More than 2,200 people applied for just 10 trainee driver jobs on the new Borders railway, ScotRail has revealed.
The successful candidates include a blacksmith, a welder, an airport postman, a mechanic and a former Lance Corporal in the Armed Forces among others and hail from a variety of Borders towns including Galashiels, Hawick, Melrose and Selkirk.
They will work alongside eight existing ScotRail drivers once the railway is completed in summer 2015.
ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: "We received more than 2,200 applications for trainee driver jobs and are confident that the 10 new recruits are of the highest calibre, with the essential mix of experience, good concentration and mature attitude required to be a successful train driver.
"Coming from the Borders themselves, they know the positive impact which the return of rail services to the area will have on local communities."
Transport minister Keith Brown met the new drivers at the 166-year-old Lothianbridge viaduct in Midlothian.
He said: "This month marks one year since Network Rail took over the construction of the Borders railway and there is now activity along the entire length of the 30-mile route and at the stations being constructed.
"The people of the Borders are really seeing their railway take shape and I'm delighted to now be able to introduce to them the drivers who will take charge of those services carrying them to new jobs, bringing new investment opportunities to their towns and countless other benefits.
"The Scottish Government has a strong record in investing in schemes which deliver crucial social benefits for communities, as well as for the wider Scottish economy.
"Borders rail is no different. We recognise infrastructure investment as a vital driver in revitalising communities and providing employment opportunities. By encouraging public transport use we improve our environment and the nation's health too. The people of the Borders and Midlothian will reap the immediate benefits of this project, but the Scottish population as a whole will also see the rewards.
"These recruits are undertaking an intensive training regime and I am honoured that they could make the time to come along and help us celebrate the continued progress of this exciting project."
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