I met with Scottish Government Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop to discuss the Borders Railway extension and other transport options in the region.
At the meeting we discussed the benefits of the current line to Tweedbank and agreed on the socio-economic benefits to the Hawick and Newcastleton areas of extending the line.
It is important to realise that there are many critical steps to take before this extension onto Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle happens, and I am glad that the Scottish Government is willing to collaborate with the UK Government on this issue which is important to so many in the Borders.
I was pleased that Ms Hyslop agreed to my request to meet with local campaigners, such as Campaign for Borders Rail and Newcastleton Community Trust, in the Borders and hear why the extension must go ahead for the sake of local jobs, our economy, and our transport network.
I will continue to urge the SNP Government to make investment in the Borders Railway one of their top priorities.
