David Mundell MP has pledged to work together with the Scottish Government to progress plans to extend the Borders Railway to Carlisle believing it is a "realistic prospect."
Mr Mundell who's constituency is the closest Scottish one to England made the commitment to work with the Scottish Government to explore the possibility in a speech in Edinburgh on Monday.
Commenting David Mundell said : "Scotland needs good transport links to thrive.
"During the election the First Minister stated her commitment of exploring the feasibility of extending the Borders Railway to Carlisle.
"Patently such a development would require cross border working and partnerships.
"I am ready to work with the Scottish Government on this issue as they develop their plans and thinking.
"I think it is a realistic prospect. It obviously requires considerable work in terms of ensuring the route is identified and there are also complexities because the legislation and rules to create a railway in England are slightly different to Scotland.
"But I think everyone is of a mind that is should be done and I think it is perfectly doable.
"For communities like Hawick it would make a major difference and it has got huge potential in the south to take traffic off the roads.
"I am committed to playing my part."