Whitrope Tunnel

A lengthy disused railway tunnel located 8½ miles (14 km) south southeast of Hawick in the Scottish Borders. Built c.1860 as part of the Waverley Line (known here as the Border Union Railway), which closed in 1969, this 1105-m (1208-yard) tunnel is the fourth longest in Scotland. The contractor was Dumfries-based William Ritson. There are fine round ashlar portals to the north northwest and south southeast. Ground conditions meant a complex drainage system had to be constructed to remove around 1818 litres (400 gallons) of water per minute which entered the tunnel.

This B-listed structure is in a dangerous condition, following a roof collapse in 2002, and is closed off. The Waverley Route Heritage Association have relaid track up to the tunnel's southern portal and created a heritage centre nearby.


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