First Minister John Swinney marks 10th anniversary of Borders rail line

John Swinney has promised a “greener, fairer, more connected future” for rail in Scotland as he helped to mark the 10th anniversary of the Borders rail line.

A decade after the line opened to the public the Scottish First Minister said it had “exceeded expectations”.

Since the Borders rail line – which was officially opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II – first started carrying passengers there have been more than 13 million passenger journeys, with the service seen as a vital transport link for residents, commuters and visitors.

The Scottish Government invested £353 million in the route – which runs from Edinburgh to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders – with seven new railway stations built as part of the project.

When it reopened it re-established part of the former Waverley line, which had been axed in the Beeching cuts in 1969, leaving the Borders region without any access to the National Rail network.

However, with train services having now been operating for a decade, it is estimated the Borders line has reduced peak-time car journeys by around 60,000 a year.

Mr Swinney and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop joined local MSP Christine Grahame at a special event to mark the line’s anniversary.

About 100 invited guests, including representatives from the railway sector and the local community, were also at the event, held at the Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum in Galashiels.

There, Mr Swinney said “the Borders Railway is more than steel and stations – it is a story of ambition, collaboration and resilience”.

The First Minister stated: “Ten years on, it has exceeded expectations, connected communities and laid the foundation for future growth.

“It is clear to see the impact of the Scottish Government’s £353 million investment in 2015. The 30 miles of new railway and seven new stations have delivered major economic and social development opportunities within the region and beyond.”

The anniversary comes the day after Ms Hyslop had announced £342 million of investment for the railways to help fund the electrification of the Borders and Fife routes by 2031 – with Mr Swinney saying this would make “services greener, more reliable, and more accessible”.

He added: “Today we can look back with pride, and look forward with confidence to a greener, fairer, more connected future for Scotland’s railways.”

Catherine Hall, director of strategy and investment at Network Rail, Scotland, said: “The Borders Railway has been a phenomenal success in every sense – from the huge numbers of passengers using the railway over the last 10 years, to encouraging wider economic investment within the communities it serves.

“It really has exceeded original expectations revolutionising the Scottish Borders economy, increasing business investment, driving footfall, boosting tourism and improving work and leisure opportunities.”

She added: “We are committed to further improving Scotland’s railway, including the Borders Railway, to ensure we continue to support local opportunities for growth and enhancement.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, said: “The Borders Railway has been a major boost for communities and businesses across the Borders, reconnecting people and creating new opportunities.

“With more than 13 million journeys made in the past 10 years, it’s clear how important the line is – not just for those who live and work locally, but also in attracting visitors to the Borders.

“Looking ahead, the Scottish Government’s £342 million investment in the electrification of part of the route is a real vote of confidence in the future of the Borders Railway.

“It paves the way for greener, more reliable services, and even stronger connections across Scotland’s railway.”