Rail Re-openings?

The Campaign for Borders Rail (CBR) is one of those voluntary groups that arises ahead of the object it seeks to support. The wind is now blowing quite strongly in their favour. A strategic study is expected to recommend re-opening the Waverley route from Edinburgh to just outside Galashiels, probably in two stages. Public transport in much of the Borders is very poor and the area gravely disadvantaged; a regular rail service will notably help to reverse recent trends. CBR are not reticent about wanting this to continue to Hawick. There would be difficulties as the site of former stations there and at Galashiels have been redeveloped and a house built on the trackbed at Stow, while an A7 bridge near Falahill needs reinstatement. But where there's a will there's a way, and we wish them well in their strenuous endeavours.

Further south, what appears to be a capably researched scheme is being strongly canvassed to re-open the railway from Penrith to Keswick. Both these schemes are railway reopenings on commercial lines to serve local communities, as distinct from the preserved private railways that for the most part find themselves unable to contribute significantly to everyday local needs.