The line closed to passenger services 60 years ago, on September 8, 1962, and is now only used for freight trains and occasionally as a diversion route for other services.
But many see the route as an under-used asset and want to see it brought back into regular use as a way of tackling congestion and pollution caused by the number of cars, lorries and buses clogging the city’s roads. It would also make it much easier to get from one area to another without going into the city centre.
These pictures show the line and its stations before the closure and also how it looks now.
. Murrayburn School pupils board British Rail TV Train bound for St Andrews at Gorgie East Station Edinburgh. The train, equipped with closed-circuit television, allowed the children to be taught as they travelled along.
Murrayburn School pupils board British Rail TV Train bound for St Andrews at Gorgie East Station Edinburgh. The train, equipped with closed-circuit television, allowed the children to be taught as they travelled along. Photo: Unknown
. Today
Passenger trains like this one can still occasionally be seen on the South Sub because the line is used as a diversion route when the normal line is closed for engineering works. Photo: Contributed
. The last train on the last day
This was the last train to leave Duddingston & Craigmillar Station on Saturday September 8, 1962, the last day of passenger services on the line. It was the 2pm train from Duddingston to Waverley "Outer Circle", calling at Newington, Blackford Hill, Morningside Road, Craiglockhart, Gorgie East and Haymarket, arriving Waverley at 2.22 pm. Photo: John S Wilson
. Duddingston & Craigmillar station
The disused Duddingston and Craigmillar station pictured in 1972, a decade after it had closed. Photo: Denis Straughan
9. Morningside station after closure
The gates are closed and there are weeds growing on the deserted platform in this shot of Morningside station some time after its closure. Photo: Sandy Young
10. PIC SANDY YOUNG Former Railway Station at Morningside,Belheaven Pl,which now carries freight.With plans to re-open it.
The former Morningside station in more recent times. Photo: Sandy Young
11. Craiglockhart Station
Craiglockhart Station on Craiglockhart Road was one of the 11 stations on the line, including Haymarket and Waverley. Photo: Scotsman Publications