Support for the project

Keith Brown, Minister for Transport, said:

"I am pleased to announce this new route forward for the Borders Railway project which will return a long-awaited public transport link to communities who lost it over four decades ago.

We continue to be steadfastly committed to this vital scheme and we are actively managing and making prudent decisions to ensure efficient delivery as quickly as possible.

Network Rail has confirmed it is pleased to be asked to take this project forward and I am confident it is able to deliver the project within budget and with significant ongoing savings t the public purse. I am pleased to have the opportunity to build on the success of the Airdrie to Bathgate project which also featured a partnership between Transport Scotland and Network Rail".

David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:

"The Borders railway will be widely welcomed. It will be a huge step forward in improving the transport links to and from this area and is expected to bring wide economic benefits to the Borders at a time when many businesses are struggling with the national economic downturn.

Scottish Borders Council is delighted to be involved in bringing this project to fruition."

Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive, Midlothian Council, said:

"The delivery of this railway is an outstanding example of partnership working with many organisations combining to deliver such a prestigious project. Midlothian Council is proud to have been involved with the project since its inception and looks forward to the first passenger train running through the County since 1969. Delivering good transport links to Edinburgh and beyond is essential for Midlothian Council to continue expanding its housing and economic developments. I also welcome the fact that it will give Midlothian residents a genuine choice when it comes to travel modes which will encourage a reduction in car trips reducing congestion and accidents on the busy A7."

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Transport Convener, Edinburgh City Council said:

"Re-establishing passenger services on the Borders Railway will improve links with our south-east Scotland neighbours and, in so doing, help to take the pressure off the road network and Edinburgh's green belt."

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

Scotland needs continued investment in our transport infrastructure if we are to establish a competitive edge for our businesses on the international stage. The Borders Railway will provide valuable new transport options to a part of the country which has for too long been lacking in rail connectivity. In addition, it will widen the economic opportunities in the south-east of Scotland, bringing the Scottish Borders closer to the heart of the Edinburgh city region."

Fiona Drane, President, Scottish Borders Chambers of Commerce said:

"The board of the Borders Chamber of Commerce welcome the Borders Railway, it is one of our main aims as a Board to promote the Scottish Borders as a vibrant place to work, live and visit and we believe that the railway will go along way to achieving these aims by putting the Borders on the transport map."