'No commitments, no promises' - but Borders rail campaigners welcome meeting with Scottish transport secretary

Money was first pledged five years ago, as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

But Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop is defending delays to the start of work on a study into the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway.

She’s been meeting campaigners during a visit to Galashiels this afternoon (Thursday).

"I think it's really important that feasibility study is as robust and as strong as possible," Ms Hyslop told Greatest Hits Radio.

But she added: "If you want a rushed feasibility study that doesn't deliver the goods then you can ask for it tomorrow."

The West Lothian MSP is a supporter of the Borders Railway, having voted for the reinstatement of the line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

But she revealed she arrived in the Borders today by car.

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Ms Hyslop, who was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Transport in February, said: "I'm very conscious that my job is to serve all of Scotland and I think there are particular challenges to be faced in rural areas; and I think it's important that we look at all the options that are available."

In terms of the campaign to rebuild the railway from Tweedbank to Hawick and on to Newcastleton and Carlisle, she added: "I think it's really important that that feasibility study is as strong and as professional as possible, and that's why Scottish Borders Council is recruiting the staff that would allow them to be able to take forward that piece of work."

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Last year we reported a senior project manager is to be recruited to drive forward plans for a study into the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway. But no dates have yet been announced.

"No commitments, no promises, but very enthusiastic and strong words of advice that I think we can use very productively."

Those were the thoughts of Scottish Borders Council convener Watson McAteer, as he departed the meeting at the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in Galashiels this afternoon.

But the Hawick councillor revealed he's keen to see work start on a feasibility study as soon possible.

He said: "We need to get moving. We need to get a project office, we need to get project expertise brought together to be able to learn from the past and avoid mistakes. So, the quicker we can do that the better."

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