TWO Borders politicians are calling for 2023 to be the 'year of progress' for the Borders Railway.

Conservative MP John Lamont and fellow Tory Rachael Hamilton MSP both believe 'considerable steps' should be taken to extend the railway in the coming year.

Campaigners are keen to see the railway extended from Tweedbank through to Hawick, Newcastleton and Carlisle.

Mr Lamont said: “The Borders Railway extension would improve transport links and give our economy a boost.

“I am hopeful that 2023 can be a year of progress on improvements to our local rail network.

“We will keep working hard with campaigners on the next steps of this project.”

Earlier this month Mr Lamont met with Marion Short, the chair of the Campaign for Borders Rail.

The UK Government and Scottish Government will run a feasibility study on the extension as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

Ms Hamilton added: “We need to see considerable steps taken towards the extension of the Borders Railway in 2023.

“We are urging the UK and Scottish Governments to work together constructively over the next year so that progress can be made.

“Better rail services are essential for people across the Scottish Borders to get to work, visit family and go about their day.”