A few days ago (20 March) a letter from a Midlothian resident was published in The Scotsman newspaper suggesting that the
“ Borders railway expansion would not benefit Scotland”.
Peter Heubeck, Technical Adviser to the Campaign, has replied, saying that the recent letter “is based on false arguments”. Peter’s letter is in today’s Scotsman (25 March) and can be read on The Scotsman website.
“Firstly, the question of an extension has not been properly evaluated in the past. The major Scott Wilson study in 2000, which laid the groundwork for the 2015 reopening, did not preclude a later extension beyond Tweedbank and this has not been thoroughly evaluated since the railway reopened.
“Secondly, the ridership, especially from Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank, was underestimated, largely due to weaknesses in the forecasting methodologies. ScotRail and Transport Scotland now have comprehensive data on why passengers use the Borders Railway, so new forecasts will be more soundly based.
“Thirdly, although the broad scope of the study will extend from Galashiels/Tweedbank to Carlisle, it will assess a wide variety of options, each with specific benefit to cost ratios. Politicians will then be able to make informed decisions regarding public investment.
“The fact that Scottish and UK politicians are willing to support the study at a time of financial stringency shows that the poor connectivity suffered by large parts of the Borders merits proper investigation.
“We should support the process with factual input and reasoned argument, rather than write it off before it has begun. The study will evaluate quantifiable economic, social and environmental benefits and is definitely not about pleasing railway enthusiasts!
“Although the Scottish and UK Governments are contributing equally to the cost of the study, its scope is mostly in Scotland. To suggest that Scotland will not benefit is both perverse and incorrect.”
For anyone wanting to understand the rationale behind the proposed extension, turn to our ‘Summary Case’ document, which is still largely valid and relevent even though published a few years back.
Feedback in response to reader letter in the Scotsman (20th March edition)
Notes for editors:
The Campaign for Borders Rail is a long-established pressure group promoting the benefits of modern train services for communities across the Borderlands. Our grassroots campaign saw the rail link from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders reopened. Now we’re lobbying to extend the popular Borders Railway onward to Hawick and Carlisle. Visit the Campaign website for further details.
For further comment, contact Secretary John Liddle secretary@campaignforbordersrail.org