The region that got its railway back 10 years ago.
It’s been ten years since the Scottish Borders’ transit scene was altered. The new train route connecting Tweedbank and Edinburgh saw its maiden passenger service on 6 September 2015.
The path was officially opened three days later by the Queen, who became Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
It brought trains back to the region for the first time in 46 years after the closing of its former line – but how is the railway seen today, and what lies ahead?
What do users think of the Tweedbank to Edinburgh line?
Scottish Borders CouncilDave Romanis was chosen for a golden ticket and received a special journey on the Borders Railway a day before regular passengers in 2015.
His father worked on the old Waverley Line and advocated for its preservation before it closed in 1969, so he was overjoyed to see it revive. “My dad would’ve loved it to bits,” he told me.
“It was a great feeling to go up the queue again.” He is still a regular user of the queue, although he says overcrowding is a concern, and on one recent voyage, passengers were unable to board after Galashiels.
“The rest of the stations people just had to walk away – and that’s a real shame,” remarked the politician.
Alan Lees of Galashiels utilises the railway two to three times per week. “It’s fantastic – I never take the car to Edinburgh now,” commented the man.
“There have been complaints about delays, but I find it very efficient, and it’s even better now that the peak fares have been eliminated. “I think the Borders Railway has been a great success.”
Susie Pow is from Hawick, which is further distant from the line, and she remembers the first Borders railway. She expressed optimism that it might someday be extended to her hometown.
“It is brilliant – thank goodness the railway has returned to the Borders, and when it comes to Hawick even better,” she told me. “It has lived up to all expectations.”
The route has also proven popular with visitors from outside the region.
Gaynor Rothwell of Rosyth said her maiden ride on the beautiful railway was a success. “It is a nice and relaxing journey with lovely views,” she informed me.
“We’ve been meaning to come down to visit Abbotsford for some time and the railway was the best way of getting here.”
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