“Campaign for Borders Rail holds a successful Annual General Meeting in Hawick.
On Saturday 25th October, the Campaign for Borders Rail held a well-attended AGM in Hawick Town Hall. Around 90 people were present to hear an update on the campaign and to listen to three excellent guest speakers. There were strong sales of CBR merchandise and the event was greatly assisted by tea, coffee and delicious baking from the Cogsmill Womens’ Institute.
CBR’s Chairperson Marion Short gave an update on the year’s campaigning, with the release of the initial funds for the feasibility study and the celebrations to commemorate the10th anniversary of the reopening of the Borders Railway to Tweedbank being key highlights. Marion called for a detailed plan explaining how the feasibility study would be tackled.
A series of formal motions regarding CBR business were all passed.
After lunch the meeting were treated to three excellent, but contrasting, talks by visiting speakers.
Hugh Wark OBE, who had been Network Rail’s Project Director for the Borders Railway, explained the innumerable hurdles which had to be overcome in order to complete the railway on time and on budget. He particularly emphasised the need for thorough planning and preparation, a close working relationship with a competent principal contractor and an honest, open approach with all stakeholders.
Ewan Tait of ScotRail gave a very interesting update on how the Borders Railway is performing now, with up to date statistics on passenger numbers and train punctuality. Strong growth in passenger numbers is continuing and, in spite of the reduction in commuting, (caused by more working from home), some stations are now busier than they were before the Covid epidemic. Ewan explained the investment ScotRail are making in staff recruitment and training and engineereing improvements, so that train delays and cancellations are minimised.
Our final speaker was David Hope-Jones OBE, who is the Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance. David gave a fascinating insight into the nature of tourism in the Borders and his ambitious plan to attract many more visitors to this beautiful region. He spoke with real passion about how important extending the railway would be and explained the joint approach adopted by the SSDA and CBR in seeking the support of leading politicians to making this major strategic investment.
For further comment, contact Secretary John Liddle secretary@campaignforbordersrail.org