Jacobs UK has been chosen to carry out a study examining how to improve transport in the south of Scotland.

Subject to completion of the mandatory standstill period, the engineering consultancy will begin the seven-month scheme later this month.

Features include exploring the potential to expand the Borders railway, creating new rail services, carrying out improvements to existing road infrastructure and improve public transport provision.

The findings will help make up the incoming Scottish Government's Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) which will look at future transport proposals for the whole of Scotland, including the Scottish Borders.

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Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: "In the Scottish Government's Programme for Government a commitment was given to examine the case for an extension of the Borders railway along with improvements to the A1, A7 and A68.

"This study will take forward that commitment by considering how we improve accessibility in the Borders, link communities to key markets through strategic transport routes and identify where improvements to transport links are required.

"We want to build on the existing Borders railway by considering whether it should be extended to Carlisle. The study will also look at how we improve access from the Scottish Borders to key markets in to Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle.

"Working with partners in Scottish Borders Council and SEStran, Transport Scotland will identify a range of options for improving transport that can be considered as part of the review of the Strategic Transport Projects Review which will look at future transport infrastructure projects for the whole of Scotland."

(LM)