Following recent confirmation from the UK Department for Transport and drawing on the first tranche of the up to £10 million committed by the Scottish Government and UK Government through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, this phase of work unlocks the funding to appoint a Project Manager for work to assess the benefits and challenges of extending the line beyond Tweedbank.

The news comes 10 years on from the opening of the railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank near Melrose in the Borders.

“The development of the business case for the Borders Railway is a key project within the Borderlands Deal which recognises the potential of such a link to support economic growth,” said Scottish Borders Council.

“Following the success of the re-instatement of the Borders Railway to Tweedbank, an extension could improve transport links to towns such as Hawick, which continue to face the effects of recent economic downturns, as well as offering improved connectivity for tourists, commuters and residents alike.

“Extending the railway through the heart of the Borderlands could also provide more environmentally friendly transport connections for the places and towns along the route.”

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government believes in strong investment in public transport and looks forward to the 10th anniversary of the Borders railway later this year, which will be a celebration of the transformation it has delivered to this region.

“We remain committed to providing up to £5 million for this business case work as part of our £65 million investment in the region through the Borderlands deal.

“We welcome the news that the UK Government will now match our commitment of up to £5 million for a feasibility study to extend the Borders Railway and are supportive of partners securing a project manager with the technical expertise to deliver the project well.”

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill: “Growth is a priority mission for the UK Government and we’ve been clear that the £450 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal spanning southern Scotland and northern England is vital to achieving this.

“It’s great news that the UK Department for Transport has now confirmed up to £5 million towards feasibility work to explore the potential to extend the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle. We look forward to working with deal partners as the feasibility work progresses.

“The UK Government is focused on delivering our Plan for Change to turbo-charge economic growth and deliver a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all. This includes investing nearly £1.4 billion into important local projects across Scotland over the next ten years, including the borders.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “Thanks to the unwavering support of the Borderlands Partnership and their tireless campaign, as well as the crucial funding and commitment from both the Scottish Government and the UK Government, we are making significant strides towards the Borders Railway extension.

“We have already seen the positive impact the Waverley line has brought to the Borders. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of partnership in driving positive change and transforming our region for the better.”