The Whitrope Tunnel is a disused railway tunnel in the Scottish Borders, situated 12 miles (19 km) south of Hawick on the Waverley Route, close to Whitrope. It has a length of 1,208 yards (1,105 m).
 South entrance of Whitrope Tunnel in December 1999 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Line | Waverley Route |
| Location | Between Shankend and Riccarton Junction |
| Coordinates | 55°18′10″N 2°45′03″W |
| System | North British Railway |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 1862 |
| Closed | 1969 |
| Technical | |
| Length | 1,208 yards (1,105 m) |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
It is the fourth longest tunnel in Scotland. The tunnel is on the Hawick to Carlisle part of the former line, opened in the 1860s by the North British Railway. The Tunnel was closed in 1969 (as with the Waverley Route itself) by British Rail.
The Waverley Route Heritage Association is currently aiming to restore the tunnel to former standards and use. The tunnel is a Category B listed building[1] and forms a key part of the former route.
In March 2002 there was a partial collapse of the tunnel roof at the south portal, followed by a major collapse in March 2021. Although it is repairable, there is no source of funding and consequently the tunnel has been sealed off for public safety.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Whitrope Tunnel, Viaduct and Culvert (Category B Listed Building) (LB49311)". Retrieved 22 March 2019.
External links
edit- News footage of the reopening of Whitrope tunnel, 19 April 2006
- Video footage of the tunnel approach and Whitrope Siding station
55°18′10″N 2°45′03″W / 55.30278°N 2.75083°W
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