Campaign for Borders Rail

17 hours ago

Yesterday (23 October) Campaign for Borders Rail’s Chair, Marion Short, met with five of Hawick High School’s senior pupils - ‘The Head Team’ - and three teachers - Lisa Scott (Head Teacher), Peter Beaton (Deputy Head Teacher) and Shona Murray (Guidance). The aim was to seek the assistance and involvement of younger people in the railway extension campaign.

After outlining the background and history of CBR, Marion talked about the second phase Borderlands Growth Deal and the feasibility study.
She explained that extension of the Borders Railway is a priority of CBR for future generations, providing far better transport connectivity. Schools in Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank already have access to the railway and CBR wishes to replicate that for pupils at schools for the southern Scottish Borders.

The cross-Border aspect of the project was discussed, involving as it does the need to engage with two Governments and two transport agencies. Tourism came into the discussion - the lack of tourists due to limited transport connectivity; the impact of having a Center Parcs Village near Hawick; and how the railway could alleviate road problems.

All five pupils had used the Borders Railway from Galashiels, and confirmed that they would use the train more if it was local to Hawick. The pupils felt that a train service would be invaluable for those attending the Borders General Hospital.

Marion asked about the potential of a questionnaire for all Hawick High School and they agreed to send their suggestions for the questionnaire within a short space of time. The pupils thought that an online questionnaire for years 1-4, and an in-person presentation to years 5-6 by reps would be good. Marion’s suggestion of a reduced, nominal CBR membership fee for school pupils was well received.

A proposal to create a Project Team within the school re the rail campaign was welcome, and some names were suggested for ithis group.

The students mentioned how beneficial a train journey would be for educational travel enabling them use the journey time to do more work, and they asked about what kind of discounts/travel cards would be made available to use the train as opposed to free bus travel they currently enjoy.

Head Teacher Lisa Scott, who attended this meeting, is one of the speakers at the Campaign for Borders Rail’s AGM to be held in Galashiels at the Volunteer Hall on Saturday 31st October.

Marion was very appreciative of the opportunity to engage with these young people and their teachers, and considered there was much potential for further valuable dialogue and conversation. ... See MoreSee Less