The Campaign for Borders Rail received a boost last week after meeting with Scotland Office minister, Iain Stewart MP. The minister confirmed the UK Government’s support for the project and gave a commitment to drive the plans forward with his ministerial colleagues.
The meeting was set up by Borders MP, John Lamont. Dr Neil Hudson MP and John Stevenson MP also joined the meeting given their constituency interests in the project.
The minister also identified a £500m Beeching Fund provided by the UK Government to support further investigation of the route.
John Lamont MP said: “This was a really positive meeting. It was a great opportunity for the campaign group to highlight the benefits of extending the railway would bring to our local economy in the Borders.
“Minister Stewart provided us all with an update and I am delighted that the feasibility study will be starting very soon.
“The benefits that this project will bring to places like Hawick and Newcastleton will be significant and completely transformational. Connecting more Borders towns to transport hubs in Carlisle and Edinburgh will greatly improve our links to other parts of Scotland and the UK.
“However, the real benefit I believe will be in the employment and educational opportunities that this would open up for our young people. Too many are forced to leave the Borders in search of better opportunities elsewhere.”
Marion Short, from Campaign for Borders Rail said: “Meeting with the Minister Iain Stewart from the Scottish Office emphasises again that this Campaign has significance across every political portfolio. Bringing a railway back through Hawick and on to Carlisle sends a clear message of faith in the communities and commerce of the Borders.
“A through route for passengers and freight not only adds resilience and capacity to the network nationally, but also helps unlock the economic potential of the entire region. Unifying the markets on either side of the border by establishing a new cross border route will stimulate investment, particularly in housing, employment and tourism.
“These were all points readily acknowledged by the Minister and with whom we will certainly look to continue to work with on behalf of the whole Borders community.
“Of course, there is still a long way to go, and our work is by no means done. We must continue our current momentum and keep up the pressure on decision makers.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Iain Stewart MP said: “It was great to meet with the very passionate campaigners at the Campaign for Borders Rail. They have put forward a very strong case for reopening the line to Carlisle.
“I was delighted that we were able to confirm that the work on the feasibility study will be beginning in the Carlisle area during September.
“I will be pushing this project from within government and will be discussing with my ministerial colleagues across government how we will drive it forward.”
