'The Borders Railway extension to Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle is on the right track'
Last updated 16th May 2023
The Scottish Transport Minister's being told to stop trying to pick a fight with the UK government over plans to extend the Borders Railway.
It follows Kevin Stewart's comments last week that long-term committed investment remained a "major problem" for getting the project off the ground.
Local MP John Lamont, who described the comments as "very negative" and "astonishing", pointed out funding has already been earmarked for a feasibility study.
He's been speaking to Greatest Hits Radio following a meeting with members of the Campaign for Borders Rail.
"Both governments have been working very well together on this up until now," Mr Lamont said. "The feasibility study funding has now been secured; the business cases are now being refreshed by Scottish Borders Council and the other councils connected to this; and we hope the feasibility study will be underway very, very soon.
"That study will identify the different options, the different costing options, for the railway extension. And there will be a further discussion about how any extension would then be funded between the two governments.
"I just think Mr Stewart, the SNP minister, needs to be much more positive and engaging with the UK government on this."
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The strategic case for the Borders Railway extension was recently agreed by the UK Department of Transport and Transport Scotland.
A £10 million full infrastructure study can begin once local partners – including the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, Scottish Border Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland Council, Cumbria County and Carlisle City – submit an updated business case.
Mr Lamont said he remains "absolutely committed" to the line - which currently runs between Tweedbank and Edinburgh - being extended to Hawick, Newcastleton and on to Carlisle.
He added: "The Borders Railway extension to Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle is on the right track and I look forward to seeing the feasibility study start in the near future."
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Campaign for Borders Rail chairwoman Marion Short said: “It was very useful to meet with Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP to discuss the next steps of the Borders Railway extension.
“We have all agreed to keep campaigning to make the rail extension a reality as soon as possible.”
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