Scottish Borders Rail Line

Can redevelopment of the Scottish Borders rail link re-claim its position at the centre of the community?

A study of the effect improved public trans-port links can have on communities.

Emma Flynn

Fig 1. Magg Florek, (2014) Untitled

Abstract

The focus of this research was to analyse the development of the new Scottish Borders rail line and assess the local resident’s feelings towards the new infrastructure in order to find out whether or not the new route would be as widely accepted as a the original ‘Waverly route’. The point of view of the local residents was studied through the use of a survey created and sent out to the council offices and organisations which were both for and against the rail link. Specific questions were asked the participants to gain an understanding of how well they feel the new line will be embraced within the local communities. From this information a re-view of current literature surrounding the subject of new station buildings and platforms was commenced along with case studies of community involved design within public buildings and station houses. The report examines the history of the ‘Waverly route’ to gain background knowledge of the area and the strain it was put under through the closure of the railway in 1969. It then leads onto the survey in which it became evident that many locals were unhappy with cer-tain aspects of the development of the route. Graphs are included within the survey research to help analyse the data collected. On almost every question asked just over half the people questioned answered in a positive light to the current progress of the new railway. The main finding through this survey is that the local’s feel that the best way to ‘bring a sense of com-munity’ to the line would be to incorporate a station building on the route that could hold retail units and catering space. The literature review and case studies only further backed the community’s ideas for a station building. It was clear from previous projects that involving local people within the development of a public building can not only create a unique collaborative design yet ensure that it is maintained well as the users tend to feel a sense of ownership and achievement. In order to restore the Waverly route’s identity, more community involvement is necessary in the future development of the rail line. However the rail line itself will stand as an essential part of community life creating a similar position for itself yet in a new modern era of rail travel.

Contents

1.0 History of the Waverly route (pg1)

1.1 Consequences of the removal of the line (pg2)1.2 Reinstatement of the Waverly route (pg3)

2.0 User’s opinion (pg5)

2.1 Survey results (pg6)

2.2 Conclusions (pg8)

3.0 Design of new Station houses (pg10)

3.1 Creation of a welcoming place (pg11)

3.2 User’s involvement (pg12)

Conclusions (pg13)

References (pg16) Appendix

1.0 The History of the Waverly route

Up to and during the 1960’s the Borders rail link was a very busy transport route. This was not just for passenger trains but also for the freight trains that ran from Scotland to En-gland and vice versa. The Borders towns were thriving and after the Second World War in particular commuters considered living in the suburbs of Edinburgh that were on the route of the Borders line and, importantly, also thought about settling in the towns adja-cent to the line such as Newtongrange. They could then easily travel to Edinburgh, in particular, for their jobs but also for services, shopping and entertainment. This trend in residential development was typical of much of the UK’s metropolitan areas as the newly affluent sought out more living space and local authorities of large cities placed “green belts” around their out-skirts. In the Borders this trend was signifi-cantly affected by the closure of the Waverly route leaving them cut off from the modern era of rail travel and its ability to allow access to housing in a time when there were rela-tively few private cars. In 1963 Dr Beeching tabled his famous, or infamous, report to the British Railway Board. The report’s purpose was to explore and recommend how best to “modernise” the UK’s extensive railway network. In his report he recommended best way to afford to update the urban lines was to enforce the closure of some other less well used and often

rural lines allowing the money to be spent elsewhere. In practice the report helped move transport from rail to roads. At the time many were shocked at this prospect claiming that it was cutting off the ‘rural routes, leav-ing large areas of the country without access to rail transport’ (Nrm.org.uk, 2014). Many were devastated by the decision and pro-tested. Some of the rail lines facing closure managed to keep their link open but not the Waverly route. The line was subject to clo-sure. The last train to follow the original route was on the 5th of January 1969.When the tracks were removed the residents used the route as foot and cycle paths in order to safely connect them to the next town without having to use the main road. This supports the view that Beeching’s report failed to modernise British rail travel.

Rather it made locals rely on walking and cycling to go about their daily life in a similar manner to 100 years earlier and before the railway.

Fig 2. Bill Lynn (1960’s) a northbound service arrives at Galashiels station.

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1.1 Consequences of the removal of the line.

It is has been noted that with the “cut off from Edinburgh to the north and Carlisle to the south, those lacking a car had no op-tion but to travel by bus. As of 2014, the main bus service to Edinburgh takes more time than a Victorian steam train and double the time of a commuter train in 1968.” (http://www.strategies.co.uk/, 2014). The closure of the line seems to have been primarily about savings for the public purse rather than the best transport option for local residents. If they worked in the city and did not have a car they wouldhave to consider moving house as a car in the 1960’s was a huge expense. The fact that there is still not a public transport option in the borders that is comparable to the journey time of-fered by the train, 51 years after the Beeching report, shows the main drawback caused by the removal of the line. The economic, social and physical implications for the Scottish Borders was not considered only those of the main cities. A recent BBC article claims that the Waverly route closure was the worst Beech-ing cut as, “towns of the size of Galashiels - which has a population of 13,000 - and Hawick which had a population of 16,000 - ended up further from the rail network than any other towns of their size in Britain in fact the borders towns were in the ‘only region of Britain without a train service” (Brockle-hurst, 2014). It now seems evident that clo-

sure could not help modernise the area. Local activists started groups and organisations calling for the reopening of the line and in 2006, 37 years after the last train on the line, the ‘Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament, 114 votes to 1 with one absentee’ It will be reopened ‘as far as Tweedbank’ (BBC News, 2006).

Fig 3. Protesters (1969) Unknown photographer (Bruce McCartneys Camera).

