A means of reducing the capital required for the line to £22,000 was found with the help of G. B. Wieland of the North British Railway, in 1884, but even so share subscription was not forthcoming, and on 30 April 1889 the company's Parliamentary deposit of £2,400 was forfeited.
Blasting operation on the construction damaged the engine of the Up Flying Scotsman: Burnmouth: Accident on the Railway.