The Scottish Borders are missing out on a thriving tourism economy due to lacking rail infrastructure, Transform Scotland’s Paul Tetlaw argued at the Campaign for Borders Rail AGM held in Galashiels on Saturday 29th October. Specifically, Paul explained that linking Edinburgh and Carlisle by a twin-track railway would benefit the region:
“It would open up the Hawick area to a potentially huge influx of incoming tourism, as well as boosting employment and further education opportunities.”
Since the existing east and west coast main rail routes have limited capacity, a twin-track, Paul explained, would ease pressure on these routes. As such, twin-tracking the Borders line between Edinburgh and Carlisle will increase its viability, facilitating an increase in passenger and freight traffic.
Paul said:
“The current Borders Railway is not fit for this purpose in that it isn’t dual-tracked all the way from Edinburgh to Tweedbank – currently there is double-tracking at certain points to allow for passing. Twin-tracking would increase its potential and that of any extension.”
Transform Scotland will continue to support CBR’s case in their influencing work, speaking with Scottish Government and media.
Find Paul’s presentation for the event attached below.
