Frequently asked Questions
Why is a Business Case needed for the project to go ahead?
In the first stage of the business case process, we need to prove that an extended railway to Hawick and Carlisle is the best proposal, compared to other transport options. Once that has been completed, we will undertake some high-level feasibility work based on our preferred option. A successful progression through each stage of the process would allow us to undertake more detailed design and feasibility related work and help demonstrate that the benefits of the project outweighs the costs.
The funding commitment was agreed in February 2025. Why has it taken a year to get to this stage?
The funding for the business case and feasibility work is being delivered through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. Up to £10 million pounds has been committed by the UK and Scottish Governments, with a £5 million allocation from each government to fund the whole process. This commitment was confirmed in February 2025.
Since February 2025, we have undertaken a detailed procurement process and appointed a Project Management Company (Turner & Townsend) to help deliver the project.
Following the appointment there has been a period of data collection and analysis along with a review of previous work. Discussions with all the key partners and stakeholders have also been undertaken, along with the development of a governance structure for the project.
Once the review period was concluded, discussions and negotiations with key partners such as Transport Scotland, Department for Transport, Scottish Government and the Scottish Office were required to develop the plans for the first stage of the business case process (Strategic Outline Business Case).
These discussions concluded in February 2026.
Why do you need £10m to undertake the business case and feasibility work when we know that the old railway line is mostly still there?
Although we now have a funding commitment from the UK and Scottish Governments, we do not automatically get that full allocation to help deliver the project. We need to gain permission from both governments to draw down funding in order to carry out the required work. The funding commitment from both governments is up to £10m as a maximum figure.
We now have permission to initiate the first stage of the business case process and we are in the process of appointing suitable companies to undertake transport appraisal and economic development studies to support the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC).
The business case process tends to be quite complex, time consuming and expensive to deliver, primarily due to the evidence required to progress through the different stages and we want to ensure that we make the best case for the preferred option. However, we will be looking to deliver all of the work required for the business case process well below the maximum allocation of £10m.
Will local communities and stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to the project?
Yes, local communities and stakeholders will be key to developing the project and there will be opportunities to provide opinion and engage with the Project as it develops.
Consultation and engagement opportunities will be advertised, and we would like to encourage people to take part.
Will you be carrying out any environmental work as part of this first stage?
Yes, we will be required to carry out some environmental assessment work in this first stage of the project. This will include a Carbon Management Plan which will consider elements such as biodiversity, and climate resilience. It is anticipated that further environmental assessment work will be required as we move through the project.
What are the timescales for the project?
We are concentrating on undertaking the first stage of the business case process at the moment. This piece of work could take approximately 18 months to deliver, but it is important to note that the project team are committed to delivering as strong a business case as possible and if we are able to do that in less than 18 months then we will do so.