This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Green light for Borders rail link
24/07/2006
The Waverley Railway (Scotland) Bill has today received Royal Assent.
Welcoming this last piece in the legislative process for the Borders Rail Line, Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:
"I am delighted that this important rail project has now been given the green light.
"This rail line will increase the economic opportunities and improve quality of life for communities in Midlothian and the Borders - connecting them not only to Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, but through the Edinburgh airport rail link to truly global markets.
"Faster journey times, greater accessibility for passengers with disabilities, improved opportunities for education, employment and leisure, reduced emissions from road traffic, safer travel - these are the tangible transport and economic benefits that the railway will bring."
The Executive is committed to providing in principle £115 million funding in 2002 prices towards the project with the rest to be funded by the councils and other interests.