Newbattle Viaduct celebration

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By Ashley Butlin

THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has selected 200 people and projects that have transformed peoples’ lives – all part of its 2018 bicentenary celebrations.

The list includes Newbattle Viaduct, near Dalkeith, opened in 1849 to carry the Edinburgh to Hawick Railway across the River Esk.

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When the Waverley Route (successor to the E&HR) closed to freight in 1972, the 23-arch masonry structure remained in situ.

It was protected until the new Borders Railway reopened in 2015, when trains ran over the magnificent viaduct 169 years after it first came into use.

The engraved plaque to be erected alongside Newbattle Viaduct. IONA BUTLIN

A plaque dedicated to the historic civil engineering landmark was installed on the Sun Inn, alongside the viaduct, at an unveiling ceremony held by ICE and BAM on September 6.

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At the ceremony, ICE past president Prof Gordon Masterton said: “The Borders Railway is one of 11 Scottish locations in the 200 projects being showcased for ICE 200, and the reuse of the Newbattle Viaduct is a testament to the quality of design and construction that symbolises the excellence of the United Kingdom’s civil engineering traditions begun 200 years ago by founding president Thomas Telford”.

Read more News and Features in the October issue of The RM – on sale now!


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