GREAT RAIL JOURNEY
Have a first class time on the new Borders railway
FROM mining to movies, l i terature to l andscapes, bicycling to butterflies and wool t o watermills, t he Borders Railway will put some of the most remarkable sights and scenery in Europe in easy reach when services begin this weekend.
Scotland’s newest railway, which begins its first full day of public service on Sunday, September 6, will enable passengers to explore new l andscapes and discover iconic attractions such as Rosslyn Chapel, Abbotsford House, the National Mining Museum Scotland, Melrose Abbey and more.
The Borders Railway will take passengers on a 35-mile, 55-minute journey from Edinburgh through Midlothian t o Tweedbank, Roxburghshire, at the heart of the Scottish Borders.
These three distinctive regions each have their own story to tell: GREAT SCOTT – AN EDINBURGH EPIC WITH trains leaving every half hour from Waverley station, it is hoped that the 3.4million visitors who come to Edinburgh every year will hop aboard the Borders Railway to add to their itineraries.
Worldwide interest in Sir Walter Scott will be a huge draw, as visitors can follow in the footsteps of the great writer. At the end of the journey there’s Abbotsford, a short walk from Tweedbank, where an award-winning visitor centre tells Scott’s remarkable story. MINING, MOVIES AND MEANDERS IN MIDLOTHIAN FOR many visitors, the Borders Railway will open up parts of Scot- land they have only seen on the big screen. The Da Vinci Code featured the wonder and mystery of Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian, a short taxi ride from Eskbank station.
For peace and tranquillity, visitors can explore Gore Glen Woodland Park and Vogrie Country Park. From today until September 13, visitors can also enjoy Midfest, a celebration of arts and culture. BRILLIANT SCOTTISH BORDERS AS the railway sweeps into the Scottish Borders, few could fail to be impressed by the breathtaking landscapes.
Rolling hills, babbling rivers and quaint villages grace each side of t he t r ack. Day visitors can easily reach Abbotsford House, only minutes from Tweedbank station.
A jewel in the crown of Scottish architecture, this luxurious mansion was once home to Sir Walter Scott. Also near Tweedbank, passengers can discover Melrose Abbey. Founded by King David I in 1136, it is famed as the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.
Enjoy a walk (around 30 minutes) from Tweedbank station to visit the Abbey, or use regular public transport from the Galashiels transport interchange.
Walkers and cyclists will enjoy the Borders Abbey Way, a 67-mile route passing all four abbeys plus the historic towns of Hawick and Selkirk, and the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Way, one of Scotland’s great trails, which begins in Melrose.
The Borders Railway begins services tomorrow, with a special ‘golden ticket’ day. Public service starts the next day.
The Queen will officially open the railway with a special steam train trip on Wednesday, September 9, which also marks the day she becomes Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
Learn more about what can be discovered in Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders at: visitscotland.com/bordersrailway.