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1.2 Reinstatement of the Waverly route

The new Waverly route closely fol-lows the old line in order to save time and money. However, it misses out some stations that were previously on the link. It leaves, for example, Heriot and Melrose that had been well used stations on the previous line, with-out a stop. ‘The station locations were set by the Scottish Government and dictated by the strength of the business case – i.e. the num-ber of likely passengers versus the length-ening of journey times to other passengers.’ (Bordersrailway.co.uk, 2014) It was known that sacrifices like this had to be made in order to ensure the most cost effective route, however, these areas are still covered by neighbouring stations which are close by and have excellent public transport provisions. Despite a lot of anticipation, from the ap-proval of the new line in 2006 no works were started until late 2012. This was due to delays and advance works. ‘In 2013, concerns that the project was no longer economically viable were raised because of the failure of a local property boom, which meant a large drop in projected passenger numbers. A business case by consultants Ernst & Young said the economic spin-off would amount to half of the return on the current estimated outlay of £350 million. Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland said the project remained on course to generate benefits of up to 30% greater than its costs’ (Dinwoodie, 2013).It is hard to assess whether or not the line will be as successful as it once was. There are conflicting views, the Scottish Government still backs the decision saying it can generate more money than it cost, however, the budget seems to increase at an alarming rate. Ernst & Young may not have fully factored in the local property boom that may happen in the smaller towns that will start to expand mean-ing a virtuous circle of more commuters and

more residents supporting more services in the rural towns.The idea of a new route brings a sense of nostalgia to some. Others are sceptical of its importance as so many now have access to a car. However, with society becoming more environmentally conscious people are return-ing to use public transport on a more regular basis. The actual usage of the line will not be known until it is up and running, some people may need to warm to the idea and see the benefits it may bring them before making judgement. Others, who remember the line fondly, may make it part of their daily com-mute. In 2001 a group was formed called the WRHA: Waverly Route Heritage Association ‘The aim of the Association is to preserve, and where necessary restore original items from the old railway’ (Stoddon, 2005) The group is made up of members of the lo-cal borders community as well as train line enthusiasts from all around the world. The locals have raised money and sourced items that belonged to the old railway in order to put them back together, laid track and even built a ‘Heritage Centre’. This type of active support from local communities is rare and is something that should most definitely be seized and immersed in the design of the new line and platforms. With groups like this on board and members of the local communi-ty involved in the process the line is sure to become the centre of the community it once was, perhaps even more so as the people will have a sense of ownership over the project.

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Fig4. Daily Mail (2014) Workers lay the first tracks.

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2.0 Users Opinion.

The residents of the Scottish Borders have mixed views about the success and design of the line. However, it is not just them that the new transport link is aimed at. The needs of tourists plays an important role in the design of the new transport link. There is a whole new untapped market that the government are trying to break into. The Scottish Borders has arguably the most beautiful scenery and historic buildings within the UK that are largely visited by coach tours as there is no other public transport available to tourists wanting to see the sites. With the new line running tourists can visit the small towns and heritage sites easily and with much more time to spare than on a bus. The train line itself will also become a tourist attraction hosting passenger steam trains on the line at Tweedbank station. This opportunity will benefit the local areas as it is bound to attract far more tourists than the areas are used to. There are only a few other easily accessible places within the UK that offer travel on steam trains. This means the borders can access a different market, which includes school day trips and those from the larger towns wanting to get out of the city for a day as well as tourist groups. A survey was conducted aimed at those who live local to the line to find out exactly what they think of the new facilities they will be offered, how involved they were in the process and to see how frequently they planned on using the line. The intention behind this was to see If people will embrace the new transport link as much as is claimed, it was also to gauge whether they were hap-py with the development of each individual station even although no station buildings are to be constructed. Specific questions were asked to gain an understanding of whether the stations will ever reclaim their position at the centre of the community or if locals have been an afterthought to the process.

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2.1 Survey Results

In order to identify how many out of the 100 people surveyed will use the line to commute users were asked ‘will you use the new rail-way often?’

Surprisingly only 35% said yes. They asserted that that they would use itonce a day to around a maximum of three times a week. 54% answered that they will use the railway on occasion claiming mainly that it will be used by them for trips into the city in order to save on paying for parking and easier access to the shops. Others said they will use it when going on holiday as commute to the airport. Out of the 10% who claimed they will not use the railway; 7 people claimed that they would not use the line at the moment yet they would be looking to gain employment within the city and commute on a daily basis. The other three have said that they would not need to use the line as they commute in their car.This first question asked was not as clear cut as I had imagined. There were many different uses people had expressed they were going to use the train. For example, to ‘pop over to another town to visit relatives’ or to use the ‘larger supermarkets in Galashiels’ as well as for commuting and trips in the capital city.

When asked the question ‘if they felt each station platform would benefit from an in-dividual station house, i.e. a facility with a ticket office and a waiting area etc.’ over half of those surveyed said they felt it was a good idea. To most the thought of having an area at each station with the presence of staff makes them feel safe and confident that there will be someone there to help them with any queries. 34% of those surveyed said it made no difference to them whether or not there would be a station house at each station platform stating that they would not need to spend time in that area merely pass through.

Yet when the same people were asked ‘What do you think will bring a sense of community to the new line?’ within the same survey over 60% chose a station house as the most likely to bring the community together. As this is 10% more than those who said they did feel the platforms would benefit from an individ-ual station house I can only draw the conclu-sion that they felt that perhaps one station house on the line maybe at the largest town or end of the line will be enough to bring all of the communities together and allow them to be involved in the process.

Fig 5. Survey Data Collected, Emma Flynn (2014)


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Respondents expressed a wish that the sta-tion houses include coffee shops and retail stores as well as bike hire and have a ‘station scheme’ which could be projected with cer-tain types of flowers for each platform in order for people to identify with the stop. Different brightly coloured flowers at each platform would be a great visual aid for pas-sengers allowing them to see clearly which stop they were arriving at before they are able to view a sign. These ideas would also provide locals with job and volunteering opportuni-ties therefor helping make the station a centre of community life.

At the end of the survey I asked the participants whether or not they felt they had been actively involved in the planning and development of the railway line as a com-munity. Almost half of those surveyed (45%) felt that they were slightly involved yet could have participated more. The Scottish borders rail line website documents the involvement of the local peo-ple showing them allowing the school chil-dren to visit the track laying at different sta-tions and teaching them train safety etc. They also send out letters to the locals when any disruption to the roads or access throughout the progress on the line however there was not much active involvement from locals in the planning or ideas in order to do with the line which could perhaps hinder its success in the long run. After all no one knows the area

as well as those who live and work there and that should have been utilised throughout the process in order to gain an understanding of the user’s needs.


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2.2 Survey Conclusions

This survey was specifically given out to a variety of organisations and community associations in order to gain the response of people who use the rail line for commut-ing, tourism and daily life. It is fairly evident from the outset that the railway is going to be well received by most local people. How-ever, following my evaluation of the survey comments I am aware that not everyone was behind the project from the start. A number commented that they were not considered in the development of the line and that not many people actually believed works would ever start following the ‘six year delay’. One objective was to find out whether or not the new line could be as successful and well received by the locals as the old Waver-ly route. When asked this question 53% of people said it would be, however, 32% were unsure as they had not experienced the old route or said it could not be judged. It ap-pears that in order to fully understand the potential of the line and how well it could be used can only be determined once it is in operation. Just less than half of locals are still unsure of its worth. Therefore, there is no way to be one hundred percent sure that the redevelopment of the line will ensure its place back at the centre of the community. Howev-er, with their involvement and ideas incorpo-rated within the development of the stations, platforms and potential buildings it would certainly secure the Waverly routes standing within each community within the borders towns.

