MSP calls for extension of Borders Railway to be 'fast-tracked', as new Transport Minister appointed
Last updated 1 day ago
The Scottish Government's new Transport secretary is being invited to visit our region to discuss how progress on extending the Borders Railway can be "accelerated".
Turner & Townsend were appointed as senior project managers in March last year.
And an announcement is expected soon on who is being awarded consultancy work to support the business case.
Now, local Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton (pictured above) has written to the SNP's Stephen Flynn, following his appointment to the Cabinet, inviting him to meet local campaigners.
A report presented to members of Scottish Borders Council’s Executive committee states: “The cost of the consultancy work is estimated to be in the region of £1 million and the strategic outline business case process could take up to 18 months to complete."
In her letter, the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP says the extension would help connect rural communities, strengthen public transport links and support economic growth - by boosting tourism, creating jobs and making it easier for people to live and work across the region.
READ MORE: Council accused of 'penny-pinching Scrooge-mentality' following decision to axe Christmas trees
"The extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle is a transformational project that has the potential to grow our economy, improve connectivity and support connectivity across our communities," Ms Hamilton states.
“Funding has already been secured for a feasibility study and there is real momentum behind this project, but it is vital that progress continues at a faster pace."
A retired rail engineer, who spoke at the Campaign for Borders Rail's AGM in Carlisle in 2024, estimated the cost of rebuilding the former Waverley Line between Tweedbank and Carlisle is in the region of £1.5 BILLION.
But the business case has since been boosted with work starting on Center Parcs new 700-lodge holiday village near the former Hassendean Station - which is to be accessed off the A7 north of Hawick.
Ms Hamilton continues: “There is strong local support for extending the railway and a real appetite to see this project fast-tracked.
“I have written to the new Cabinet Secretary urging him to make this a priority and inviting him to the Borders to meet local campaigners and hear first-hand about the opportunities this investment would create."
And she added: “I will continue to champion the extension of the Borders Railway and work constructively with anyone who shares the ambition of delivering this vital investment for our local economy.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/