John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP are backing plans to review the Beeching Cuts which closed railway lines in the area in the 1960s.
Lamont and Hamilton say the plans unveiled by Scottish Conservative party leader Douglas Ross at a virtual conference, will help to rebuild many communities who have remained without railway stations for decades.
Villages such as Newcastleton and towns like Hawick would benefit from the completion of the Borders Railway.
The party’s proposal would commit to a review of the Beeching closures to see if the economic case is there to re-open stations in the Borders to help support local growth.
The Union Connectivity Review, announced by the Prime Minister in October, has been blocked by the Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson. It was due to look into cross border transport links, such as the completion of the Borders Railway to Carlisle.
Douglas Ross has already put forward plans to Power Up Scotland, which featured plans to develop more rail travel between Scotland’s cities and the review could bring back stations.
John Lamont MP said:
“Delivering rail infrastructure upgrades is a priority for the Scottish Conservatives and this review could herald exciting new projects in the Borders.
“We know the SNP Transport Secretary has blocked Transport Scotland from engaging with the Union Connectivity Review, which includes the extension of the Borders Railway.
“We need to see a Scottish Government delivering transport projects to unlock the potential in rural areas, not driving an agenda based on separatism.
“With the UK Government committing to the extension, we need to see the SNP Government step up to the mark for the benefit of the Borders”.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The Beeching Cuts were absolutely devastating for communities and the rail network in rural Scotland.
“This review can look into the economic case for re-opening these lines which have the potential to improve growth here in the Borders.
“I have called for the extension of the Borders Railway as I believe it will drive growth between Hawick and Carlisle, making it easier for people to commute to these areas.
“There is great potential here to improve lives especially for young people in the Borders.
“For too long the SNP have been focused on a divisive independence referendum rather than boosting vital transport links.
