Tag: Travel

Loganair to reunite distant friends with free return flights

Loganair is calling on the public to help track down some of the country’s longest distance friendships across its network, as the regional airline looks to bring one deserving duo back together with complimentary flights.

Whether it’s childhood best friends who now live hundreds of miles apart, or university flatmates who haven’t seen each other since graduation, Loganair’s latest Season of Connections campaign is a celebration of friendship that endures, no matter the postcode.

The competition, launching this week on the airline’s Instagram and Facebook channels, invites people to share their story and explain why their long-distance friendship deserves a long-overdue reunion. The winning pair will receive return flights to each other’s city, helping bridge the gap.

It follows the huge response to Loganair’s Christmas giveaway, inspired by its festive advert, Loganair, Actually, offering one lucky winner a year of free flights across Loganair’s extensive network.

Now, Loganair hopes to bring another memorable reunion to life, this time between two friends kept apart by distance but still closely connected.

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together.

“Whether it’s been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible.”

The competition runs until Sunday, 17 August. To take part, visit Loganair’s Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in bio to submit your story.

The winning friends will be announced later this summer, with their reunion taking place in the autumn.

Loganair’s extensive network of flights allows passengers from across the UK and beyond to explore a wide range of destinations. The airline’s 21kg (15kg hold allowance plus 6kg carry-on bag) ensures passengers can bring all they need for trips to reunite with friends and loved ones.

The UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair connects communities across the UK, from remote islands like Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, to bustling business hubs including Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Codeshare agreements with partner airlines, including British Airways and KLM, open up even more opportunities to connect with friends and family further afield.

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness. 

For more information and to enter, visit Season of Connections – Reuniting Long-Distance Friends | Loganair

100ml liquid rule lifted at Edinburgh Airport

The 100ml liquids rule for airport security has been lifted at Edinburgh Airport for the first time since it was introduced in 2006 following the installation of top-of-the-range security x-ray technology.

It means passengers will be able to keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each.

Edinburgh Airport, now part of the VINCI Airports network, is the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule.

It comes after eight new X-rays were installed as part of a £24 million investment to transform the security process at Scotland’s busiest airport. Large electricals, such as tablets and laptops, can remain in bags, and liquids in containers up to two litres can now also be kept inside.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.

“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.

“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology. But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”

Goa Tourism Showcase in Edinburgh

Goa Tourism Unveils Regenerative Travel Vision 

India’s coastal gem reimagines itself beyond beaches and casinos at landmark cultural showcase, drawing dignitaries and Scottish Tourism Leaders

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with a Scotland-based cultural initiative, unveiled its bold new identity as a global leader in regenerative tourism.

Hosted at the elegant elegant Virgin Hotels in Edinburgh on 27th June, the event drew senior Indian delegates, British parliamentarians, cultural leaders, and tourism innovators into a shared dialogue to promote Goa’s evolving identity as a hub for regenerative tourism, wellness, and cultural heritage.

A Prestigious Gathering

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Naval Kumar Verma, Advisor (Medical & Wellness Tourism) to GTDC, who travelled from India alongside Mr. Parvesh Shukla, Director of Worldwide Travel and NRI Head at Rejoice Health Foundation, and Mr. Jigar Bhaglia, Deputy Chair of Selly Oak Conservatives.

The evening was graced by MP Christine Jardine and MP Dr. Scott Arthur, alongside respected voices from Scotland’s tourism, education, and cultural diplomacy sectors. Celebrated author and India advocate Ms. Aline Dobbie also graced the gathering, underscoring the evening’s spirit of Indow-Scottish amity.

Celebrating Culture and Connection

The programme opened with the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, symbolising unity and enlightment, led jointly by the Indian and Scottish dignitaries.

A captivating Odissi performance by classical dancer Shilpi Dhar set the cultural tone for the evening. The event was seamlessly emceed with warmth by Mrs. Nidhi Walker, a bridge between Indian roots and Scottish identity.

In a keynote that stirred minds and hearts, Dr. Verma presented Goa’s pioneering approach as India’s first state to embrace regenerative tourism — a paradigm that transcends sustainability, focusing on restoring ecosystems, empowering local communities, and preserving and honoring cultural legacies.

“Goa is not just about beaches and casinos,” said Dr. Verma. “It’s a land of Ayurveda, spiritual heritage, waterfalls, wellness festivals, and sacred sites — where tourists can now leave a positive impact through mindful travel.”

Speeches from Dr. Scott Arthur, MP Christine Jardine, Ms. Aline Dobbie, and Ms. Preena Verma echoed these themes emphasizing the potential for India and Scotland to build equitable, eco-conscious partnerships in tourism and culture.

