Borders to Edinburgh railway: Galashiels transport interchange work starts

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said the site could be a "gateway" for the region

Construction work has started on a £5.2m transport interchange in Galashiels as part of the Borders to Edinburgh railway project.

It is being delivered by Scottish Borders Council's development partner Hub South East Scotland and its contractor Morrison Construction.

The project has been backed by the European Regional Development Fund.

It will help to connect the railway with a new bus station and pedestrian access to the town centre.

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said the facility was a vital part of improved transport links to the central Borders.

"As well as giving convenient access to train and bus services, the interchange will offer tourist facilities, business units, retail units and civic space," he said.

"It will be very much a gateway for the Borders.

"We intend to use it to showcase the region and what it has to offer."

The rail link between Edinburgh and Tweedbank in the Borders is set to reopen next year.