IThere’s no doubt about it – Midlothian businesses both small and large are set to boom with the opening of the Borders Railway.
One such business looking forward to the opening is Ivory House Bed and Breakfast in Gorebridge.
Run by Jack and Barbara Maton for 20 years, Ivory House will be a stone’s throw away from the new station at Gorebridge. This will suit both holidaymakers and business guests.
Jack and Barbara moved to the village 50 years ago. They say that the new railway is one of the most exciting things to happen since they started running their 1800s guesthouse.
Jack says: “I think the new railway will open up the local area, people will come and rediscover Midlothian and the fact that there’s so much to do here.
“It is definitely going to bring a real boost to local businesses. Our guests will be able to take a day trip into the city, come back and relax and spend the rest of their holiday in Midlothian.”
As Barbara comments, all businesses are set to benefit. She adds: “We tend to find that all the local business in Gorebridge work together as Midlothian really does have a lot to offer.
“We have visitors who like to stay here as they get the best of both worlds – both the city life and the peace and quiet.
“Sometimes they cannot believe the amount of attractions on offer here, including Rosslyn Chapel and Vogrie Country Park.”
Forty six years after the closure of the old Waverley Route, thousands of people in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders and visitors further afield, will have easy access to rail travel.
Jack adds: “We’ve seen Gorebridge double in size, so you really do need the train here. Travelling to the Borders or Edinburgh by train will also ease pressure on our roads.
“We’re really excited about the opening; it’s the best thing to happen in years and will really help both our business and others grow and prosper.”
Did you know? Rail investment facts:
The value of goods and services produced in Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders is just under £20 billion – around 20 per cent of Scotland’s wealth.
Over 11,000 businesses in this area operate in Scotland’s growth sectors, food and drink, creative industries, tourism, energy, financial and business services.
This accounts for 18 per cent of the council area’s wealth and all three local authorities generate £3.5 billion of additional value to the Scottish economy