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Fig 8. HASSLE and Herzog & De meuron, Flinders Street Station (Aug 8 2014)

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3.0 Design of new station houses.

My research shows that local people do want provision for a “Community Hub” station building at one of the stations on the line. Every stop on the line will be unstaffed but will include the essential facilities needed such as; Card only ticket machines, Informa-tion screens and Help Points. This does not create a sense of community or safety for the users, however, they are essential to Network Rail in order to run the service with a re-duced overhead and maintenance cost com-pared to a manned office.There is a provision for a significant station building at Tweedbank due to its suitability for hosting steam trains for a tourist attrac-tion. This building could act as a terminus for the route and also incorporate retail and ca-tering facilities meaning it could be an attrac-tion within the local area and also bringing more attention to the railway line itself. Brian Edwards’s book ‘The Modern Station: New Approaches to railway architecture’ stresses the importance a railway line can have on a community and how station build-ings can generate more economic activity within the areas. He claims that “even today the building of new railways gives shape to new communities or helps in reshaping old ones” (Edwards, 1997). This is exactly what is happening within the Scottish borders at the moment. Some may not like the change being imposed by the new stations however in the long run it will improve the lives of those living in these towns and revitalize the local neighbourhoods. The economic advantages of a station termi-nus is definitely needed within rural areas like the Scottish Borders. This leads to more design decisions in which the community could be involved. Edwards claims that ‘rail-

ways both serve and shape their communi-ties’ the station itself will allow for a whole new market of people to frequent the towns. So as well as a station shaping the commu-nities, the community should be allowed to shape the station so they can portray them-selves well to visitors.There are many other facts that will need to be considered within the design development of a new station building, it will need to be modern and spacious in order to cope with new technology yet merge well with the sur-roundings in order to potentially add ameni-ty and design quality. On the other hand they have to be unique and striking so visitors can easily identify with the building and become a lasting memory. Edwards feels that there is a “need to celebrate the new railway age with eye catching designs”. ”The newest station buildings are heroic in spirit and give a sense of drama to movement and arrival”. “Tech-nology is not hidden but expressed; space is not disguised by timid detailing but high-lighted by bold lighting effects”. This could be easily integrated into the design of Tweed-bank station with the use of high tech mod-ern materials and a sophisticated exterior de-sign that draws the users in yet makes them feel comfortable. There is a large enough space within the site to allow for a building around 60 meters long. It would have enough space for retail and catering units as well as being light and spacious and fully accessible for disabled users. With these types of ideas, already successfully evident in other new stations the new termi-nus could become a miniature ‘hub’ for the community providing jobs for locals and a safe haven for travellers.

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3.1 Creation of a welcoming space

The building needs to be bright and welcom-ing. It must not turn people off travelling but instead help make the journey an experience. An evident entrance and lighting should be used to highlight important areas within the space, this will help ‘to produce an adven-turous and poetic station’ (Edwards, 1997) It should subconsciously provide a sense of romanticism and atmosphere allowing users to really embrace their surroundings. Cer-tain accents and features should be dotted throughout provide a glimpse into the past providing each user with a visual experience before embarking on their journey on either the modern trains on their daily commute or on the vintage steam train for a new experi-ence. Theatrical lighting along with historical elements within a modern building will all project the ‘drama’ which Edwards’ refers so fondly to as an aspect within station build-ings. The ideas Brian Edwards expresses in his book are already in progress within many newly developed stations. Tweedbank station would need to incorporate cutting edge de-sign ideas in order to become the high profile facility and visual stop for this multi million pound public investment. The site doesn’t just need a building in order to allow customers to buy tickets and wait, it needs a landmark to show the standard of services that the new line can provide and help attract new custom-ers.

Fig 9. Daniel Hopkinson, (2012) Rotterdam Train station. 11

3.2 Users Involvement

A great example of this type of design is the railway station building in Pinhao, Portugal which opened in 1880. “The station’s main building is revered for its twenty-five tile panels that depict scenes, landscapes, and customs of the Douro Region. The panels offer visitors an excellent visual representa-tion of Douro culture, livelihoods, and his-tory”.(Discoverdourovalley.com, 2012) These were created by the local community in 1937 to allow travellers passing by to experience the area’s most impressive views and exports without even getting off at the stop. The com-munity is well depicted within the tiled mural that is why it has lasted in good condition until today. It proves that when the commu-nity takes pride in a facility and feels a sense of ownership in that building then it will be maintained and safe guarded. There is more than one advantage to involving the local residents than simply maximising customer potential. An example closer to the Borders rail link is that of the organisation ‘Friends of Set-tle-Carlisle line’ who have taken it upon themselves to restore and preserve the histor-ic railway line that runs through their com-munity. They rely on donations and fund-raising events in order to up keep their work. They have a particular interest in preserving the signal boxes on the line. The signal box in Settle closed in 1984 yet since it has been “fully restored. It is now run as a small work-ing museum dedicated to mechanical-era railway signalling on the Settle-Carlisle Rail-way and it is open to the public on a regular basis” (foscl.org.uk, 2014). Volunteers from the local community made this transforma-tion possible and take pride in their achieve-ments making the signal box mean more to the community than just a restored historical building, it is their own work.

Two further means of capturing community interest and helping to ensuring the sustain-ability of the project would be to involve the community in making sure that the building was “secured by Design” accredited. The local police and community groups could assess the design to ensure sight lines, overlooking and lighting etc. This would allow everyone and especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly to feel safe in the facility. Equally, a small percentage of the project cost could be set aside to ensure that local artists could dress and decorate the building. The local community could work with the artists to achieve this.If the new Borders rail line involved the users and local community groups within the plan-ning and development of a new station build-ing, a truly unique design concept could be created and bring a sense of accomplishment to the community.

Fig 10. Helder Ferreria, (2012), Pinaho Train station.

