1849-1862:

Original Waverley railway opens running from Edinburgh to Carlisle.

January 1969

Line closes as a result of the Beeching Report.

1999

The late Donald Dewar, then Scottish Secretary, launches a feasibility study into the re-opening of a rail link.

February 2000

Transport & Environment Minister Sarah Boyack publishes the feasibility study. Results demonstrate that a regular passenger rail service could cover its operating costs.

Summer 2001

Waverley Railway Partnership formed by Scottish Borders Council, Midlothian Council, City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Borders.

November 2001 - June 2002

Outline technical assessments carried out by engineers. Reports on the site and state of the previous line and structures carried out. Public consultation commences.

June 2002 to Summer 2003

Detailed technical assessments carried out including input from public consultation exercise.

Autumn 2003 to March 2005

Submission of business case.

Parliamentary Committee considers principles of Bill.

September 2005

Following recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee, the Scottish Parliament votes in favour of Waverley Bill ‘in principle’. This vote allows the Bill to progress to Consideration Stage.

January 2006

Consideration stage begins.

March 2006

Consideration stage ends.

June 2006

On 14th June 2006 the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament by 114 votes to one with one abstention.

24 July 2006

Royal Assent achieved, granting powers to construct.

March 2007

Pre-construction work – topographical and groundwork surveys – commenced

June 2007

Design contract awarded to Scott Wilson