THE Borders Railway project has this week announced that the first wave of employment opportunities to work on the line have now been secured for people living in the local area.

So far 15 local people have been employed, with a further three positions on the Borders Railway project delivery team now open. The three new positions are junior roles within the commercial team at BAM Nuttall, recently announced as the main contractor for the delivery of the Borders Railway.

In addition, Network Rail and BAM Nuttall have revealed they are also keen to use local contractors to help deliver the �300 million project. A 'Meet the Buyer' day has been organised at the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, on Wednesday, February 27, from 11am to 4pm.

Hugh Wark from Network Rail, who is responsible for the project, said: "I'm very pleased that the Borders Railway has already started employing local people, with an additional three positions currently open in the Midlothian area. More opportunities will become available as the project moves forward." Last week, it emerged that 2200 applicants have applied for 18 trainee driver's jobs on the new line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

David Birrell, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "The announcement of the first new jobs dedicated to delivering the Borders Railway is good news.

"It's not just about the employment, which obviously has to be welcomed, but it's a clear step towards boosting transport links between Edinburgh and the Borders which will be of huge benefit across the board." If you are interested in finding out more and specifically in applying for a role or to be a supplier, email info@bordersrailway.co.uk with your details and a member of the team will contact you directly.