THE region's latest railway attraction opened on Sunday.

Former Borders MP David Steel, who campaigned against the closing of the Waverley Line after being elected to Westminster in 1965, was given the honour of officially cutting the ribbon at the Whitrope Heritage Centre near Newcastleton.

It was at Newcastleton where the fresh-faced MP Steel in 1969 had to appeal to demonstrators to allow the final passenger sleeper to progress beyond the level crossing gates to Carlisle and then London.

David, who is now Lord Steel of Aikwood, returned to Whitrope siding on Sunday.

In his capacity as a patron of the Waverley Route Heritage Association, Lord Steel told guests: "I want to congratulate all the volunteers who since 2001 have worked hard to create this fantastic centre at Whitrope - the highest point on the old Waverley railway route.

"You have collected memorabilia of the route from its North British days till the closure in 1969 and brought together a fascinating exhibition.

"The re-laying of half a mile of track must have taken hours of week-end labour.

"And the result is a wonderful experience for all who visit it."

Since its formation 15 years ago, volunteers at the Waverley Route Heritage Association have relayed track, brought an engine and carriages to the line, and restored countless original Waverley Route signs, signals and other items.

Whitrope Heritage Centre, which sits just off the B6399 Hawick to Newcastleton road, contains a vast selection of old railway relics from all of the Borders railways.

Many old photographs line the walls and there's also a display on how the railways were built.

Volunteers from the Waverley Route Heritage Association have also created a buffet coach in the comfort of a 1960s carriage.

Lord Steel was accompanied on Sunday by his wife Judy, his three children, Graeme, Rory and Catriona, and six of his grandchildren.

They enjoyed a trip on the restored rail bus down the track to the entrance of the now blocked Whitrope tunnel.

Afterwards Lord Steel commented: “A trip here on the road between Hawick and Newcastleton makes a most unusual and enjoyable family day out, especially if you combine it, as we did, with a visit to nearby Hermitage Castle.

"It is a hidden tourist gem for the Borders”.

The Whitrope Heritage Centre is open every Sunday through to the second week of October.