Could we see trains running on this route through the Scottish Borders once again?

'You really have to question if the strategic case in support of going down to Newcastleton is seriously better than an extension going eastwards, through Kelso and Coldstream'

Gus Russell is pictured (inset) alongside the former track bed at Maxton, with the Eildon Hills in the background.

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 26th Apr 2023
Last updated 27th Apr 2023

With hopes growing that work on a study into the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway will begin this year, the debate over what route the line should take has been reignited.

Gus Russell, from the Tweed Valley Railway Campaign group, claims restoring the line as far as Hawick is a "no-brainer", following the success of the section between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, which reopened in 2015 at a cost of £294m.

But he believes officials should also consider rebuilding the link between St Boswells and Berwick.

It's claimed that would cost "significantly less" than the estimated £1 billion quoted for taking it south to Newcastleton - and benefit more people.

"We absolutely think that extending the line down to Hawick is a 'no-brainer'," Mr Russell told Greatest Hits Radio. "It's the biggest settlement in the Borders and of course it should be included in the extension.

"But you really have to question if the strategic case in support of going down to Newcastleton and then on to Carlisle is seriously better serving the Borders than an extension going eastwards, through Kelso and Coldstream, and on to Berwick and the East Coast Main Line.

"The eastern part of the Tweed Valley has about 60,000 people in it; Newcastleton has a population of about 770 people."

Last week, we reported a cross-border consensus has now been reached on the strategic merits of taking the line from Tweedbank to Carlisle - with "the timing of this process expected to be confirmed by June".

Both the UK and Scottish governments pledged £5 million each towards a feasibility study, as part of the Borderslands Growth Deal four years ago.

Partner authorities – Carlisle City, Cumbria County, Dumfries and Galloway, Northumberland and Scottish Borders councils – are now expected to agree a refreshed business case to release the funding.

Mr Russell believes extending the line eastwards will help attract new business and investment to towns like Kelso and Coldstream. And he pointed out much of the original track bed, embankments and bridges remain in place, despite the railway closing in 1968.

"If you're looking at the extension from St Boswells to Berwick, it's about 32 miles," he explained. "St Boswells to Carlisle is 59 miles; and it's 43 miles from Galashiels down to Carlisle - serving very few people, and with some huge engineering challenges.

"What we're saying is, before spending £10 million of public money on a very detailed engineering feasibility study, at the very least have a look at the economic benefits of going east, along the Tweed Valley Railway, from St Boswells to Berwick, and then make a decision on what's right."

Much of the railway infrastructure remains in place along the route, including this bridge over the track bed at Maxton.

The former station house at Maxton is now a home, with the platform area now forming its garden.

The railway used to have to cross a road before reaching the station house at Maxton, but the track has long since been lifted.

What remains of the level crossing gate opposite the station house in Maxton, with a clear view of the track bed looking towards St Boswells.

What do you think? Do you live along the railway route, or know anyone that used to work, or travel, on the line? We'd love to share your story! Email our reporter: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk

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