With the opening of a new 30mile stretch of railway, the Borders is set to flourish and today this area is firmly focused on living life in the present and welcoming a brighter future.

After all, this is an area that can offer an outstanding quality of life; its close-knit communities may be steeped in history and heritage, but they are also proving to be positive and forward-thinking.

It’s evident each of the Border towns has a character and atmosphere all of its own – and it’s no surprise many have become top tourist destinations and places to live and work in their own right.

In the third of our monthly look at Scottish towns, we look at the positive changes taking place across the region.

Bountiful region is on track for a boost

Five reasons to visit the Borders

Keith Brown MSP: Vital new rail link will help nation to flourish

Borders towns are tightly knit and keen to try

New track signals a railway rebirth

Uniquely different and surging ahead together

Seven towns have a hundred stories to tell

Buy a house in the Borders