Borders to Edinburgh railway reopening interest 'enormous'

Mr Ewing said he had "no doubt" the route would have a significant effect on tourism

Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing has said he expects "enormous" interest in the new Borders Railway and has not ruled out extending the line.

He was speaking during a visit to the Scottish Borders to look at ways to maximise the benefits of the route.

Mr Ewing said he had "no doubt" the line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank would provide a major tourism boost.

The multi-million pound route is scheduled to reopen to passenger trains on 6 September.

Mr Ewing said he believed the project had the potential to "spread wealth and jobs" in the areas it passes through.

"We are just a few weeks away from the opening of the new Borders Railway," he said.

"The interest in that event will be enormous and it will be sustained because everybody will want a shot on the new railway.

"I think it will kind of open up the whole Borders area."

'Grab opportunity'

He said it could "captivate interest" among individuals and businesses to visit or relocate to the region.

"I have got no doubt as tourism minister that the Borders Railway will be one of the most exciting and most effective events and transport services that there has ever been for tourism," he said.

Mr Ewing added that the line might eventually run beyond Tweedbank.

"There may well be a strong case for the further extension of the new Borders Railway, I certainly would not rule that out," he said.

"Let's make the most first of the railway that we are about to see reopened - let's make sure that we grab every opportunity.

"I think, in a sense, the more effective and the more successful the Borders Railway is when it reopens, the stronger the case will be to extend it further in future times to come."

South of Scotland Lib Dem MSP Jim Hume said he wanted to see a stronger commitment to taking the line to Hawick and, eventually, Carlisle.

"Almost every week we're seeing experts, agencies and even government ministers shouting about the benefits the line to Tweedbank will bring to communities in the Borders," he said.

"There is no doubt that an extension on to Hawick and beyond makes good socio-economic sense.

"But the Scottish government needs to ditch its 'wait and see' policy for a more proactive approach by committing to a feasibility study."