THE 150th anniversary of the Hawick-Carlisle railway line will be celebrated this weekend with the first public train for more than 40 years leaving the new station at Whitrope, writes Kenny Paterson.
Members of the Border Union Railway and Waverley Route Heritage Association have been working for 11 years on a project which includes a half-a-mile section of the route in Liddesdale. Recent weeks have seen the finishing touches made by BUR director Alastair Connell and his team, with the newly-laid platform pointed, sign posts completed and flower beds prepared. Waverley Line campaigner Madge Elliot and Borders MSP John Lamont will open the railway at 2pm on Sunday.
BUR commercial director Roy Perkins said: “All we need now is for the weather to be kind to us and people to spare us a couple of hours to come along have a ride on the train and sample our barbecue.
“There will be a wide selection of books, videos, drawings and photographs of the entire old route available for purchase, along with tea, coffee and light refreshments.
“With the annual music festival also taking place in Newcastleton, it promises to be the busiest day in village’s history for some years.”
Comments