 A Colourful Cultural Showcase

The showcase culminated in an exuberant cultural segment that brought Goa’s vibrant spirit to life. Youthful performers Aarya, Tiara, Aadhya, and Anoushka enchanted the audience with traditional Goan dance, culminating in a breathtaking Kathak recital by Himadri, whose elegant footwork drew heavy applause.

Curated short films transported attendees to Goa’s diverse landscapes — from spice plantations to colonial-era churches, serene temples to Sufi shrines — painting a cinematic portrait of a state where spirituality, biodiversity, and community coalesce.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, affirming a shared vision between India and the UK: one where tourism becomes a transformative force for cultural diplomacy and planetary stewardship.

 About Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)

GTDC is the official body under the Government of Goa responsible for the promotion and development of tourism in the state. GTDC is committed to positioning Goa as a holistic destination that champions regenerative tourism, wellness, and heritage.

Jet2.com offering thousands of July seats for £49 or less

Jet2.com puts thousands of July seats up for grabs at £49 or less

Jet2.com has kicked off July in style by announcing fantastic savings for holidaymakers looking to grab a July getaway – with thousands of one-way July seats up for grabs for £49 or less.

Customers looking to book a getaway to a sunny hotspot or a European leisure city this month have more reason than ever to get clicking.

With over 475 routes on sale from across 13 UK airport bases in Summer 25, customers travelling with Jet2.com are spoiled for choice when it comes to getting some well-deserved sunshine across Europe, the Mediterranean, Morocco and Canary Islands.

As well as enjoying the best destinations for just £49 or less this July, customers can also experience Jet2.com’s award-winning flights and customer service, with 10kg hand luggage included, which has seen the airline win an array of high-profile awards, including Which? Recommended Provider status for the past ten years running.

A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: “There is no better feeling than securing a spot in the sunshine for less, so we are getting July off to the best start by announcing this sale, which means cheaper flights and cheaper holidays.

“With thousands of seats in July available for £49 or less on our award-winning airline, we know there will be enormous demand, so we are expecting seats to sell very quickly.”

To take advantage of these fantastic savings, visit www.jet2.com.

Full details available here: https://www.jet2.com/promotions

Rabies case confirmed following contact with animal abroad

UKHSA is reminding travellers to be careful around animals when travelling to rabies affected countries

A woman from the UK has sadly died after becoming infected with rabies, following contact with a stray dog during a visit to Morocco. The individual was diagnosed in Yorkshire and the Humber.  

There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case as there is no documented evidence of rabies passing between people. However, as a precautionary measure, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary. 

Rabies is passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal. It is nearly always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is very effective at preventing disease if given promptly after exposure to the virus.  

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding travellers to be careful around animals when travelling to rabies affected countries due to the risk of catching the disease.

Dr Katherine Russell, Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, at UKHSA, said: “I would like to extend my condolences to this individual’s family at this time. 

“If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies.

“There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case. Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK, and worldwide there are no documented instances of direct human-to-human transmission.”

Rabies does not circulate in either wild or domestic animals in the UK, although some species of bats can carry a rabies-like virus. No human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats have been reported since 1902.  

Between 2000 and 2024 there were 6 cases of human rabies associated with animal exposures abroad reported in the UK. 

Rabies is common in other parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa. All travellers to rabies affected countries should avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals wherever possible, and seek advice about the need for rabies vaccine prior to travel. 

You should take immediate action to wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water, if:  

  • you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal while you’re abroad in a country with rabies 
  • an animal has licked your eyes, nose or mouth, or licked a wound you have, while you’re abroad in a country with rabies 
  • you’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK

Local medical advice should be sought without delay, even in those who have been previously vaccinated. 

When given promptly after an exposure, a course of rabies post-exposure treatment is extremely effective at preventing the disease.

If such an exposure occurs abroad, the traveller should also consult their doctor on return, so that the course of rabies treatment can be completed. If travellers have not sought medical advice abroad, they should contact their doctor promptly upon return for assessment. 

Rabies – Information for travel leaflet. Public Health England. Product code: 400322RT. Gateway Number: 2024664.
Rabies – Information for travel leaflet. Public Health England. Product code: 400322RT. Gateway Number: 2024664.

For more information on the risk of rabies in different countries, see the country information pages on the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s (NaTHNaC’s) website, TravelHealthPro. 

For more general information about rabies, see the NHS website or the UKHSA leaflet on rabies risks for travellers.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines returns to Rosyth for summer sailings

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today (7th June) returned to the Port of Rosyth, marking the start of a summer season of sailings aboard its 1,325-guest ship, Balmoral.

A total of eight cruises will depart from Rosyth between June and August 2025, offering guests the chance to enjoy scenic and cultural discoveries closer to home and further afield.

