The meeting in St Boswells was attended by about 300 people

About 300 people attended the event in St Boswells to discuss the project on the 35-mile link between Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.

They heard the case both for and against the multi-million pound development plan.

A motion put to the meeting in favour of reopening the line was defeated by 206 votes to 67.

The event on Wednesday was organised by the Borders Party, which has spoken out against the link.

Local councillor Nicholas Watson spoke on their behalf.

SNP MSP Chris Harvie - who has close ties with the Campaign for Borders Rail - gave the case in favour of reopening the line.

After some heated discussions a vote was held which saw the majority come out against the scheme.

Work has already started on the project although the Scottish Government has said that a funding shortfall means an opening target of 2011 is not achievable.