Borders rail route tourism boom claimed
18th February 2010
A campaign group has claimed a reopened rail line between Edinburgh and the Borders could attract £500,000 a year in tourist spending. The Campaign for Borders Rail (CBR) said it was vital the route tapped into the charter train market.
Chairman Richard Crockett said it was important the Tweedbank terminus was designed to accommodate such trains.
Construction work on the £295m rail project is due to start in 2011 with completion expected in 2014.
CBR wants Scottish Borders Council to design facilities at Tweedbank in order to be able to handle "charter trains and luxury land cruises" like the Royal Scotsman.
It would also like to see freight-handling capability in a nearby yard.
Mr Crockett said it was important to get the design right in order to secure CBR's vision of the "best possible Borders railway by 2014".
The group is also keen to encourage community links to the railway with walking or cycling tours organised around the stations in the Scottish Borders.
What do you think are the potential benefits or drawbacks of reopening the rail link between Edinburgh and the Borders?
Should the line eventually be extended? Is there scope for major tourism and economic benefits? Or is the project simply too expensive?
Send your views by clicking here or pasting giancarlo. rinaldi@bbc. co. uk into the "To" field of your email.
Source: BBC