Highlights include scenic cruising past Fingal’s Cave and the remote Scottish isles, exploring Arctic Norway under the glow of the Midnight Sun, uncovering the heritage of the Baltic with visits to Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen, and whale watching in Icelandic waters. Guests can also enjoy the chance to sail the beautiful River Seine through the heart of Normandy.

Later today, Balmoral will depart Rosyth on a 10-night Scotland, Scilly Isles & the West Country cruise. The itinerary features a host of scenic cruising moments including sailing past the Duncansby Sea Stacks, the Needle, Old Man of Hoy, the Small Isles, Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave. Calls into Lerwick, St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Dartmouth and Portsmouth offer opportunities to step ashore and explore.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Our summer 2025 sailings from Rosyth offer a hand-crafted mix of scenic cruising and enriching destinations.

“Guests can marvel at Norway’s majestic fjords, witness Iceland’s striking volcanic landscapes, and uncover the rich histories of the Baltic capitals.

“Balmoral’s smaller size also allows us to sail the serene River Seine – a rare opportunity to experience river cruising aboard an ocean-going ship. Each itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of the world around us, while offering the warm, personal service we’re known for.”

Rosyth is one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s 2025 departure ports, alongside Liverpool, Portsmouth, Southampton, Newcastle, Dover and Southampton.

Upcoming highlights on Balmoral sailing from Rosyth include:

Balmoral’s 10-night L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.

  • Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime
  • Witness the Midnight Sun and see Torghatten
  • Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising by Reine, Lofoten, Norway – Leknes, Norway – Svolvær, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Vesteralen, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’

Balmoral‘s 13-night L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Rosyth, Edinburgh on 27th June 2025.Prices start from £1,799 per person.

  • Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
  • Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song & Dance Festival
  • Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region

Itinerary:Rosyth (Edinburgh), UK – Copenhagen, Denmark – Warnemünde (for tours to Schwerin Castle), Germany – Klaipėda, Lithuania – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia – Saaremaa, Estonia – Rosyth (Edinburgh), UK

For more information: VisitL2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’

Balmoral’s 10-night L2515 ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’, departing from Rosyth on 10thJuly 2025. Prices start from £1,699 per person.

  • Discover Iceland’s extraordinary glaciers, geysers and waterfalls
  • Immerse yourself in Iceland’s wellness culture of hot spring bathing
  • Experience whale watching on a tour from Balmoral

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising by Duncansby Sea Stacks, Scotland – Cruising Pentland Firth, Scotland – Cruising by the Needle, Scotland – Cruising by Old Man of Hoy, Scotland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2515 ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’

Balmoral’s 13-night ‘French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux’ cruise, departing Rosyth on 20th July 2025. Prices start from £2,099pp.

  • Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
  • Join a tour to France’s capital and experience Parisian life
  • Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo 

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Bordeaux, France (overnight) – Cruising Girdonde and Garonne Rivers – Getxo, Spain (for Bilbao) – St Malo, France (anchor port) – Cruising River Seine, France – Rouen, France (overnight port) – Honfleur, France – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’


For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sailings from Rosyth, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-scotland
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

Next stop: May half-term – train travel delivers over a £430m boost to local economies

This May half-term, families travelling by rail are set to contribute an estimated £191 million to the local area they depart from and over £240 million at their destination, boosting local microeconomies.

Those heading for seaside towns and villages could drive local spending of over £20 million across the entire May half-term.

Food and drink are the top spend in and around the departure station, with leisure passengers supporting local high streets and the hospitality industry when they travel.

Numbers of leisure travellers expected to jump by 9% in city destinations and leap by 1/3 in seaside towns during half-term week with rail passengers, giving a real boost to local economies.

This May half-term, when leisure travellers, families and friends opt to travel by rail, they will also be providing a significant economic boost to local communities across Great Britain. New data from Rail Delivery Group shows that rail travellers this May half-term will contribute an estimated £191 million to the local areas from which they depart and over £240 million at their destination.

When comparing the half-term week in May with surrounding weeks outside, numbers of leisure travellers are expected to jump by 9% in city destinations and increase by 1/3 in seaside towns with rail passengers, giving a real boost to local businesses.

Whether families are spending more time exploring new places, enjoying leisurely meals, or visiting seaside attractions during their holidays, every journey made during this half-term will contribute to local economies.

Just over half (58%) of all leisure travellers spend money in and around the departure station and the most common location to spend money is on the local high street (40% of leisure travellers) followed by inside the station (16%).

The data also found that passengers heading to seaside towns and villages are the most likely to spend money in and around their departure station (65%), followed by people travelling to non-coastal towns and villages (60%) and cities (58%) and with travellers to rural areas the least likely (49%).

