Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle
The first section of the reinstated Borders Railway opened to passengers in September 2015, linking Central Borders with Edinburgh. Much of the route followed the old Waverley route.
In the ten years since opening in 2015, the Borders Railway delivered well over 13 million journeys, providing stronger connectivity for commuters and visitors and supporting the delivery of economic growth and redevelopment opportunities along the railway corridor.
The success of the route has seen calls to extend the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle.
In 2021, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal committed up to £10m to fund business case analysis and feasibility work associated with extending the Borders Railway line beyond Tweedbank, with a £5m allocation from both the UK Scottish Governments. This commitment was confirmed by both Governments in February 2025.
During April 2025, we appointed Project Manager Turner & Townsend to lead the business case and feasibility work for the potential rail extension. This role includes Turner & Townsend being the key contact for the project and to help procure appropriate consultants and contractors where required for the completion of the business case and feasibility work.