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The new Borders Railway service between Edinburgh Waverley and Tweedbank opens to the general public on Sunday 6th September, 46 years and eight months to the day since the route was closed.

The route covers 30 miles of track and is the longest domestic railway to be constructed in Britain for over 100 years.

95 bridges were refurbished and 42 new bridges were constructed whilst 2 Victorian tunnels were repaired during the construction, including the majestic Redbridge viaduct crossing the River Tweed.

It is hoped that the easy access provided by this new line will inspire the 3.4 million people who visit Edinburgh each year will spend more time in Midlothian and the Borders.

Borders Railway Blueprint Programme Manager Sam Smith (pictured at Tweedbank) told the Edinburgh Reporter that she believes that the new route will be beneficial to the whole country.

She said: “The Borders Railway will breath new life into the economies of Midlothian and the Borders and will boost the whole of Scotland. The blueprint aims to maximise economic benefits and the new line will create new places to live, work, visit, learn, play and grow.

“I anticipate a two way flow of opportunities  the new rail connection makes the Borders more attractive for business to invest as well as creating jobs for people on the whole corridor due to faster journey times and better connections, opening up large areas of undiscovered Scotland.

“It makes it easier to access world class cycling at Glentress and allows people to see the beautiful landscape that inspired Sir Walter Scott as well as the Midlothian National Mining Museum and the Rosslyn Chapel and much more.

Actor Fergus John McCann poses as Sir Walter Scott at Tweedbank Train Station to mark the opening of the Borders Railway.
Actor Fergus John McCann poses as Sir Walter Scott at Tweedbank Train Station to mark the opening of the Borders Railway.

In addition to the scheduled service, a steam train will operate for six weeks giving railway enthusiasts and others the chance to travel in style and whilst there are currently no plans to extend this period, Sam hopes that the demand will demonstrate a demand for the service.

She continued: “We are also piloting a steam train which will run three times per week for six weeks with a two and a half hour stopover at Tweedbank allowing access to Abbotsford House, the Borders home of Sir Walter Scott and Melrose Abbey. Although we have no plans to extend this, I hope that the pilot demonstrates a market demand. These trains are already sold out with around 4,000 people having booked.”

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.

1 COMMENT

  1. “Actor Fergus John McCann poses as Sir Walter Scott at Tweedbank Train Station to mark the opening of the Borders Railway.” The term “train station” is incorrect English. Please use the term “railway station” from now on.

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