The rail link will improve access to Edinburgh's buoyant labour market and act as a catalyst for inward investment promoting economic growth and social inclusion. It will also assist the demand for housing by spreading consumer pressure southwards. Important environmental benefits will be achieved as car journeys to Edinburgh reduce. The rail link will improve quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport.

• Support creation of new town at Shawfair.
• Supports the creation of a new retail park in Galashiels.
• 550 sustainable full time jobs within 5 years of completion of the line as a direct result of the railway.
• 360 full time jobs for up to 5 years linked to the construction of the new rail line.
• New construction jobs will also be created for new housing project.

• The new line will serve a population base of close to 200,000 people in Midlothian and the Borders who currently have no direct access to a railway line.
• Reducing reliance on the car, in turn helping to reduce congestion and accidents on the A7 and A68.

Artist Impression. Viewpoint: Galabank, looking south

• Support projected household increase for Scottish Borders between 2004-2024 is 23%.
• More than £130m investment in housing in the Borders and Midlothian.
• 700 extra houses will be built in Midlothian and 1,100 in the Scottish Borders as a direct result of the new rail line.
• Further new developments will also benefit from the rail link such as new communities proposed for Shawfair in Midlothian (4,000 homes and the Cairney Business Park) and south of the terminus at Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders.
• Making local communities more socially inclusive, by retaining young and attracting new people of all ages to work and live in the areas around the line.

• Cutting car journeys by more than 700,000 per year and reducing vehicle pollutants into the environment by less congestion and traffic.
• Providing a safe and convenient alternative to the car.
• Relieving pressure on the Green Belt area of Edinburgh.

• Acting as a catalyst for increased tourism in Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
• Improved access to Mining Museum, Abbotsford House.