March 2008
The Scottish Government has given the go-ahead to the Waverley Railway following a due diligence exercise carried out by Transport Scotland.
The announcement by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson has set the way forward for the reinstatement of the passenger service from Edinburgh through Midlothian to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders.
The project will be completed at a cost of between £235-£295 million, with the railway being delivered by a "non-profit distributing" vehicle.
David Parker, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “We are pleased that we have a clear way forward for the reinstatement of the Waverley line. This is good news for Midlothian and the Borders. With much of the area not presently served by efficient transport links, the line will deliver major economic and social benefits.
“The line will serve a combined population approaching 200,000 in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian and the reinstatement of the 35-mile railway line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank will allow both areas to maximise their economic development opportunities through tourism and additional jobs. It will tackle congestion and assist in addressing Lothian's predicted labour market shortfall of 18,500 people by 2015.
“We look forward to working with our partners, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government, to deliver this vital rail link for the south east of Scotland.”
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On track newsletter - Spring 2012