The Borders Railway will be operational from 6 September 2015, it has been confirmed.

The announcement by First Minister Alex Salmond comes as work continues to progress well on the scheme. Work on the project is now starting to move away from the heavy civil engineering aspect and to track laying and station construction. For example, progress continues on the station platforms at Shawfair and Eskbank, with works also commencing on Newtongrange and Gorebridge stations.

Elsewhere, in Galashiels, a temporary one-way traffic system is in place to allow for a safe working environment as work is carried out on the old retaining walls which run alongside the A7. At Ladhope Vale, work is also underway to construct the new station opposite the town's new transport interchange; while in the southern section of the railway route, Currie Road has reopened to traffic following the successful installation of a bridge deck. Construction work is continuing on Winston Road bridge. Along the route, the upgrading of old Victorian cuttings has been completed, with new retaining walls installed and embankments strengthened with stone.

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Welcoming the news that a start date had been decided for the scheme, the First Minister said: "From September 2015 – for the first time in almost half a century – there will be passenger train services running on this track. For commuters and tourists alike, the reopened line will provide opportunities to enjoy the many fantastic attractions and experiences on offer in the Borders.

"There will be few railway journeys anywhere in Europe to match the outstanding scenery along the route of the new Borders Railway. I have no doubt that Borders Railway will be profoundly successful and I will be one of the first in line for a ticket when the trains are running in September next year."

(JP/CD)