Waverley Railway Project Update

February 2008

The Waverley Railway Project is on track to re-establish a passenger service from Edinburgh through Midlothian to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders.

With much of the area not presently served by efficient transport links, the line will deliver major economic and social benefits.

The project is currently undergoing a full review, instigated by Transport Scotland, before they assume responsibility for delivering the line.

As a result of the planned change in Authorised Undertaker to Transport Scotland, Scottish Ministers are conducting a due diligence exercise, at the end of which they will state the way forward for the railway. The result of this exercise is to be made available shortly. In the meantime, preparation work such as ground investigation, design work, topographical surveys and land purchase continues.

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 opportunities 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 Lothian's predicted labour market shortfall of 18,500 people by 2015.

The Waverley Railway Project received Royal Assent in July 2006.

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