Rail link to drive investment in Borders

A RAIL link connecting Scotland and England could be built as part of a new funding deal for the ‘Borderlands’, it was announced yesterday.

Philip Hammond confirmed plans to begin negotiations for a ‘growth deal’ for the Scottish and English Borders.

His announcement is a major boost for the area, and will see three Scottish councils and two English authorities come together with the Scottish and UK Governments to drum up investment.

A key project expected to be considered is a £644million extension of the Borders Railway, which currently runs between Edinburgh and Tweedbank but would be extended to Carlisle under the proposals.

The Chancellor also said he will continue making progress on separate ‘growth deals’ for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and the Tay Cities of Perth and Dundee.

Earlier this year, a £1 billion ‘city deal’ was agreed for Edinburgh, which could create thousands of jobs and investment in housing, innovation, transport, skills and culture. Similar deals have also been agreed between the UK and Scottish Governments in Aberdeen, Glasgow and the Highlands.

Mr Hammond said: ‘I can confirm today that progress is being made on city deals for Tay Cities and Stirling, and on a growth deal for Borderlands.’

Documents published alongside the Budget said ministers will begin negotiations on the growth deal for the Borders and will work with local partners and the Scottish Government. Among the projects to be considered in the ‘Borderlands’ initiative is the extension of the Borders Railway, which opened in 2015.

Simon Walton, of the Campaign for Borders Rail, said: ‘If you look at how popular the branch line from Edinburgh-Tweedbank has been there is clearly latent demand in the Borders for a rail line so there is a business case and it makes commercial sense. Philip Hammond gave support for small businesses in the Budget and they will benefit from having that railway on their doorstep.’