(Photo 7 © Bruce McCartney)

The magnificent Leaderfoot Viaduct was opened in October 1865 to carry the Berwickshire Railway, connecting Reston on the East Coast Main Line with St Boswells on the Waverley. Described as “immense” by Queen Victoria, it was engineered by Charles Jopp and Wylie & Peddie.

The 19 arches - each of 43 feet span - are of brickwork whilst the abutments, piers and walls are built from rustic-faced red sandstone. Towards its southern end, the abutments and piers have been strengthened with bullhead rail and buttresses.

The railway was severed by flooding during August 1948, after which passenger trains never ran beyond Duns. Freight trains continued to cross the viaduct as far as Greenlaw until 19th July 1965.

Its deteriorating state prompted the threat of demolition before Historic Scotland intervened, offering financial support. Renovation work was carried out between 1992 and 1995 - the structure is now protected by a Grade A listing.