THE campaign to extend the Borders Railway to Hawick is gathering pace with eight mini tours planned from the railhead in Galashiels.

Each tour, which can carry 29 passengers, will leave the Transport Interchange on November 30 and on December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 and is free of charge.

The tours, which start at 10am and end around 2.55pm, will visit a glass-making demo at Galalaw, Johnston Cashmere Centre and Hawick Cashmere Centre, and visitors will have time in the High Street (lunch break) before heading back via Denholm, Jedburgh, St Boswells and Melrose.

The Campaign for Borders Rail is to leaflet-drop Hawick and Newcastleton in the next few weeks to promote an extension of the line after the success so far of the railway to Galashiels.

The idea of the tours is the brainchild of Future Hawick, a voluntary regeneration community group. “One of its projects is to bring people into the town in an effort to reverse the decline in High Street footfall experienced in recent years,” said Andrew Farquhar, one of the organisers.

“There is good reason for optimism, particularly in the case of Hawick where the demise of the Waverley line was seen as a contributing factor to the long economic decline that followed.    It is also the hometown of Madge Elliot MBE, who with unwavering determination led the campaign over all these years to have it restored.  

“Good connectivity is essential if Hawick is to benefit from any of the economic benefits that may accrue.   From the outset there is a need for visitors arriving by rail at Galashiels or Tweedbank to have a good experience with easy access to convenient well organised integrated transport to links to other parts of the Borders, including Hawick.”

Future Hawick has secured grant funding earmarked for the railway opening celebrations. This is being used to fund a number of free short celebratory welcoming tours to promote the area, stimulate public interest, help businesses and encourage return visits.

“It is intended to be a pilot project with the potential for further development next year,” Mr Farquhar added.

To book, email admin@hawickonline.com or by post to - Rail Bus Tour, Hawick Futures Office, 2 Kirkwynd, Hawick TD9 OAL.

Meanwhile, a new interactive guide to the Borders heritage railway route has been launched for walkers, cyclists, foodies and families, train buffs, history nuts, and the casually curious

The paper and digital product combined, packed full of information. To find out more and purchase a copy, visit the Borders Railway Guide website.