The extension of the newly opened Borders Railway could reap rewards for Langholm, an MSP has said.
Just a few days after the historic re-opening of the Waverley Line, the Scottish Government has said it is “committed” to helping extend the line to Carlisle.
Dumfrieshire MSP Joan McAlpine has written to Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure backing the plans, which she says will give a huge economic boost to the east of the region if Langholm railway station is re-opened.
The south of Scotland MSP said:
“Langholm is poorly served by road and rail infrastructure at the moment, and the re-opening of the railway line would reap huge rewards for the town.
“Not only could it help residents commute to and from the town, but it would make it more accessible for tourists – we all know how fantastic the cultural offering is in the area and I have no doubt that an accessible rail link would attract people from far and wide.”
The railway station in Langholm was closed when the Waverley Line was axed as part of the Beeching cuts, serving its last passengers in 1964.
Ms McAlpine said:
“The station in Langholm has great cultural significance as part of the Common Riding Festival, where every year on the Thursday night the town pipe and flute bands lead the townspeople from the town centre to meet the “last train to Langholm” from Edinburgh.
“This tradition has continued, despite the fact that there have been no passengers arriving at the station since 1964.
“It would be a momentous occasion to see the station re-opened, and to be able to welcome passengers from the last train to the Festival once again.”
