Trains will be operational on the Borders Railway from September 6, 2015.

And Mr Salmond has also made several other announcements for the region to benefit from the line.

A feasibility study, led by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with VisitScotland, Scottish Borders Council and Transport Scotland, will look at how the Borders Railway will transform the tourism potential of the region.

The study will also look at tourist opportunities from any future development of the line, including the potential for a turntable and the creation of a permanent home at Tweedbank Station for the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

The First Minister also announced plans to maximise the tourist potential of the line by introducing a steam train experience starting as early as next September.

The intention is for a significant expansion as the tapestry centre opens in 2016.

The First Minister met with members of Scottish Borders Council, Great Tapestry of Scotland trustees, members of the Borders Tourism Industry and members of the Waverley Route Heritage Association in Tweedbank.

Speaking from the site of Tweedbank Station, the First Minister said: “From September 2015 - for the first time in almost half a century - there will be passenger train services running on this track.

“For commuters and tourists alike, the reopened line will provide opportunities to enjoy the many fantastic attractions and experiences on offer in the Borders.

“We can expect the Scottish economy to benefit by tens of millions of pounds from the regular train line. The feasibility study will look at how the area can benefit from the railway. With a dedicated tourist service and the attraction of the Great Tapestry of Scotland to be based at Tweedbank, more people than ever will get to visit and enjoy Scotland’s stunning Borders.

“There will be few railway journeys anywhere in Europe to match the outstanding scenery along the route of the new Borders Railway. I have no doubt that Borders Railway will be profoundly successful and I will be one of the first in line for a ticket when the trains are running in September next year.” Amonsgt other measures announced to help boost the tourism potential of the new railway are the platform at Galashiels Station being extended to accommodate longer tourist train, a new footpath to be constructed at Newtongrange Station for direct access to the award-winning Scottish Mining Museum, and Wifi connectivity being available at all seven stations on the route of the railway.

David Parker, Leader Scottish Borders Council said: “I am delighted that the First Minister is able to come to the Borders today and announce significant plans to further strengthen the tourism potential of the Borders railway.

"The Scottish Government’s commitment to steam and charter trains is extremely welcome and will be a fantastic boost to the Borders economy.

"The First Minister’s pledge to work jointly with the Council to deliver the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre and other improvements is fantastic news. This underlines the very substantial support that the Scottish Government have shown to the Borders Railway project.

"I truly believe that this is going to be a very special railway line that will attract a great many visitors as it is an outstanding scenic journey."