Journey time warning for Borders link

DESIGN changes to the proposed Borders rail link from Edinburgh to Tweedbank could increase journey times on the route, campaigners fear.

They believe Scottish Government transport agency Transport Scotland has altered the specifications for the 35-mile route in a bid to cut costs and as a result, the journey time between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, near Galashiels, could increase from 55 minutes to more than an hour, making it less attractive for commuters.

Lorne Anton, chairman of the Campaign for Borders Rail, said it had been argued initial deficiencies could be put right later, but that would be much more costly than “doing the job properly at the outset”. Transport Scotland described the claims as “inaccurate”.