Councillors from Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders have welcomed the return of the Borders Railway after almost fifty years.
The route which runs between Waverley Station and Tweedbank opens to the public on Sunday.
New stations at Brunstane, Shawfair, Newcraighall, Newongrange, Eskbank, Gorebridge, Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank will be in operation and the journeytime will be in the region of 55 minutes.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Andrew Burns said: “The return of the Borders Railway is a historic occasion for Edinburgh, Midlothian and Scottish Borders and we’ve been pleased to work with partners over the years to make it a reality. It is a welcome addition to the region’s tourism offer as well as a crucial service for commuters into the city. ’
Scottish Borders Council Leader, Councillor David Parker, said: “The waiting is almost over, as our region gets ready to embrace the new Borders Railway. There is huge excitement that trains will be running between the Borders and Edinburgh from Sunday, 46 years and eight months after the Waverley line was closed in January 1969.
“It is hoped one million passengers a year will be using the railway within five years of it opening. With half hourly services to Edinburgh and steam and charter trains, our numerous world class attractions will be more accessible than ever before for tourists, who will be given a warm Borders welcome when they arrive.
“In terms of the wider economic benefits, the Borders Railway Blueprint programme will aim to ensure the new line will stimulate growth in our businesses, investment in our region and create new jobs, alongside increased tourist numbers.”
(Photos of Yvonne Reid train driver courtesy of VisitScotland)
Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive of Midlothian Council said: “With four new stations and direct rail links connecting the county with Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, the Borders Railway will transform Midlothian’s economy, bringing new jobs, new investment and new housing. The stations at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge will link to a network of walking and cycle routes accessing the county’s acres of green space and linking its town centres. Integrating rail with other transport modes around the station hubs will give easy access to housing, work, tourist attractions and further education establishments including Edinburgh College, and Newbattle Abbey College.
“The opening of the Borders Railway is keenly anticipated in Midlothian. The new line will bring great opportunities for the residents and communities of Midlothian and visitors alike.”
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.
