A new study into the possibility of extending the Borders Railway beyond Tweedbank to Carlisle “must look at the economic benefits of the line”, according to local MSP John Lamont.
“I welcome this progress into looking at whether we can extend the railway to Tweedbank onwards to Hawick and on to Carlisle,” he said.
“Clearly the Borders Railway has been a huge success in terms of passenger numbers but we’ve already seen its effect on existing transport links with the withdrawal of First Group from the Borders. Any further study must look at the economic benefits of the line, but must do a better job of making sure we develop a properly integrated transport system so that the whole of the Borders benefits from any further investment.
“It would be a missed opportunity to spend more money on extending the railway unless we also look closely at how the line links up with existing public transport and local bus routes.”
The anticipated sevenmonth long study is due to begin later this month, and findings will feed into the Scottish Government’s nationwide strategic transport projects review.
Hawick and Denholm councillor, Watson McAteer, who wrote to Scottish Government transport minister Hamza Yousaf in February, requesting he bring forward the review from the proposed November date, told us: “I’m delighted the Scottish Government are listening to people in Hawick and the Borders and I look forward to seeing a positive response for the reinstatement of the old line to Hawick, Newcastleton and on to Carlisle.
“It would create a massive economic boost for this area securing new business and much-needed quality jobs.”
Campaign for Borders Rail also welcomed the announcement. “Campaigners would like to see trains return to Hawick on the way to Carlisle,” said CBR’s Kim Elliot.
“The Waverley Route between Carlisle and Edinburgh through Hawick and Galashiels closed in January 1969.
“It was a vital part of the railway network and should never have been destroyed.”
Derick Tait, chairman of Future Hawick, the local economic development group, added: “It’s good news that the study will look at taking the line right through to Carlisle because if Hawick is to prosper we need to look south as far as transport links and markets are concerned.
“The Tweedbank spur takes much of the economy out of the Borders, a through line can bring it back.”
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