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Conclusions

Throughout my research the views of customers of the train line were a main concern. They will determine the success or failure of the new Waverly route. They could embrace the new route allowing it to once again have a critical use and be an identifier of the community. Customers and the com-munity have to have a sense of pride in this new infrastructure project for it to succeed in the longer term. Alternatively, they may reject it and continue with their current travel arrangements. A lot has to be done to reverse the damage made in the late 1960’s with the re-moval of the line. Many of those affected by its closure still remember the old line fondly and as the new route has already missed out many of the original stations due to cost cut-ting people feel it will not be the same exten-sively used transport link as it was in the past.It was evident from the feedback from the survey that the communities were split with their opinions on the prospects for the line. However, there was always over fifty percent of people who answered in a positive man-ner. Many said they would use the railway as much as they could. The success of the line will only be determined once it has been up and running long enough to assess demand and future marketing opportunities. Hopes that it will generate economic growth within the smaller towns is something that all locals seem to agree on with Tweedbank seeming to be the next budding tourist hotspot. It could soon be sporting a steam train leaving from the station platform as well as bringing tour-ists to the former home of Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. As the line is named after one of his most successful book series ‘Waverley’ Tweedbank is a fitting terminus. The survey shows that many were unhappy that the line did not provide them with a station building on any platform apart

from Tweedbank. When asked what they felt would bring a sense of community to the line many answered claiming that a station house with provisions for retail units and café areas would help the line feel more like a part of their village or small town community rather than a place to just pass through. However, planning permission has only been approved for one station building at Tweedbank. It seems unlikely that other significant station buildings would be necessary for the running of the railway or be economically feasible. These facts support my argument that Tweed-bank station should be of a quality to be an identifiable community hub for the wider borders community along the new line. This may help to knit together these smaller com-munities on the Waverly route. Brian Edwards’s book verified the fact that “Railways can do much to revitalize depressed urban neighbourhoods today’”. His views on station design would work perfectly within the development of the new Tweed-bank station and provide a ‘poetic’ building that could bring the whole line together as they are unable to have a building at each stop. Edwards’s vision that a station should highlight space and accentuate a sense of dra-ma within the atmosphere could be merged well with community involvement to create something unique to the area. Through researching other communi-ty led station buildings I realised that local people can play a huge part in the up keep and maintenance of these buildings. If they are able to play a part in the creation of the building they will make sure it is respected and looked after due to their sense of own-ership, after all they will be the main users of the space. So in answer to the question ‘Can the redevelopment of the Borders rail link re-claim its position at the centre of the com-munity?’ I would have to say, no. It will in fact create a new position in the centre of the community with a new modern identity. It

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will never become the once loved line which went through each small town within the borders. It could be a state of the art traveling experience which will become a large part of the local community’s everyday lives.

Fig 11. Stephen Craven, (1989), End of the line.

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7. BORDERSRAILWAY.CO.UK Borders Rail-way - 30 miles of new railway in the Scottish BordersIn-text: (Bordersrailway.co.uk, 2014)Bibliography: Bordersrailway.co.uk, (2014). Borders Railway - 30 miles of new railway in the Scottish Bor-ders. [online] Available at: http://www.bordersrail-way.co.uk/ [Accessed 3 Nov. 2014].

8. EDWARDS, B.The Modern Station: New Approaches to railway architectureIn-text: (Edwards, 1997)Bibliography: Edwards, B. (1997). The Modern Sta-tion: New Approaches to railway architecture. Lon-don, pp.4-68.

9. DISCOVERDOUROVALLEY.COMPinhão Railway Station, Pinhão - Discover Portugal’s Douro ValleyIn-text: (Discoverdourovalley.com, 2012)Bibliography: Discoverdourovalley.com, (2012). Pinhão Railway Station, Pinhão - Discover Por-tugal’s Douro Valley. [online] Available at: http://www.discoverdourovalley.com/content/es-ta%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-caminhos-de-ferro-do-pinh%C3%A3o/douAECA740EA510EDC82 [Ac-cessed 29 Nov. 2014].

10. FOSCL.ORG.UKSettle Station Signal Box | Friends of the Settle-Carl-isle LineIn-text: (Foscl.org.uk, 2014)Bibliography: Foscl.org.uk, (2014). Settle Station Sig-nal Box | Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line. [online] Available at: http://www.foscl.org.uk/content/set-tle-station-signal-box [Accessed 4 Dec. 2014].

References 1. NRM.ORG.UKBeeching: 50 years on - National Railway MuseumIn-text: (Nrm.org.uk, 2014)Bibliography: Nrm.org.uk, (2014). Beeching: 50 years on - National Railway Museum. [online] Available at: http://www.nrm.org.uk/PlanaVisit/Events/beeching.aspx [Accessed 4 Dec. 2014].

2. HTTP://WWW.STRATEGIES.CO.UK/, J.Blog and News ArticlesIn-text: (http://www.strategies.co.uk/, 2014)Bibliography: http://www.strategies.co.uk/, J. (2014). Blog and News Articles. [online] Scotjobsnet. Avail-able at: http://www.scotjobsnet.co.uk/blog/the-re-opening-of-the-waverley-line-economic-and-em-ployment-potential/ [Accessed 4 Dec. 2014].

3. BROCKLEHURST, S.What was Beeching’s worst railway cut?In-text: (Brocklehurst, 2014)Bibliography: Brocklehurst, S. (2014). What was Beeching’s worst railway cut?. BBC News. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scot-land-21859794 [Accessed 2 Dec. 2014].

4. BBC NEWSBorders railway link bill passedIn-text: (BBC News, 2006)Bibliography: BBC News, (2006). Borders railway link bill passed. [online] Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/5077960.stm [Accessed 1 Dec. 2014].

5. DINWOODIE, R.Warning £350m rail link not economically viableIn-text: (Dinwoodie, 2013)Bibliography: Dinwoodie, R. (2013). Warn-ing £350m rail link not economically viable. [online] Herald Scotland. Available at: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport/warning-350m-rail-link-not-economically-via-ble.20368527 [Accessed 27 Nov. 2014].

6. STODDON, M.AboutIn-text: (Stoddon, 2005)Bibliography: Stoddon, M. (2005). About. [online] Waverley Route Heritage Association. Available at: http://wrha.org.uk/about/ [Accessed 18 Nov. 2014].

