A DRAFT report on the Borders transport corridors study has been published, outlining 21 options for further consideration.

These include dualling the remaining parts of the A1 from Edinburgh to the English border, carrying out improvement works to the A7 and A68 and extending the Borders Railway to Hawick and Carlisle.

Further proposals include installing measures on the A7, such as average speed cameras and junction improvements, as well as outlining the potential for new rail stations along the Borders Railway.

Simon Walton, chairman of the Campaign for Borders Rail, said: “We have, of course, been awaiting this report, like everyone else in the Borders, and we’re glad it’s finally published and makes copious positive reference to extension of the Borders Railway.

“Of course, it was apparent, right from the initial stakeholder meetings, that there is widespread support for extending the Borders Railway to Hawick and Carlisle.

“I’m glad that the report reflects that groundswell, and makes many references to extending the railway as a means of promoting economic development right across the Borders. Those findings are in line with the aims of the campaign.

“We’ve always promoted railway infrastructure as the most tangible way to achieve the overarching desire for economic development, social inclusion and sustainable growth.

“The report confirms many of the campaign’s own findings, in that growth has been stimulated by the existing Borders Railway, and that further investment in the existing line is vital to meet the demand it generates.

“Furthermore, extension to Hawick and Carlisle will provide a catalyst for much needed economic regeneration in the Borders, and a strategic cross-border link that will benefit the wider Scottish and UK economy.”

The draft report will be taken for consultation with stakeholders and the public, who will get their say on the proposals.

The study has been developed in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran).

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “We welcome the publication of the pre-appraisal report for the Borders Transport Corridors study.

“We will now consider its contents and will provide feedback to Transport Scotland as part of the consultation process.

“We would also encourage local people and businesses to provide their views on the study’s findings to date as part of the public survey which will be available via www.transport.gov.scot

“We will continue to engage actively with Transport Scotland and partners on the transport opportunities identified in the pre-appraisal, which will now be considered as part of the national strategic transport projects review.”

The consultation period for comments on the draft study ends on Friday, June 1.

Scottish Government Minister for Transport, Humza Yousaf, said: “In our programme for government a commitment was given to consider the future transport needs of the Scottish Borders including examining the case for extending the Borders railway along with potential improvements to the A1, A7 and A68.

“This was on top of the commitments already made, such as East Linton and Reston stations, as part of a programme of works aimed at improving capacity to the east of Edinburgh.

“This report is an important milestone in delivering that commitment. The Borders transport corridors study considered a number of issues including accessibility in the Borders and links between its communities and the key markets of Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle.  

“The draft study has identified a range of options, including improved bus services, active travel, road and rail infrastructure in the region, which will be taken forward for more detailed appraisal in the second strategic transport projects review.

“This national review will ensure that we deliver transport improvements for all of Scotland which are fit for the 21st century.

“The study has been developed in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and SEStran and I was delighted to see the level of public interest.

“We will be continuing to engage, and there is now an opportunity for all to comment on these 21 options, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to have their say.”