BORDERS rail campaigners have been in discussion with a Borders MP about the next steps to expand the railway.

Borders MP John Lamont held “positive and productive” talks with Marion Short, chair of The Campaign for Borders Rail and chair of Hawick Community Council.

Mr Lamont and Ms Short discussed possible next steps to see the Borders railway extended from Tweedbank to Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle.

Ms Short said: "This was a positive and productive meeting to discuss how we progress the Campaign for Borders Rail.

“We focused our discussion on the feasibility study that we hope to see work start on very soon.

“We also discussed delays and hold-ups from the transport departments of both governments.

“The Campaign for Borders Rail is grateful for all support.”

The Campaign for Borders Rail is a pressure group aiming to promote the benefits of extending the railway and the importance of a modern rail service for Borders communities.

Mr Lamont said: “It was very useful to hear the latest updates from the Campaign for Borders Rail.

“We are all hopeful that real progress can be made over the coming months and we can start to see developments.

“Better rail services would be a fantastic boost to people across the Scottish Borders and I will continue working hard to deliver improvements to the local transport network.

“Thank you to Marion for her time and for all the tireless campaigning she does on behalf of local people.”