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APPENDIX

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Table of Appendix Pg1. Imagery

Pg2. Survey

Pg9. Books reviewed

Pg10. Site Visit

1. ImagesFig 1. (Front cover) Magg Florek, (2014) Unti-tled (online) Available at: http://instagram.com/p/vq7DwqiUwM/?modal=true (Accessed 04 November 14)

Fig 2. Bill Lynn (1960’s) a northbound service ar-rives at Galashiels station. Available at: http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/g/galashiels/ (Accessed 05 October 2014)

Fig 3. Unknown (Bruce McCartneys Camera), (1969), Protesters. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21859794 (Accessed 01 December 2014)

Fig4. Daily Mail (2014) Workers lay the first tracks. Available at: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/local-praise-project-first-stretch-4413051 (Accessed 05 December 2014)




Fig 8. HASSLE and Herzog & De meuron, Flinders Street Station (Aug 8 2014) Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/tag/hassell/ (Accessed 03 December 2014)

Fig 9. Daniel Hopkinson, (2012) Rotterdam Train station. Available at http://www.e-architect.co.uk/leeds/rotherham-train-station (Accessed 25 Novem-ber 2014)

Fig 10. Helder Ferreria, (2012), Pinaho Train sta-tion. Available at: http://www.discoverdourovalley.com/content/esta%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-camin-hos-de-ferro-do-pinh%C3%A3o/douAECA740E-A510EDC82 (Accessed 3 December 2014)

Fig 11. Stephen Craven, (1989), End of the line, Available at: http://www.geograph.org.uk/pho-to/1910840 (Accessed 21 November 2014)

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2. Survey

1. Will you use the new railway often? And comments

Once a month11/25/2014 1:02 PM,Approx four times a year11/25/2014 12:58 PM, 2 to 3 times per year11/25/2014 12:46 PM ,could change how I work and would be hoping to work in edin11/25/2014 12:00 PM ,Once every couple of months maybe11/25/2014 10:41 AM ,Once a week11/25/2014 10:01 AM ,every day i have university11/25/2014 9:14 AM ,3 or 4 times a year11/25/2014 9:00 AM, Whenever possible although living outside the area11/24/2014 11:09 PM, once or twice a month11/24/2014 9:36 PM ,Once every couple of months11/24/2014 9:03 PM ,When steam trains run, special excursions, etc.11/24/2014 8:40 PM ,Unknown11/24/2014 7:39 PM,twice monthlytwice a week11/24/2014 5:29 PM, every two weeks11/24/2014 4:53 PM , probably twice a week11/24/2014 4:10 PM ,daily - mon - fri11/24/2014 2:53 PM, 2-3 times a month11/24/2014 12:28 PM, Hopefully 5 days a week11/24/2014 12:21 PM ,

Weekly11/24/2014 12:08 PM,Daily or weekly11/24/2014 11:22 AM ,every so often to take the stress out of driving up to Edinburgh and if i am travelling in a large group11/24/2014 11:15 AM ,Going home and for days out11/24/2014 10:58 AM ,maybe once a month11/24/2014 10:54 AM, Every week or two11/24/2014 10:23 AM ,Probably weekly during university term time11/24/2014 10:11 AM ,Rarely11/24/2014 9:41 AM ,Every second week11/24/2014 9:38 AM ,twice a week11/24/2014 9:31 AM ,Twice a week maybe more11/24/2014 9:29 AM,As often as I can11/24/2014 8:21 AM ,For special occasions or if travelling alone to edin-burgh, or at busy periods11/24/2014 8:09 AM ,3/4 times a year11/23/2014 11:43 PM, every couple of months maybe11/23/2014 10:53 PM ,whenever I am in UK...I live in NZ11/23/2014 10:18 PM ,once every 6 months11/23/2014 10:06 PM ,Once a month11/23/2014 10:02 PM,Once a week11/23/2014 9:47 PM ,Once a month11/23/2014 9:45 PM ,At least once a week.11/23/2014 9:26 PM ,Twice a month11/23/2014 9:26 PM ,Two or three times a year.11/23/2014 8:57 PM ,One or twice a month. 11/23/2014 8:45 PM ,once a month11/23/2014 8:32 PM ,once a month11/23/2014 8:28 PM ,

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monthly11/23/2014 8:17 PM ,3 or 4 times a year11/23/2014 8:13 PM, Every couple of months at least11/23/2014 7:58 PM ,2 or three times per year.11/23/2014 7:57 PM ,maybe once or twice month11/23/2014 7:55 PM ,Not sure11/23/2014 7:44 PM ,Twice per month11/23/2014 7:43 PM ,When travelling into Edinburgh11/23/2014 7:43 PM ,As often as possible11/23/2014 7:39 PM ,A few times per year11/23/2014 7:35 PM ,twice per month minimum11/23/2014 7:30 PM ,about once a month11/23/2014 7:30 PM ,it will help me get back to my home town more often11/23/2014 7:26 PM ,

2, what benefits do you think the new line will bring to you if any? Comfortable fast transport to Waverley to shop in Edinburgh or social evenings. But from Lauder a car or taxi would be necessary11/25/2014 1:09 PM Veasier way to commute to and from work - wont get stuck in traffic and can work on the train11/25/2014 12:01 PM Very little benefit as I will still need to travel by road to the nearest railway station11/25/2014 12:01 PM Houses prices will rise in my area (Tweedbank) which benefits me if I want to sell my house.11/25/2014 10:44 AM Possible job opportunities,better standard of living11/25/2014 10:01 AM Greater connection to the rest of Scotland, England and Wales and beyond. I like to travel but I’d prefer to get a train locally to Edinburgh and make a con-nection than have to drive and either park some-where expensive or park at a friend’s and get a bus to the station (and from station on return journey). Will make access to the airport easier too - save me money getting parking and a hotel the night before. Nice to have transport options - don’t trust the bus

