New discussions will be raised with the UK and Scottish governments for the extension of the Borders Railway to Carlisle.

The Borderlands Partnership has today published a Borders Railway Prospectus informing the discussions.

The governments are currently assessing the benefits of extending the Edinburgh to Tweedbank Borders railway to Carlisle.

Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council are involved in this along with other border authorities.

Councillor Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council and Borderlands Partnership co-chair said: "The extension of the Borders Railway offers the opportunity to build on the success of the re-establishment of a rail line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank, as well as capitalise on the nationally significant infrastructure investment from HS2 and the proposed modification of rail infrastructure at Carlisle to allow high speed trains to call at the station."

There is £10 million allocated to support the work with the UK Government Department of Transport progressing complementary work with a wider UK perspective.

In developing the Prospectus, the Partnership has identified the extension of the railway to Carlisle as the best solution to transport issues in the borders.

The Prospectus will be discussed at the planned meeting between Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes, and the Borderlands Partnership later this month.

The Prospectus outlines how the Partnership think the transformation will improve connectivity and bring about positive change.

However, it does not state where stations should be allocated on the route or comment on the viability of freight traffic opportunities.

Councillor Elaine Murray, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council and Borderlands Partnership co-chair added: "The Borderlands Partnership was successful in making a strong case work to consider the extension of the Borders Railway across the border to Carlisle in the Deal.

"The Prospectus provides information that builds a strong foundation for taking forward the study and shows its importance for the overall Deal."

The Borderlands Partnership say they are looking forward to working with both Transport Scotland and the Department for Transport on the development of the work.

The full document can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com along with further details of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a £452 million programme jointly supported by the UK and Scottish governments.