This episode of Train Time takes us to the borders region of Scotland, an area with storied history and dramatic scenery. Simon Walton tells the story of how, over the course of two decades, the Campaign for Borders Rail has made a case for the reconstruction of 35 miles of a passenger rail line that was removed in the 1960s. This new service is designed for the 21st century, and has been recognized by the developers of Britain’s high-speed rail as an essential part of the future rail network. Simon explains how his organization has been so successful, and how they are now working to see the line extended a further 65 miles, to again connect Scotland and England via the Scottish Borders region.

Simon Walton is chair of the Campaign for Borders Rail. After over two decades with the BBC in London, Simon founded Almond Bank Communications, a PR company working in travel, transport and tourism. He was founder editor of Group Travel Today magazine, edited Scottish Local Retailer, and has been behind the launch of more than 20 quality bar and restaurant businesses. He’s proud to have been profiled as “Edinburgh’s Mr. Pub.” He divides his professional time between retail business consultancy and acting as UK Correspondent for RailFreight.com.  Photograph by Shan Liu.

New York Times: “Shrinking Lives in the English Countryside” 2019
“A free bus pass is of little use if buses no longer reach you, and many retired people have discovered that apparently minor cuts — the elimination of a bus route, the closing of a tiny health care center, community center or post office — can profoundly upend their lives.”

BBC: “Borders Railway extension ‘more important now than ever'” 2020
“One part of the multi-million pound Borderlands Growth Deal for southern Scotland and northern England is a study to look at taking the line to Carlisle. / Mr Walton said he believed that after the current cycle of ‘isolation and immobility’ the scheme would have even greater value.”

Transcript

Note: This transcript was created using AI and is imperfect. For purposes of quotation, please check the actual recording! It is time-stamped , which is useful as a guide to finding a point in the recording, but please be aware that the time-stamps are not a perfect match to the published podcast.

SPEAKERS: Simon Walton, Karen Christensen; recorded Tue, 5/25 2:07PM

Karen Christensen 00:02
Well, good morning, Simon. I think it’s good afternoon for you. It’s tea time for you, isn’t it?

Simon Walton 00:10
It is, yes. But we could be listening at any time. So I’ll just say, Hello, Karen, it’s a great pleasure to be speaking with you.

Karen Christ