Skip Navigation,Sitemap

Border Telegraph

Transport Minister cuts first sod on Borders rail link

Ally McGilvray • Published 15 Mar 2010 09:52 Mobiles Print Comments 9 Comments

Jump to first paragraph.

Share this Facebook Twitter Google Buzz Delicious DIGG Reddit Stumbleupon Email RSS

IT was named the Waverley line after the novel by Sir Walter Scott. But, for a generation growing up in the Borders, it was something they could only ever read about in the history books.

The rail link, which ran between Edinburgh to Carlisle, was closed on January 6, 1969 - despite protests.

It was part of the British Government's attempt to reduce the cost of running the country's nationalised railway system in the UK.

However, as work finally began on reopening a 35-mile section of the former route between Tweedbank and Edinburgh last week, a new chapter has begun.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson signalled the start of the £295 million project by cutting the first sod at Wilderhaugh in Galashiels.

It triggered an Act of Parliament which states that once work has begun it must be completed.

However, despite the Scottish Government stating its "inescapable commitment" to reopen the line, it has failed to deter opponents of the scheme who doubt whether it will ever reopen.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Mr Stevenson, SNP MSP, said: "It's been some 40 plus years since the Borders line closed and we are taking that essential first step forward to ensure it reopens.

"The Scottish Government has made clear its commitment to the Borders Railway as a key part of our programme of investment - we are now delivering on that commitment.

"It isn't just a shovel of earth that has been lifted out, it is a legal and enduring commitment by ministers to deliver this project to the people of the Borders.

"When finished, the railway will act as a catalyst for economic growth right across southern Scotland, supporting hundreds of jobs during its construction. It will also increase business development and housing opportunities across the region, whilst helping promote inward investment."

And he added: "In 10 years time we will wonder how we did without it and it will be a resounding success - just like every other route that has opened in Scotland in recent years."

The Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act 2006, which gives authority to build the railway, states that once work has begun the Scottish Government is committed to "construct the whole of the railway", meaning that once started, the railway line must be finished in its entirety from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.

The clause was added by MSPs concerned that the line would only be built as far as Midlothian following fears over funding and can only be cancelled by the act being amended - although it could still be delayed.

It was activated when the transport minister launched preparatory work to move pipes and cables from under the route in Galashiels.

However, construction is not due to begin until November 2011 and the line is not due to reopen until 2014.

Joining the minister, Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said: "This is a landmark day and an extremely exciting moment because effectively construction of the Borders railway has begun.

"The triggering of the Bill is a significant commitment by the Scottish Government to this project and there can be no doubt that today represents the beginning of the actual physical delivery of the line.

"I would hope this will silence all those critics and those who doubted it would happen. It's time to stop knocking the railway and start to celebrate it and look forward to it coming."

And he added: "Many Borderers will be delighted with what has taken place today and our long wait for rail services is coming to an end. It would take an unprecedented act of Parliament to stop it now."

It is envisaged trains will run every half hour on the line between Tweedbank and Edinburgh in a journey time of 55 minutes and include stops at Galashiels, Stow, Gorebridge, Newtongrange, Eskbank, Shawfair, Newcraighall and Brunstane. Some could run on beyond Edinburgh to Fife and Aberdeen.

A number of preparatory works, which are essential to the delivery of the railway but not covered by the authority of the Act, have already been undertaken following Scottish Ministers' decision to accelerate funding at the end of 2008 and are estimated to have cost £45 million.

These included the acquisition of all the required land, and the repair and protection of bridges along the route. An unsafe bridge at Cowbraehill in Midlothian has already been demolished and is to be rebuilt as part of the main construction programme.

Veteran rail campaigner Madge Elliot, 81, who campaigned against the closure of the line in 1969, said: "I've always felt within myself that the railway would come back again and today's events have been wonderful.

"I was very disappointed when they closed the line - it was vital to the Borders economy and it was the right decision to reopen it." But she added: "I just hope I am around to see it happen."

The process to find a contractor to build the scheme was started last year after a number of delays.

Transport Scotland revealed 58 companies had shown initial interest in building the line and it planned to shortlist three consortiums in May from those which lodge their formal interest before the deadline next week.

They will design, build, finance and maintain the line over the next 30 years.

The shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit an improved plan by May next year and a winner chosen in September 2011.

Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrat MSP Jeremy Purvis called for construction to start before the Scottish election in May next year - as was previously promised.

However, the project director said the new timetable was tied to the tender process and could not be changed.

Mr Purvis said: "The visit by the minister for the photocall is very welcome as he announces the formal commencement of the Railway Act. This means that it needs to be completed in five years, but ministers have a power to extend this for a further five years. I am confident however that the date can be brought forward for construction.

"The Scottish Government has put in place a date of signing the contract for the construction of the new £2 billion Forth Crossing early next year and there is no possible explanation why the Borders Railway should be later than that."

And he added: "I am calling on the minister to announce that he is planning to bring forward the signing of the contract for construction of the Borders Railway from November 2011 to March 2011. This would make it before the next Scottish Parliament elections and removes the project from the uncertainty that the post-election process brings."

But Bill Reeve, Head of Rail Delivery at Transport Scotland, who is overseeing the project, said: "As soon as we get a contractor on board it will be in their best interests to complete the line as soon as possible because they won't get paid until the project is complete."

The last locomotive to run on the line was piped out of the Borders by a lone piper. And, despite being delayed by traffic on the road, another was on hand to celebrate the start of works last week.

As well as providing a fast and efficient rail link connecting communities who currently have no direct access to a railway line to Edinburgh, it is envisaged the line will reduce the number of road accidents on the A7 and A68 and create up to 400 constructions jobs.

However, anti-rail campaigners have questioned how much the railway will benefit the Borders.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Galashiels and District, said: "Millions of pounds have already been spent on this line and we still haven't seen any trains.

"We in the Borders Party believe the economic case for rebuilding the line is out of date and we believe that the economic crisis which is prevalent in the country today could have some affect on its future.

"It was an Act of Parliament which set it up and another Act of Parliament would knock it down."

He added: "If this was a freight carrying railway which went all the way to Carlisle we would be supportive of it. But this railway does not remove one single lorry from the A7 or A68 and there are no guarantees that it will create local jobs."

The line would have to be twin-tracked and strengthened if it were to be allowed to carry freight in future.

However, Borders Railway Project Director Steven Milligan confirmed the line would only be single track to keep costs down. However, he pointed out there would be a number of sections of twin tracks to allow trains travelling in opposite directions to pass.

Mr Milligan said: "We have bought enough land to double track the whole railway if we want but we are only going to double track half of it because the business case does not support it and it is a luxury we can't afford."

Meanwhile, it has emerged that motorists commuting between the Borders and Edinburgh on one of the region's busiest roads could be faced with the obstacle of two new roundabouts once the railway is built.

The Border Telegraph understands that the A7 is to be diverted just north of Heriot to bypass the community of Falahill.

And the station at Tweedbank is also to be moved to avoid underground cables.

However, engineers have confirmed they will reconsider plans to close Plumtree Brae in Galashiels, which links the A7 and A72, following concerns from community councillors who claimed it was a vital road link.

Councillor Parker added: "I am absolutely delighted with the progress being made to deliver the Borders railway. This announcement is the most significant step forward and everyone can now look forward with confidence to the railway's delivery in 2014."

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Post a comment

Registered users log in here

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.


Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Vote

Border Telegraph Poll

Should Galashiels welcome a return of the game Handba' after 300 years?

No responses yet

Yes (%)

No (%)

Other Stories

» View more stories

Play everything from Car Games to Angry Birds at Free-Games.net
Get Home Insurance and Landlord Insurance Quotes through Policy Expert.
Advertise here for 20 pounds a week
alt : http://www.itsintheborders.co.uk/

Most Read

  1. 'Board' teens have designs on new skate park for Melrose
  2. Galashiels businesswoman owes £1800 in parking fines
  3. Selkirk winger to make Scotland debut against England
  4. No new schools planned in Galashiels for next 10 years
  5. Royal row rumbles on over future of health centre in Lauder
  6. Gala named Club of the Month

» View More Stories

You may have missed

Hot Jobs

Your social, local Business Directory - It's in the Borders | It's in The Directory | Directory Network

Copyright ©2012 Forth Weekly Press, Channel Street Galashiels TD1 1BN • Tel: 01896 758395 • Fax: 01896 759395

FacebooK Twitter RSS Feeds