Published: Friday, 16th January, 2009 10:21am

Melrose rail plans full steam ahead

by David Knox

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MELROSE is set for the return of rail - but it has nothing to do with the Waverley Line.

Around 240 feet of track will be laid next to the town"s former station.

Replica signage and furniture, including a period bench and gas lamp, will also be installed before the summer tourist season.

Local enthusiasts Border Counties Railway have submitted a planning application to restore the prominent platform back to its former glory.

Dave Taylor from the group told the Border Telegraph: 'Melrose was once a very important station and, although it has been looked after, it"s not as nice as it could be.

'By putting tracks down and buffers, as well as platform furniture, we hope to remind what it was like when the Waverley Line passed by.

'We still require planning permission but we hope to move ahead with this project over the next few months.'

The Station House was designed in 1846 by famed engineer John Miller in the style of a Jacobean country mansion - to cater for the town"s growing reputation throughout the mid 19th Century as a tourism destination.

But following the line"s infamous closure in 1969 the station fell into a poor state.

Historic Scotland awarded the building A Listed status in 1981 and four years later local architect Dennis Rodwell saved the building by converting it into a restaurant, gallery and craft shop.

Mr Rodwell told us: 'Good luck to the people who are looking to carry out this work.

'When I bought the station the only sign that was up was one saying it was dangerous and demolition work was in progress.

'I had a lot of support from the council and Historic Scotland back then, as well as many individuals, with the work that I did.'

Local development company JS Crawford Builders now own the station and they have given their blessing to the restoration plans.

Geoff Evison from Border Counties Railway said: 'We approached JS Crawford with out vision for the station and they were extremely supportive.'

Following the opening of Melrose Bypass in 1987 the station has is seen by thousands of motorists every day.

And tourism bosses hope that further improvements to the building will encourage more visitors to stop.

VisitScotland spokesman James Lakie said: 'This is great news for the local area and will certainly add an extra dimension to the tourism offering in the area.

'The level of investment and development is fantastic and is crucial to the ongoing success of the tourism industry in Melrose and the wider area. This has real potential to be a centrepiece attraction and all involved should be commended on their efforts.'

editorial@bordertelegraph.com