(Super) Model Railway

It was a railway that transformed the Scottish Borders into a globally renowned centre for wool and textile manufacture. Now, 46 years and 8 months to the day since the ‘Waverley Route’ closed, (January 61969) scheduled services are set to begin on the new Borders Railway (September 6).

To celebrate this key moment in history, Borders-turned-global fashion brand,Pringle of Scotland joined VisitScotland to launch this exciting new journey with supermodel, Edinburgh International Fashion Festival Founder, and current Pringle muse, Anna Freemantle.

Dressed in the materials that made the region and railway famous, Ms Freemantle swapped the catwalk for the platform at Waverley Station in Edinburgh today (Friday 4 September) to herald the start of a week-long celebration of the opening of this, the longest domestic railway to open in the UK for over a century.

Scotland’s textile industry has customers in over 150 countries across the world, demonstrating the demand for globally recognised fabrics, tartan, cashmere, lace, knitwear, tweed and leather for fashion, interiors and technical uses. Other famous brands from the Scottish Borders include Lochcarron of Scotland, Johnstons of Elgin and Hawick Cashmere of Scotland.

The Borders Railway will take passengers on a 30 mile, 55 minute journey from Edinburgh through Midlothian to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders. The £294m project has taken just over two years to construct and includes ten stations.

It is hoped Scotland’s newest scenic railway will be a popular addition to the country’s tourism portfolio, opening up opportunities for visitors to explore Midlothian’s mining past and the Scottish Borders, an area which has an international reputation for exceptional cycling, beautiful textiles and stunning landscapes, famous for inspiring Sir Walter Scott.

Iconic attractions along the route include Rosslyn Chapel made famous by the DaVinci Code, Abbotsford House – the home of Sir Walter Scott, the popularNational Mining Museum Scotland and breathtaking Melrose Abbey. VisitScotland is supporting attractions, accommodation providers, local producers and pubs and restaurants in the vicinity of the Borders Railway in developing news ideas, products and experiences.

The Railway begins service on Saturday 5 September with a special ‘Golden Ticket’ Day. Public service will begin on 6 September. On 9 September, HM The Queen will officially open the Railway with a special steam train trip which also marks the day she becomes Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

The project is being delivered as part of the ‘Borders Railway Blueprint’, that sets out an ambition to fully realise the economic benefits of the Borders Railway, transform tourism opportunities and open up communities in South-East Scotland as new places to live, work, learn, play and grow.

The original Waverley Route ran south from Edinburgh, through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, to Carlisle. The line was named after a series of novels by Sir Walter Scott and served as an important export channel for both the wool and coal industries of that time.

Infrastructure Secretary, Keith Brown said:

“It’s been a lifetime in the making for many people in the Borders and Midlothian, and there can be few projects which have generated the levels of excitement and anticipation we have seen around the opening of the Borders Railway.

“We are now embarking on a festival of celebrations befitting of such a monumental achievement, and I am incredibly proud to have been involved.

“That a scheme of this magnitude – the longest domestic railway built in the UK in over a century - has been delivered on time and on budget is testament to those who have worked on it, who can now look with a great deal of pride on the growth this railway will deliver for the communities it serves, as well as the Scottish economy as a whole.

“As of this weekend, there are so many more possibilities for people in the Borders and Midlothian – access to new work, learning and social opportunities, as well as new business and industry links.The Borders Railway has become a symbol of this golden age for Scotland’s railways, and it will be the vehicle for a new prosperity for the communities on the route.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said:

“The golden age of rail has definitely returned to Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders! The start of services on the Borders Railway is a truly historic moment for Scotland, the UK and the world, bringing to back to life these regions that played such an integral role in the forming of many of Scotland’s now global industries.

“Born in the Scottish Borders myself, and with family heavily involved in the textile industry, the commencement of services on this Railway is of particular poignancy to me. I have no doubt that the Borders Railway will be a success, not only as a tourism destination, but also as a catalyst for growth, investment and business.

“From rolling hills to babbling streams, mining landscapes to historic abbeys, chapels, castles and treasures, VisitScotland is embarking on a national and international marketing and PR campaign to encourage visitors to experience all the Borders Railway has to offer and we cannot wait to show the world.”

Conceived in Hawick, Pringle of Scotland became one of the first luxury knitwear manufacturers in the world. Celebrating its 200^th anniversary this year, Pringle Is one of the world’s oldest fashion brands, proud of its Scottish Borders’ roots. Anna Freemantle is Director of the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival and is working with Pringle on their Autumn / Winter 2015 collection.

Anna Freemantle said:

"The new Borders Railway will give more direct access to what is in my opinion 'the textile district' of the UK which is hugely exciting. The new focus on revival of skill and improving of local manufacturing will be hugely helped by this. As this is a big focus of the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival I'm honoured to be part of the opening of this very special Railway."

Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive of Midlothian Council said:

“With four new stations and direct rail links connecting the county with Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, the Borders Railway will transform Midlothian’s economy, bringing new jobs, new investment and new housing. The stations at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge will link to a network of walking and cycle routes accessing the county’s acres of green space and linking its town centres. Integrating rail with other transport modes around the station hubs will give easy access to housing, work, tourist attractions and further education establishments including Edinburgh College, and Newbattle Abbey College.

“The opening of the Borders Railway is keenly anticipated in Midlothian. The new line will bring great opportunities for the residents and communities of Midlothian and visitors alike.”

Scottish Borders Council Leader, Councillor David Parker, said:

“The waiting is almost over, as our region gets ready to embrace the new Borders Railway. There is huge excitement that trains will be running between the Borders and Edinburgh from Sunday, 46 years and eight months after the Waverley line was closed in January 1969.

“It is hoped one million passengers a year will be using the railway within five years of it opening. With half hourly services to Edinburgh and steam and charter trains, our numerous world class attractions will be more accessible than ever before for tourists, who will be given a warm Borders welcome when they arrive.

“In terms of the wider economic benefits, the Borders Railway Blueprint programme will aim to ensure the new line will stimulate growth in our businesses, investment in our region and create new jobs, alongside increased tourist numbers.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Andrew Burns said:

“The return of the Borders Railway is a historic occasion for Edinburgh, Midlothian and Scottish Borders and we’ve been pleased to work with partners over the years to make it a reality. It is a welcome addition to the region’s tourism offer as well as a crucial service for commuters into the city."