AFTER years of campaigning, controversy and speculation over whether it would ever come, the first train in almost half a century arrived in Galashiels this week.

As it rolled in to the town’s new station on Tuesday, the rail installation machine marked a significant milestone in the restoration of a section of the Borders Railway, which was closed during the Beeching cuts in January 1969.

Construction of the new line, which boasts seven new stations and links Tweedbank with Edinburgh, is due to be completed in June, with the first passenger trains in more than 46 years due to run on the line from September 6.

When asked for his thoughts on the return of rail to the region this week, Councillor Bill White, who represents Galashiels and District on Scottish Borders Council, said: “I am really excited about the re-introduction of the railway. Not only does it open up access to Edinburgh but to the whole UK network and beyond into Europe. It will put Galashiels back on the timetable of the railway network.

“For commuters it must be a relief not to have the daily slog up the A7. I anticipate that as more people become used to the railway, more business journeys can be planned. Personally, all my future business meetings in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Inverness, and Aberdeen etc. will be completed by rail, taking more traffic off our already congested roads.

“As to the town itself, it will have significant benefits by way of businesses locating to the area, new visitors and I see opportunities for new hotels and conferencing facilities. I also think there will be increasing interest from commuters wanting to live here.

“This comes with its challenges and we must adapt to the changing face of Galashiels which will inevitably come with the reintroduction of the railway.” But he added: “It should never have been closed in the first place.” The closure of the former Waverley Line, which ran between Edinburgh and Carlisle, left the Borders as the only region in Great Britain without a single railway station.

However, campaigners are confident the reopening of the longest new domestic railway to be constructed in the country for more than 100 years will put the area back on the map.

And they are continuing to press for the line to be extended beyond Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle.

Recalling the campaign to get the route reinstated, Galashiels Councillor John Mitchell, the local authority’s depute leader (finance), said: “Many years ago, and because they knew I was keen to get railways re-instated, four gentlemen who had surveyed the trackbed of the old Waverley route came to my house and showed me pictures showing only 29 incursions and only one of them major (Sherrifhall). From that day on I, and others, persuaded officials at the then Borders Regional Council that it was imperative we preserve this route and others, and this was duly achieved.

“Others who were supportive at this time were J. R. Scott (who went on to produce “Beyond Tweedbank”) and David Parker (current council leader), he and I duly helped Petra Biberbach-Laidlaw and others set up Campaign for Borders Rail which became the largest mass movement of its type in Europe at one time.

“It organised petitions, fundraising events, submissions to Parliament, a survey to prove a station at Stow was needed, the straw train at Bow (which was burnt down, thus giving us two bites of the publicity “cherry”, and so on and so forth. The rest as they say is history.

“It is impossible to mention all who have worked hard to bring this part of the railway back but the fight goes on to get it to Hawick and beyond, and there is no reason why rail has to stop at that given the huge rise in the train travelling public of late.

“The Great Tapestry of Scotland is coming here because of the railway’s return, and of course the economic regeneration that will happen the length of the line is incalculable.

“What is encouraging is the excitement being felt now, and the naysayers – who still exist unfortunately – will be proved wrong very soon as we strive to boost travel numbers with innovative schemes like the buses travelling from Tweedbank and Newtongrange to see the sights.” Trainspotters have been out in their numbers to capture rail’s return to Galashiels since the track laying machine arrived on Friday.

The Borders Party have repeatedly voiced their opposition to the £300 million construction project amid concerns it would not offer value for money. It called for a real railway; fast, freight-carrying and through to Carlisle.

However, the party’s only councillor - Sandy Aitchison - welcomed the announcement that the biggest construction project in the Borders neared the end of the line.

The Galashiels and District Councillor said: “I have watched the progress of the railway down the Gala Water Valley since it crossed the 'Border’ at Tynehead. This is the culmination of over a year of trial up the valley for many people who have suffered this huge construction job as it unfolded. There is no doubt that, from a construction point of view, it has been a spectacle for many people to enjoy.

“I am disappointed that I have not seen a great number of jobs being created for local people on the building of the railway but I know some people have been employed for the trains when they start running and any job creation has to be applauded.

“My views on the railway are well known but I honestly wish it well for the future and I hope it does bring jobs and prosperity to the Borders rather than provide an outlet for the pressure from Edinburgh. I look forward to the completion of the railway and we get back to our normal lives again.”