Rachael Hamilton MSP has written to the Scottish Government’s new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn MSP, urging him to prioritise and accelerate progress on extending the Borders Railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle.
In her letter, Ms Hamilton highlighted the progress already being made on the project, including the funding that has been secured for a feasibility study, and stressed the significant economic and transport benefits the railway extension could deliver for communities across the Scottish Borders.
The Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP said the extension would help connect rural communities, strengthen public transport links and support economic growth by boosting tourism, creating jobs and making it easier for people to live and work across the region.
Ms Hamilton has also invited the Cabinet Secretary to visit the Borders and meet local stakeholders, including the Campaign for Borders Rail, to discuss how progress on the project can be accelerated.
Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton said:
"The extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle is a transformational project that has the potential to grow our economy, improve connectivity and support connectivity across our communities.
“Funding has already been secured for a feasibility study and there is real momentum behind this project, but it is vital that progress continues at a faster pace.
“There is strong local support for extending the railway and a real appetite to see this project fast-tracked.
“I have written to the new Cabinet Secretary urging him to make this a priority and inviting him to the Borders to meet local campaigners and hear first-hand about the opportunities this investment would create.
“I will continue to champion the extension of the Borders Railway and work constructively with anyone who shares the ambition of delivering this vital investment for our local economy.”
