‘Summer of steam’ planned for Borders Railway

Steam locomotives will return to the Borders Railway every Sunday from August 7 to September 25.

Two trains per day will operate, leaving Edinburgh Waverley at 0946 and 1646 and arriving at Tweedbank at 1115 and 1815. They return at 1355 and 1955, arriving at Waverley of 1520 and 2125. Steam Dreams is promoting the trains, which in August will be hauled by ‘Royal Scot’ 4-6-0 46100 Royal Scot and in September by ‘A4’ 4-6-2 60009 Union of South Africa.

“These journeys give people a chance to appreciate the new Borders Railway from the wonderful setting of a vintage steam train,” said ScotRail Alliance Commercial Director Cathy Craig. “This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the line, and in such a romantic style.”

VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead added: “The Borders Railway opened last September and has already provided a real boost to Scottish tourism and the wider economy, with hundreds of thousands of passengers making the journey and experiencing the great variety of attractions and businesses on the route.

“To have steam train journeys available again this summer for visitors and residents alike is brilliant news. It really is a chance for passengers to step back in time and enjoy the beautiful countryside on another level as these majestic locomotives make their way through Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.”

Add-on tours to attractions from Tweedbank are also offered with a range of businesses.

Tickets cost £55 Standard Class, £150 Premier Dining and £150 First Class, which includes ‘gourmet dining’ in a private compartment. Tickets are available via www.steamdreams.co.uk or www.scotrail.co.uk/steam-trains.