First minister Alex Salmond has announced that the first trains are to be operational on the Scottish Borders Railway from September 6th 2015.

A feasibility study is to take place, led by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with VisitScotland, Scottish Borders Council and Transport Scotland, examining how the Borders Railway will transform the tourism potential of the region.

This will look at tourist opportunities arising from any future development of the line, including the potential for a turntable and the creation of a permanent home at Tweedbank Station for the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

In addition, a steam train experience is to be launched to maximise the revenue generated by tourism, which could benefit the local economy by millions of pounds a year.

Mr Salmond said: "I have no doubt that Borders Railway will be profoundly successful and I will be one of the first in line for a ticket when the trains are running in September next year."