Scottish Borders Council has said plans for new train stations at Reston and East Linton has moved a step closer.

The stations are planned as part of a new local rail service between Edinburgh and Bewwick-Upon-Tweed.

The news follows an announcement by Transport Scotland that companies wishing to bid for the new ScotRail franchise, would also need to consider the new stations at Reston and East Linton.

Both the local authority and East Lothian Council have welcomed the news. They have been working alongside campaign group, Rail Action Group East of Scotland (RAGES) to try to bring the new stations to fruition.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, our Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: "This is very good news for Berwickshire and the Borders.

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"Although there is still along way to go before we see a re-opened station at Reston, it is a step in the right direction and vindicates the work that has been undertaken by SBC, East Lothian Council, the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and RAGES."

SBC Leader David Parker added: "This is significant news for this development in terms of the potential reopening of Reston Station and it is clear that returning rail services to the eastern Borders would have a huge economic benefit to Berwickshire.

"Along with the construction of the Borders Railway, a significant amount of work is being undertaken by SBC and our partners to dramatically enhance rail provision to and from our region." Councillor Michael Veitch, East Lothian Council's Transport spokesman, also commented: "We have been working very hard for a lengthy period to establish the case for a local rail service between Edinburgh, Dunbar and Berwick, so this is a hugely welcome development.

"The reopening of East Linton station is an essential component of this project, and I very much hope that the final hurdles can be quickly cleared."

It is understood that the new ScotRail franchise will commence in April 2015, with five companies currently bidding for the contract, which covers the operation of rail services throughout Scotland.

(JP/CD)