Wednesday March 25th 2026
Whitrope Heritage Centre
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Borders railway preservation centre has been forced to put the brakes on its offering to the public.
It is with “considerable regret” that, due to a reduced number of available volunteers, Whitrope Heritage Centre will need to operate on a very limited, ad hoc basis for the rest of this year rather than offering its usual programme of open days, as previously advertised.
The heritage centre is based in two railway carriages at Whitrope Siding, just off the B6399 between Hawick and Newcastleton.
It houses a vast selection of old railway relics from the Waverley Route and other Borders’ railways and many old photographs and a display of how the railways were built.
The centre also offers a train journey on the Border Union Railway and is advertised as being the ideal way to spend a leisurely day.
Adjoining the exhibition coach is a buffet coach where you can unwind with a cup of tea in the comfort of a 1960s carriage.
A spokesperson for Waverley Route Heritage Association said: “We sincerely appreciate that this may come as a disappointment, and we are especially grateful for your continued patience, support, and understanding during this time.
“If circumstances improve, we hope to be able to announce occasional open days at short notice.
“Volunteers are often present on site at weekends, and at these times we will always do our very best to welcome visitors and, where possible, offer access to the centre and railway.”
WRHA members’ free tickets included with this year’s membership can also be used next year.
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