Published: Tuesday, 26th January, 2010 1:36pm

Transport Minister 'greatly encouraged' by response to Borders rail link

by Kate Smail

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THE Borders rail link is gathering steam with over 50 businesses from across Europe expressing an interest in delivering the new service.

Stewart Stevenson, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, last week welcomed 58 businesses to a marketing event designed to provide information about what contractors could expect from the project.

Transport Scotland's project team were on hand to answer any questions bidders had about the technical and financial aspects of the project, ahead of the tendering process which is expected to last into 2011.

The winning contractor will be responsible for the design, finance, build and maintenance of the service, which is expected to cost somewhere between £235-295 million.

Following the event Mr Stevenson said: "With such a wide range of organisations attending this event, I am greatly encouraged by the response from the market.

"My officials at Transport Scotland look forward to continuing this dialogue with the industry towards identifying the right organisation to deliver a rail link for the people of the Borders and Midlothian for the first time in over 40 years.

"This process marks a significant step forward in delivering a fast, efficient rail link connecting communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth right across southern Scotland.

The winning contractor will be announced in 2011 when work on the link between the capital and Tweedbank will begin, with the completion date scheduled for 2014.

It is predicted that the new line will create up to 400 new jobs during the construction phase and cut accidents on the A7 and A68 roads by around ten a year.

Scottish Borders Council Leader David Parker said: "I am delighted at the turnout from businesses at this event. This is a very positive step towards delivery of the project and it confirms that market interest is high. This can only be good news for the Borders."