especially if making a further rail connection.11/25/2014 9:48 AM Bring new life back into the borders, new jobs, younger people, make the place more vibrant. None11/24/2014 6:44 PM Faster and hopefully cheaper transport to Edinburgh!11/24/2014 4:54 PM Make getting home to glasgow to see my son easier11/24/2014 4:11 PM save driving so can work on way to and from work11/24/2014 2:54 PM I won’t have to find somewhere to park in Edinburgh or pay for parking.11/24/2014 12:28 PM Much easier access to Edinburgh, potential oppor-tunity to move to Edinburgh, easier access to the airport to fly home from uni11/24/2014 12:22 PM Faster travel time11/24/2014 12:08 PM Won’t need to drive11/24/2014 11:54 AM Make travelling home much easier and may give me the option to stay at home11/24/2014 11:25 AM quicker access to Edinburgh, hopefully cheaper too11/24/2014 11:19 AM easy access to edinburgh. more business in gala so more things to do.11/24/2014 11:16 AM Quicker and maybe cheaper travel as well as being more convenient times11/24/2014 11:00 AM Faster travel, hopefully cheaper than bus with my rail card, hopefully more frequent travel and less affected by roadworks or stuck behind trucks and tractor A stronger connection to Edinburgh11/25/2014 9:15 AM stress free travel to the centre of Edinburgh11/25/2014 9:02 AM Absolutely none!11/24/2014 9:48 PM I will be more likely to be able to leave the car at home and will have better access to the whole rail network than the bus can offer.11/24/2014 9:41 None really.11/24/2014 9:03 PM Allow me to visit parts of Scot-land that would be hard to reach otherwise - retire-ment expeditions!11/24/2014 8:43 PM none11/24/2014 7:19 PM Easier Access to the transport infrastructure of Scot-land and the wider UK.

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11/24/2014 7:15 PM Access into Edinburgh for shopping, eating out, ex-hibitions, meeting up with friends. Better connected/linked up for onward travel, e.g. Glasgow, London11/24/2014 10:27 AM Gives me the choice between rail or car - potentially quicker11/24/2014 10:13 AM Faster commuter times More convenient11/24/2014 9:42 AM Easier access to travelling home (Ireland)11/24/2014 9:39 AM quicker,easier way to move11/24/2014 9:39 AM A more relaxing journey to Edinburgh. Easier than the bus if I have lots of luggage.11/24/2014 9:32 AM quicker, more direct route home 11/24/2014 9:32 AM Easy access to MY part of the world, having being brought up there.11/24/2014 8:23 AM None11/24/2014 8:14 AM as i don’t drive and have to use the transport system its ideal for me to get to edinburgh from galashiels11/23/2014 11:42 PM Will allow me to get places quicker11/23/2014 11:21 PM Cheaper as no parking charges and quicker than a bus11/23/2014 10:54 PM AVOID EDINBURGH TRAFFIC AND CAR PARK-ING CHARGES11/23/2014 10:19 PM None11/23/2014 10:15 PM enable me to travel closer to my family by public transport11/23/2014 10:07 PM Direct access to Edinburgh and on to rest of Scotland by best transport11/23/2014 9:58 It will be great to be able to get to Edinburgh for shopping or visiting friends and get the train for part of the way. However I do live in Hawick so it would be ideal if there were at least good bus links con-necting Hawick and Tweedbank or Galashiels which connect with the trains.11/23/2014 9:56 PM An easy day out to edinburgh, wouldn’t have to pay extortionate city centre parking costs11/23/2014 9:54 PM

3. What benefits do you feel the new line will bring to your Community? Not sure if any as not on railway line and alternative transport would be required to access stations. It may be that residents of Lauder would travel to nearest station to travel to work quickly and without the has-sle of driving into the centre of Edinburgh.11/25/2014 1:09 PM more people will come to the Borders - hope it helps develop the centre of gala as it is like a ghost town just now and a few years ago it was fairly vibrant and all shops and small businesses keep closing11/25/2014 12:01 PM More business for the local pub and shop if people stay on the train to the last stop.11/25/2014 10:44 AM Better connectivity, jobs, more tourism11/25/2014 10:02 AM More Easier access to and from Scottish Borders for res-idents and businesses. Brings Scottish Borders into the 21st Century in terms of transport.11/25/2014 9:48 AM bring a city suburb feel to the borders11/25/2014 9:28 AM tourism and jobs related or not11/25/2014 9:27 AM Access to people my own age and a thriving city11/25/2014 9:15 AM reduce the amount of cars on a busy road and bring visitors to the area who otherwise wouldn’t come here11/25/2014 9:02 AM If more poeple use public transport it will be better for the environment. Better transport links to Edin-burgh and the Borders should bring greater employ-ment None to my community11/24/2014 4:11 PM make the city more accessible and open up new work opportunities11/24/2014 2:54 PM Hopefully it will bring people to live in the area as the transport links are poor at the moment. It will also attract tourists who may usually only stay in Edinburgh.11/24/2014 12:29 PM industry, commerce leisure11/24/2014 12:28 PM Perhaps more people traffic and visitors to the bor-ders11/24/2014 12:22 PM More tourism11/24/2014 12:08 PM

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See and meet new people11/24/2014 11:54 AM Give more travelling opportunities to the community11/24/2014 11:25 AM bring more tourists to the borders11/24/2014 11:19 AM more business will hopefully open up and survive11/24/2014 11:16 AM More tourism11/24/2014 11:00 AM Borders would be easier accessible to more people so more shops and business, more opportunities and different things might open or happen in Gala11/24/2014 10:56 AM I don’t live in gala personally but I think it will en-courage more people to travel to gala11/24/2014 10:54 AM Hopefully it will invigorate the Borders, by welcom-ing visitors from outside. I’d like to see a better social, dining, creative scene emerging. I’d also like it to feel a bit less insular and cut off from the rest of Scotland.11/24/2014 10:27 AM Very little! Might get people commuting for work in Edinburgh that’s it, they might use asda and tesco, but our other shops on channel street and bank street will still suffer and shut.11/24/2014 9:48 PM A greener transport option for travel to work or education in Edinburgh and further afield. Tourism boost11/24/2014 9:41 PM Will help some commuters.11/24/2014 9:03 PM Rapid journeys to Edinburgh, less traffic on the roads, more housing in villages etc along the line, more businesses moving in to the areas near the rail-way, less pollution, etc.11/24/2014 8:43 PM Easier access to the central borders, some jobs though perhaps not as many as forecast. Tourism and inward investment.11/24/2014 7:15 PM None11/24/2014 6:44 PM Possibly more business as it will be easier for people to get to Galashiels for tourist reasons11/24/2014 4:54 PMmore jobs and economic development11/23/2014 8:28 PM Increased growth and tourism to sites making them ‘honeypot locations’ within the borders, even more so if the ‘Peebles Loop’ was reintroduced.11/23/2014 8:27 PM

