EXTENDING the Borders Railway line and putting on extra buses to the BGH are two of the options being considered to help shape the future of transport in the region.

In a report published today (Tuesday), The Borders Transport Corridors Study outlined 21 options that could bring benefits to the area.

And they include proposals for better bus links to health centres and neighbouring cities; as well as the partial dualling of the A7 and A68 roads.

Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity Michael Matheson said: "The Borders Transport Corridors Study fulfils our commitment to consider the future transport needs of the area.

"We have already committed to rail stations at East Linton and Reston and these will be delivered as part of work to improve capacity to Edinburgh. We will now go on to consider a further twenty-one options as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), which is being taken forward during the lifetime of this Parliament.

“The Projects Review is a nationwide appraisal to identify where improvements are needed and guide investment in Scotland’s transport infrastructure over the next two decades.

"The recommendations made in this study – which are underpinned by detailed evidence on problems and opportunities – will help ensure the case is made for improvements in The Borders.

"We look forward to building on the successful partnerships that we have developed as part of the study as we move forward with the next stage of this important work."