IT IS often said that only the best is good enough for the Queen and this is no doubt why Her Majesty will be hauled by a steam locomotive as she opens the Borders Railway.

What is regrettable is that the same courtesy and sound engineering principles will not be extended to her subjects for whom the regular service will be provided by unreliable diesel traction.

Yet another missed opportunity by the Scottish Government who should have used part of their investment in the re-opened Waverley Route to support the skills and technology needed for the next generation of steam train construction.

JOHN EOIN DOUGLAS Spey Terrace, Edinburgh