Waverley Line Receives Royal Seal of Approval

24 July 2006 

Royal Assent Granted as Waverley Railway (Scotland) Bill becomes an Act

The Waverley Railway successfully completed its long journey through the parliamentary process on 24th July when the Queen granted Royal Assent to the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act.

The Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act is now on the Statute Book following the Scottish Parliament's decision to ratify the proposals by 114 votes to one in June 2006. Royal Assent brings the Scottish Borders and Midlothian within touching distance of a fast, efficient and reliable rail link connection to Edinburgh.

The granting of Royal Assent marks a major milestone for the Promoters of the Waverley Railway Bill and its partners, who have worked since 2001 to develop a robust business case demonstrating the line's economic and social benefits.

The Waverley Railway Project is widely viewed as one of the most important, sustainable public transport proposals ever presented to the Scottish Parliament. The line will serve a combined population approaching 200,000 in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian, two of only three mainland areas in Scotland not currently served by a passenger railway. It will provide an effective public transport link to enable residents of the Scottish Borders and Midlothian to access important employment, education, health and leisure opportunities.

Furthermore, the reinstatement of the 35-mile railway line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank in the Borders will allow both areas to maximise their economic development opportunties through tourism and additional jobs. The railway will also facilitate new housing, including affordable housing, and help in combating the overheated Edinburgh residential property market. In addition, it will tackle congestion and assist in addressing the Lothian's predicted labour market shortfall of 18,500 people by 2015.

Commenting on the successful passage to Royal Assent, Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:

‘Following last month's overwhelmingly positive vote of support for the Waverley Bill from the Scottish Parliament, I am delighted to see the Bill finally receiving Royal Assent.

‘Since its closure in 1969, the re-establishment of a rail link with Edinburgh has remained a dream for thousands of Borders residents. That dream is moving ever closer to becoming a reality.

‘While Royal Assent does not mean we will be able to immediately start laying track, we will be able to continue the tendering process, begin land assembly and advance works, with construction beginning in 2008.’

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