A far quicker and more convenient public transport option for reaching all the towns along the route from Edinburgh. Possibility of considering employ-ment at locations along the route which wouldn’t be feasible by bus. Allow the community to reach cities easier11/24/2014 10:13 AM Increased business/house sales11/24/2014 9:42 AM More opportunity for people to visit the town, easier access for us to visit the city11/24/2014 9:39 AM life improvment11/24/2014 9:39 AM More tourists. More visitors renting out places to stay which gives locals more business.11/24/2014 9:32 AM Nothing to my community but anything that im-proves the living standards and job opportunities of the Borders can’t be a bad thing, in my book.11/24/2014 8:23 AM If advertising is done week, then we should see more day tourists visiting from edinburgh. However this will only affect the communities nearest the train line and not those further away11/24/2014 8:14 AM Ithink it will bring more jobs and help industry this line should never have been closed at all it did a lot of harm to the likes of hawick and galashiels11/23/2014 11:42 PM Bring the whole community closer.11/23/2014 11:21 PM

4. Do you think the line will be as well used as it was before its closure?

I wasn’t born when the railway was last running - would be good to know what the passenger and commercial use was before it closed. Think passen-ger use will be up given the growing demographic in the Borders plus the fact its easier and a more convenient way for people to travel today - lots of commuting, great for students and people wanting to shop in Newcraighall or Edinburgh. But unlike years ago there is only one line which terminates in

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Tweedbank compared to a line through to Carlisle and various branch lines and even a route to Newcas-tle... don’t think there’ll be much, if any, commercial use. Borders needs to be ready with Galashiels a town ready to attract tourists, Tweedbank and Stow hav-ing transport connections/ pathway access to local tourist attractions.11/25/2014 9:52 AMDepends on the cost of travel as if it was too expen-sive it would isolate students11/25/2014 9:16 AM I think that a lot more people commute longer distances than before the railway closed and as long as the cost of travel is competitive, this would be a better alternative than the longer bus journey or the rat race of driving and then having to find and pay for parking in the city.11/25/2014 9:05 AM I think it will only be of advantage if it connected all the way like before to Carlise! Then people are more likely to use it, plus it could get used for freight!11/24/2014 9:51 The economy has changed since 1968 people no longer go to work at the local pit or mill, they need to be prepared to travel to work. The old rail service was fairly limited in frequency and would not suit the modern transport user11/24/2014 9:43 PM Even more so. Back in the 1960s a considerable proportion of the young pop-ulation went to work in textile mills etc. Now they aspire to university etc and this can allow them easier travel to and from home. People are more willing to commute than 50 years ago.11/24/2014 7:18 PM Most of us have private transport these days11/24/2014 6:44 PM I heard that a survey was done for the removal of the rail line and many people were opposed to it but the line was removed anyway11/24/2014 4:55 PM I think it should never have been closed11/24/2014 4:11 PM may be batter used as more people will make the effort to use it11/24/2014 2:54 PM It was also being used as a freight line which should have been better utilised as well as a commuter line not only to Edinburgh but Carlisle as well. It would have helped as a passenger avoidance line when the E.C.M.L. is closed eg; Pen-manshiel tunnel collapse in 1979 or other incidences when the W.C.M.L. has been shut due to flooding etc:11/24/2014 8:30 AM I hope it is well used but for people over 60 with free

bus passes I don’t know11/23/2014 11:44 PM it will be used to a far greater extent, no reason why the record numbers using rail in general should not be the same outcome on the Borders Rail11/23/2014 10:21 PM Does not go through all of the borders11/23/2014 10:16 PM

5. What do you think will bring a sense of commu-nity to the new rail line?

dont want it just to be a waiting area - needs to be staffed and have shops and areas that make it com-fortable and welcoming11/25/2014 12:04 PM Tweedbank and Stow would benefit from a coffee shop at the station platform. Gala would benefit hav-ing a proper train ticket office at the station or in the bus interchange (assuming there’s a coffee shop in the bus interchange). Sheltered waiting space would be a good idea!11/25/2014 9:56 AM

having waiting areas, cafe, etc give more chance to mingle with ppl11/25/2014 9:28 AM

A community rail partnership to encourage people to take ownership of the local station and promote the railway and the Borders to visitors and locals11/24/2014 9:44 PM Adopt a station scheme - flowers, etc. Set up bike hire and cafe where appropriate11/24/2014 8:51 PM

It would make the station feel more homely and less business like as you could relax and have human interaction at the ticket office11/24/2014 4:57 PM

It would give local people a sense that they were in-volved in the process and perhaps a sense of owner-ship.11/24/2014 12:32 PM

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I think it would be a mix of all these things, but i think getting people involved in design process is key. Just inserting new ticket office and waiting area’s won’t invigorate them. It would be good to see each station be a visitor attraction in it’s own right - in some places (e.g. Pinhao,Portugal) the station is also reflective of what goes on in that area.11/24/2014 10:31 AM Having people working at each station with facilities available11/24/2014 8:17 AM a waiting area is needed with a shelter11/23/2014 11:47 PM

adopt a station at community level similar to the Carlisle and Settle model.11/23/2014 10:24 PM The line going through more of the borders11/23/2014 10:18 PM

A good community feel to the station areas with space for passengers to chat while waiting.11/23/2014 10:03 PM

It only needs a platform to get on and off with ticket machines or conductors issuing tickets11/23/2014 10:03 PM

Look at the work The Friends of the Settle and Car-lisle railway have done. There is plenty of scope for this to be replicated here and lead by the WRHA and CBR.11/23/2014 9:15 PM I hope efforts will be made to make the stations as attractive as possible by the provision of flower pots and hanging baskets, etc. I feel it is important that the stations are attractive, welcoming places so that tourists and commuters are attracted to use them.11/23/2014 8:15 PM

Just to make it a little more homely11/23/2014 7:59 PM

Few new stations have or need these facilities. Gala interchange v positive11/23/2014 7:47 PM

probably giving each ststion a ‘local’ name11/24/2014 2:55 PM

More platforms and request stops11/24/2014 6:45 PM

6. Are you happy with the new platforms having no station house or ticket office?

I expect there would be covered waiting areas11/25/2014 1:15 PM could be lonely and dark at night and is good to have staff around as a presence but also to ask advice11/25/2014 12:04 PM

Some people are unable to understand signage and need to talk to someone in person11/25/2014 12:03 PM Less hussle and bussle, can just get on and off the train without being stuck in a crowd of people wait-ing for tickets.11/25/2014 10:46 AM Understand why there is none due to cost, although it would be preferable11/25/2014 10:04 AM

