Tories slated over U-turn on rail line

LIBERAL Democrat MSP Jeremy Purvis has attacked what he says is a Tory U-turn over support for the Borders rail line.

He hit out after fellow Borders MSP, Tory John Lamont claimed cash for the 300 million project could divert funding away from road improvements in the area.

Mr Lamont said: "Many people remain unconvinced that the new railway to Galashiels will make much difference to most communities in the Borders, particularly since it will not go to Hawick and on to Carlisle."

However, Mr Purvis said that when Mr Lamont was trying to get elected to Westminster in May he was in favour of the project.

"Now he has flipped his position. I am astonished and very angry that such a damaging U-turn has been made to undermine the project. He plainly doesn't understand the project will be paid for by the Scottish Government through annual revenue repayments, not the whole capital cost up front."