Sir, I had the pleasure of cycling up in the Scottish Borders last weekend, and was pleased to see the construction of the new railway.

I wonder why the line is only being extended as far as Galashiels however? There surely must be a case for extending it as far as Hawick. What are the chances of this happening?

I could have done with a nice train ride into Carlisle after 75 miles, instead I had to brave the A7 and then the M6 roundabout. Not a pleasant experience at any time.

Sadly the section to Carlisle is gone for ever I fear, since the M74 was allegedly extended over the old trackbed to stop any further reopening .

I am, etc.

Rob Turnbull Hexham