Tram route debate rumbles on

The Council’s Transport and Environment Committee may have voted to prioritise the Sothern section this week, but the debate about the Northern tram route – should it ever happen – continues:

LIB-DEM Inverleith Councillor Hol Osler said on social media: ‘On Thursday at the Transport and Environment Committee there was a report to consider the next steps on the Granton to Bio Quarter leg of the tram.

‘The Liberal Democrat’s put an amendment in to remove the Roseburn Path from being used for the Northern Leg and consideration given to other proposals.

‘Unfortunately Labour/SNP/Greens voted to keep the Roseburn Path in.

‘Presently there is no funding and priority is being given to progress the southern part of the route.

‘I am very disappointed that Labour/SNP/Greens, having been given another chance to remove the Roseburn Path and consider other options, have again voted to keep it in. This is despite the SNP having committed that they would not support Roseburn as an option.’

Roseburn Path tram consultation set for Spring 2025

The public consultation on the route for Edinburgh’s proposed new North-South tramline from Granton to the Royal Infirmary and beyond is being planned for spring 2025.

Two main options are being considered for the section between Granton and the city centre – one using the former railway line which is now the Roseburn Path, a favourite cycle and walking route; the other taking the trams via Orchard Brae and across the Dean Bridge.

A variation on the Roseburn Path route would see the tramline leave the Roseburn Path and go along Telford Road for a bit to get nearer to the Western General Hospital.