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Choo choo the train has returned to the Scottish Borders
Back in June we were cycling along the road above Stow looking down on the new train tracks all ready for the train to return to the Scottish Borders. And now it is here! Golden Ticket holders boarded the train on Saturday for the first time in 47 years and on Wednesday the Queen will officially open the railway with a special steam train trip on the same day she becomes Britain's longest serving monarch.
Every child in every primary school received a chocolate bar and Willy Wonka style there was a golden ticket to be won for a trip on the first three trains on Saturday. Many of the campaigners to bring the railway back to the area also received tickets along with competition winners and others nominated by the locals. Our Emily was on the train:
There was a huge buzz of excitement as the countdown began and everyone started boarding the train. Once on board the champagne was flowing and a large cheer erupted as the train pulled out of Tweedbank. It was great to see local landmarks from a different viewpoint, for me the most exciting moment was seeing Scottish Borders Campus having studied there for many years, as well as discovering Borthwick Castle further up the line which I had never seen before. At every station there was a group of people waving and taking photographs all trying to get a glimpse of the new train.
Our favourite piece of railway fever is the great big chocolate train, or the "lo-cocoa-motion" as it is being called. This incredibly detailed scale chocolate model of the Flying Scotsman contains over 400,000 calories and weighs 75kg. Created by Ruth Hinks from Cocoa Black in Peebles the culinary masterpiece will be auctioned in aid of Radio Borders Cash for Kids after it visits various events and venues over the coming weeks.
For the full story of the Scottish Borders railway this great little video tells the tale.
Have you been on the railway or making plans for a trip? Send us your photos!
