up to £5 million for a feasibility study to extend the Borders Railway and are supportive of partners securing a project manager with the technical expertise to deliver the project well.”
Last year, we revealed the cost of rebuilding the line between Tweedbank and Carlisle is now estimated in the region of £1.5 BILLION.
Rail Minister Peter, Lord Hendy, said: “We are working to improve rail connectivity for passengers and as part of the Government’s Plan for Change are investing in transport infrastructure, driving growth, jobs and housing across our communities.
“I’m pleased to commit to the progression of the Borders Railway extension, which would open up the route for more people to explore the region’s picturesque landscapes and rich heritage, and I look forward to seeing how the proposal develops.”
Journey times between Galashiels and Hawick could be slashed to 19 minutes - if the Borders Railway is extended.
Trips between the current rail terminus in Tweedbank and Carlisle would also be almost halved - from 93 minutes to 51 minutes, according to figures contained in a report highlighting the economic benefits of restoring the line.
Scottish Borders Council Leader Euan Jardine said: "Thanks to the unwavering support of the Borderlands Partnership and their tireless campaign, as well as the crucial funding and commitment from both the Scottish Government and the UK Government, we are making significant strides towards the Borders Railway extension.
“We have already seen the positive impact the Waverley line has brought to the Borders. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of partnership in driving positive change and transforming our region for the better."
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