Train service calls at Reston for first time in 50 years

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Communities from East Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders were this morning connected by rail for the first time in more than 50 years thanks to TransPennine Express (TPE).

Today’s (Monday 23 May) 6.16am TPE service from Edinburgh stopped at the newly constructed Reston Station, marking the first passenger service in the village since 1964.

To mark the historic occasion, the first train to call at the new station, a TPE Nova 1 (train number 802212), was named ‘St Abb’s Head’ after the picturesque Scottish National Trust reserve located just a few miles away. The Border Piper, Sandy Mutch, played Scotland the Brave as the service arrived at the £20 million station.

Matthew Golton, managing director of TransPennine Express, who was among TPE customers on the first rail journey to Reston, said: “This is a landmark day for Reston – and for TPE – and we’re delighted we’ve been able to work with our partners to help connect communities in the Scottish Borders.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and it was fantastic to see so many using our newly named ‘St Abb’s Head’ Nova train this morning. We’re excited to welcome the hundreds of future travellers who have already purchased advanced tickets and look forward to the part TPE will play in providing new leisure and commuting opportunities for the local community.”

Ciaran Hatsell, the National Trust for Scotland’s Ranger for the Borders and St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, said: “This is a fantastic initiative by TransPennine Express and we’re greatly honoured by their decision to name one of their trains after St Abb’s Head.

“One of the core purposes of the Trust is to ensure people have access to heritage, and we are very supportive of the use of public transport to facilitate this.  This initiative combines respect for a magnificent coastal setting with respect for the environment by promoting and improving rail use.  We hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to use the service.”

TPE also marked the occasion by handing out thousands of goody bags, providing free tea, coffee, and water on board their services and inviting schoolchildren from Reston Primary School to visit the station for the first time. The children, who were also on hand to welcome the Minister for Transport to the station, were treated by TPE to a complimentary day trip to Edinburgh.

Image credit: TransPennine Express

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