Rail link reality

Brian Monteith (Opinion, 9 March) eloquently summarises what many of us have been saying for years about the Borders rail link.

The "sod-cutting" stunt should not be seen as enactment of the "Mastermind clause". Messing about with utilities is not building a railway. As the construction contract has not gone out to tender it is not committed expenditure.

The railway cannot bring real economic benefit to the 80 per cent of the Borders it does not serve. Neither will it bring environmental benefit while old technology engines are used. The buses are just as comfortable, and quieter, more fuel efficient and "environmentally friendly" than the most modern trains used in Scotland.

DOUGLAS DONALD

Ruberslaw Road

Hawick