The Borders link to Edinburgh should reopen by 2011

Campaigners had hoped that trains would be running on the route by late 2008 or early into 2009.

The announcement of Scotland's major transport initiatives by minister Tavish Scott looks to have established the opening date in 2011.

Confirmation of the �151m project has been welcomed but there has been local criticism of the time schedule.

Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale's Lib Dem MSP Jeremy Purvis was happy with the commitment given to the project in the minister's announcement.

We have set ourselves an ambitious programme of delivery, one the envy of Britain Tavish Scott Transport Minister

"The Borders railway is now one of the key transport projects in Scotland and the focus must now be on delivery," he said.

South of Scotland Tory MSP Derek Brownlee, however, was critical of the projected opening date.

"Given that trains were supposed to be running on the route by 2008, many people will wonder whether the executive is waiting until the election is out of the way to kill the project, like it did the A7 upgrade last time," he said.

In confirming the executive's transport priorities, Mr Scott said the moves - including the Waverley reopening - would boost the economy and increase travel choices.