Rail announcement 'very positive'

Work will start on the line in the lifetime of this parliament

A statement on reopening the Waverley line has been described as "very positive" by Scottish Borders Council.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson confirmed on Wednesday that the rail link between Edinburgh and the Borders could more than double in cost.

Its completion date has also slipped from 2011 to 2013.

However, SBC leader David Parker said a commitment to start construction on the line in the lifetime of this parliament would be welcomed in his region.

The capital costs of the railway, between £235m to £295m, are to be funded by a "non-profit distributing vehicle" (NPD), meaning the cash will be borrowed from the financial markets.

There is a definite commitment by this government and the Waverley Railway Partnership to deliver the Waverley railway project in the quickest possible timescale Cllr Jim Fullarton

It is to be repaid by annual charges met from the budgets of the national agency Transport Scotland, and with contributions from councils.

The original estimate for the rail link stood at £129m, at 2002 prices.

Mr Parker said he was pleased to see that the previously agreed £30m contribution from the three partner councils involved - SBC, Midlothian and City of Edinburgh Council - would be capped.

"I welcome this very positive announcement by the minister," he said.

"It is clear that the Waverley line remains on target and I am delighted that we have had confirmation that the project's construction will begin in the lifetime of the Scottish Parliament."

Roads and infrastructure spokesman Councillor Jim Fullarton said he was also "very encouraged" by the statement.

"There is a definite commitment by this government and the Waverley Railway Partnership to deliver the Waverley railway project in the quickest possible timescale," he said.