It would definitely be a missed commercial opportu-nity and would enhance the train experience for the Borders.11/25/2014 9:56 AM Detatched and cold11/25/2014 9:16 AM Quicker and most people now use online for tickets anyway.11/24/2014 9:53 PM Functional, low cost.11/24/2014 9:04 PM Cost wise it’s inevitable11/24/2014 8:51 PM Modern Technology, there’s bound to be an “app” to pay for your ticket.11/24/2014 7:20 PM there will be so few people using it11/24/2014 7:20 PM

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It would make the station more functional and cheaper to care for11/24/2014 4:57 PM it makes them harder for unfamiliar passengers11/24/2014 4:12 PM It would be nice but I presume this is to keep costs down and hopefully these savings will be passed on to travellers.11/24/2014 12:32 PM more cost effective having unstaffed stations and halts in some rural areas11/24/2014 12:30 PM They are useful for heat, information and security11/24/2014 12:22 PM A more comfortable waiting area would be appreci-ated11/24/2014 11:31 AM would be nice to have one11/24/2014 11:21 Its nice to talk to people behind a counter. I don’t like all this automationa doing it yourself I feel people are losing the ability to communicate properly in person11/24/2014 11:18 AM You can’t ask about tickets and plan what trains to get. Also people will have bags and suitcases so it would be good if there was somewhere to sit and wait in a warm place.11/24/2014 11:02 AM Could potentially pass out new jobs11/24/2014 10:55 AM I prefer getting tickets before getting on the train or to ask any questions if necessary.11/24/2014 10:15 AM Unfriendly11/24/2014 9:43 AMWouldn’t it just be nice to be greeted by someone who is friendly, helpful and for the tourist indus-try, someone who can inform the of the area. Being informed of local facilities and historic buildings, or even the local tea shop would be nice. All you would need to do is ask.11/24/2014 8:17 AM

7. Do you feel the platforms would benefit from individual station houses?

8. Was the community actively involved in the plan-ning and development of the line?

I have completed surveys over the years. I know that many people were against the re-instatement of the railway line for many years but there has been quite a turnaround recently.11/25/2014 1:19 PM I had no involvement at all - they kept changing the date of completion, nothing was very clear I don’t live in any of the towns with planned stops although I could easily use all three. I was at the Galashiels event talking a few years ago when the Council was talking about the GIRR changes to Gala, the inter-change and the railway. I don’t know what the com-munity involvement in the design of the stations was. I understand there has been much engagement with local community councils. Difficult, because there’s only so much the team building the railway can afford to do and probably a lot more that the communities want!11/25/2014 9:59 don’t know how involved the com-munity have been in the design process although I know that local primary schools have been involved in train safety campaigning.11/25/2014 9:07 AM The bill gave people the opportunity to contribute. There has been less evidence of this level of involve-ment in the detailed design and delivery phase11/24/2014 9:46 PM

9. In your opinion should the line be de-veloped past Tweedbank in the future?

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3. Books Reviewed

1. Brian Edwards book, The Modern Station: New Approaches to Railway Architecture was used for the literature review within this study. Pages 4-60 were assessed in order to gain an understanding of the difference be-tween railway architecture in the past and present.

2. Martha Thorne’s book, Modern trains and splendid stations (2001)In the book ‘Modern trains and splendid stations: architecture, design and rail travel for the twenty-first centrury’ Martha Thorne stresses the fact that ‘Inter-city rail travel is one of the dominant facts of modern life’ rail services within city centres are far more used than local or even national services. Even although they are cramped, dirty and in need of refurbishment. People only use these services as they are the fastest way to travel, would people even notice if these services were updated?

The new Scottish Borders rail line will be a state of the art new line with 7 new stations being built on the old ‘Waverly route’. The line means alot to the locals especially the older residents who remember the advantages of having a rail line available to them. The trains and stations are to be typical of others recent-ly built with the scotrail colours and standard designs flowing through. Thorne references stations within the UK claiming that they show the ‘very latest trends in rail travel, affording a glimpse of what passengers can expect in the twenty-first century’ However I think that each station should be allowed to have its own identity within the community, It should reflect the surrounding community and not just appear as part of a brand with an identical station in the next town/city.

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3. Waverley Route: The Life, Death and Re-birth of the Borders Railway by David Spaven (2102)Within his book spaven explores why the route was initally closed and the loss that came with the closure.. He details the hurt and anguish that the locals felt over the clo-sure and that lead them to protest and stop the last train along the line from completing its journey. Spaven himself was a resident within the borders at this time so his point of view is very real. he talks of the fact the new route is ‘making good’ of a wrong com-mitted 40 years previous. In his opinion this was ll only made possihble by he devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament in re-cent years meaning locals opinions have been heard. He feels that the reinstatemnt of the route is essential to modern life within the Borders.

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Melrose station (Emma Flynn, 2014)

4. Site Visit

Travelled to Brunstane and Newcraighall, the current existing platforms on the line. These are the current standard of platform design and show the exact same layout as will be projected throughout the new line until Tweedbank. There was an overhead system for audio announcements however no electronic timetables. All current timetables were paper shown on display, important announcements for disruption caused by building the line further was also displayed within this area. A small waiting area with a card only ticket machine is situated on the platform. As there is only one track on the line only one platform is at each station. There was only room for around 10 people maximum with-in the small waiting area however there was seating along the length of the platform. The train was busy and many locals appeared to take advantage of the train and free car park provided. Even although the train and platforms were busy there is definitely a sense of soul-lessness about having no staff presence on the line. It is as much the same as standing on the street waiting for a bus. Yet for some reason I can’t help but feel that the experience of rail travel should be more welcoming than this, (perhaps it is due to the fact it is significantly more costly than the bus.).

I also visited the former Melrose station which is now being used as a facility for small businesses since the new route is not going to run as far as Melrose anymore. There is a Crèche, Restaurant and fitness center as well as housing within the one platform building. The new motorway runs where the second platform would have been meaning the track level had to be filled in. They are very concerned about the preservation of this historic building and have even covered the copper metals used to create the platform shelter in forensic grease in order to stop thieves. Old advertising is still on display at the platforms such as ‘fry’s chocolate crèmes’. Original platform lighting is still on display but is very damaged. Melrose station is still very much a part of their community, they have kept the sig-nage for the station up throughout the town and have named a few businesses after it.

Brunstane Station( Emma Flynn 2014)

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Can redevelopment of the Scottish Borders Rail line reclaim its position at the centre of the community? Emma Flynn BA (Hons) Interior Design Heriot Watt University

Documents

Scottish Borders Rail Line