 The Waverley line through the Borders closed in 1969 |
The bill which will restore the rail link between Edinburgh and the Borders has been given Royal Assent. MSPs voted last month to extend the Waverley line by 35 miles to Tweedbank near Galashiels.
Work on the �155m project is expected to start shortly and the line is scheduled to open in 2011.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said it would increase economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of people in Midlothian and the Borders.
The new line will run from Newcraighall in Edinburgh to Tweedbank, with stations at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow, and Galashiels.
'Global markets'
"I am delighted that this important rail project has now been given the green light," said Mr Scott.
"This 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."
He said the link would bring "tangible transport and economic benefits", including faster journey times, greater accessibility for disabled passengers and improved opportunities for education, employment and leisure.
It would also make travel safer and reduce emissions from road traffic, he said.
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