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Article published 10/09/2025

The re-opening of the Borders Railway

It’s been 10 years since Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh officially re-opened the Borders Railway on 9 September 2015. It was a historic event restoring passenger train services between Edinburgh and Tweedbank after closing in 1969.

This Borders Railway was the longest domestic railway built in the UK in over a century. It was a significant undertaking, involving the construction or repair of over 100 bridges and currently spans 30 miles. The line was designed to boost tourism, reduce car use, and support local businesses, residents and communities.

Train at Tweedbank

10 years on...

And in 2025, for visitors and tourism businesses, the railway has opened up Midlothian and Borders like never before.

It has no doubt helped visitors reach some of our fantastic attractions such as Abbotsford House, the Great Tapestry of Scotland and the National Mining Museum Scotland, which in turn has supported the local economy and communities.

Some communities, such as Stow, which now has a station on the line, have experienced a regeneration. The old station house has become a hub for community activities and businesses such as Stow e-bike hire and Cycle Hub.

We know there has been a huge impact on residents. The line has improved access to jobs and services for those without cars and encouraged housing development in Midlothian and the Borders.

Train coming through Stow

The opening of the Borders Railway was a milestone for the region. Not only did it connect communities between Waverley and Tweedbank and boost sustainable travel for residents and visitors, but it was also the catalyst for many major developments that have shaped tourism across the south of Scotland.

The creation of the South of Scotland Enterprise, the development of a regional economic strategy, and the creation of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, all came in its wake, driven by a collective desire to transform the wider visitor destination.

We know visitors look for sustainable travel options. The Borders Railway has helped support our work to make Scotland a sustainable tourism destination and provided opportunities for businesses.

Gordon Smith, Destination Development Director, VisitScotland

Extension of the railway

A business case is now being developed to explore the potential extension of the Borders Railway beyond Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle. This work will assess the benefits and challenges of extending the line, including detailed feasibility studies and an analysis of the wider economic impact that an extension could deliver across the Borders region.

This next stage has been made possible thanks to funding of up to £10 million from the UK and Scottish Governments, through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The Borders Railway is a reminder of how infrastructure investment can change lives and economies. It’s a success story for future growth, supporting Scotland’s ambition to build sustainable, inclusive and well-connected regions.

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