Those families heading to the seaside are expected to make an even larger impact with an average spend of £34 in and around their departure station and £44 at their destination. This means that those travellers visiting seaside towns and villages could be contributing over £20 million throughout the entire half-term to their local high streets, independent businesses and beyond. Whether grabbing an ice cream, buying a book or enjoying a fresh batch of fish & chips, every journey will benefit the local economies.

Beyond the economic boost, choosing rail this May half-term has a real environmental impact. On average, a single train journey emits nearly five times less carbon emissions than the same trip by car—equivalent to saving as much carbon as boiling a kettle 455 times.

And compared with flying, domestic rail travel in Britain is up to 13 times greener. By choosing the train, half-term travellers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also supporting local communities across the country.

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair & Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group said: “May half-term is a great time for families to explore many wonderful towns and attractions across Britain.

“Our data shows that by choosing sustainable rail journeys, passengers not only reduce their carbon footprint but also play a vital role in supporting local communities.

“Whether it’s a seaside escape, exploring somewhere new, or visiting family, this half-term every trip is more than a journey; it’s a chance to support local high streets, independent businesses and further drive economic growth across the country.”

Letters: Public transport experiences for people who are deaf or have hearing loss

Dear Editor, 
 
The May bank holidays are upon us and train stations are buzzing with travellers and day-trippers. However, for millions of people who are deaf, or have hearing loss, using public transport can be a challenging and stressful experience. 
 
Imagine being on a platform. Passengers suddenly start leaving and you’re not sure why. Or you’re on a train that stops unexpectedly between stations, and you seem to be the only person in the carriage unaware of what’s going on. What should be a relaxing journey can quickly become an anxious and isolating experience. Deaf people often rely on fellow travellers for help.   
 
To mark Deaf Awareness Week (5–11 May), RNID – the national charity supporting the 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus – has highlighted concerning research showing that the public are often unwilling to assist deaf people when navigating public transport. Whilst many people do want to help – they’re often held-back by uncertainty around how to communicate.  
 
The good news is that RNID’s ‘It does matter’ campaign offers free tips and videos with basic BSL phrases to help people become more deaf-aware and confident when offering support. 
 
This Deaf Awareness Week is the perfect time to learn how you can make a difference. Visit www.rnid.org.uk/it-does-matter 
 
Yours sincerely,  
 
Teri Devine,  
Associate Director of Inclusion,  
RNID  

Barrhead Travel reveals top destinations for Edinburgh holidaymakers this Easter

Following a record start to the year, leading travel agent shares destinations that have topped the must-visit lists for customers this Easter 

 Barrhead Travel has revealed sunshine is top of the priority list this spring for British holidaymakers, with Tenerife, Mallorca and Turkey emerging amongst the most popular destinations this Easter.  

With the recent spell of fair weather, customers have caught the bug for sunshine, with Easter departures set to exceed their record-breaking holiday period in 2024.   

  

Following the agency’s successful start to the year, cruising has also proven a very popular option, thanks to the value-for-money on offer as well as the convenience of many regional departures. 

According to Barrhead Travel sales data, the top selling destinations for travel across the Easter period in Scotland have included: 

  1. Tenerife 
  2. Mallorca 
  3. Lanzarote 
  4. Antalya 
  5. Alicante 

All-inclusive holidays remain the number one choice for holidaymakers, while cruise is also amongst the top picks. Most customers are opting to maximise the holiday period with seven nights listed as the top duration. However, the group have reported an increase in three and four night breaks this season with many people opting for long weekend getaways.  

The ongoing demand mirrors Barclays latest consumer research which highlights that spend with travel agents was up 13.1 percent in March while holidays were cited as a “top priority purchase.” 

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel said: “We can see the appetite for holidays in 2025 shows no sign of slowing down, with travel across the Easter period set to exceed our departures from last season.  

“We’ve seen an increase in late bookings this Easter which suggests that there’s high levels of confidence amongst customers to add in extra holiday breaks. The pattern we’re seeing is that people have secured their main annual holiday further ahead than usual and are then assessing their budgets periodically to see what other trips they feel they can plan in. 

“We know how important holidays are to our customers this year and we’ve been working hard to make sure that we can deliver the very best value for money. Working with a trusted travel agent, like our team at Barrhead Travel, can help make your budget go further.

“With Easter wrapping up this weekend, we’re now looking ahead to a busy May Bank Holiday period and summer season.” 

Barrhead Travel’s retail network is open seven days a week until late as well as offering evening support through their online service, call centres and social media channels.

Find your nearest Barrhead Travel store by visiting:

https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/storelocator   

Students call for Edinburgh’s South Suburban rail line to reopen to passengers after 60 years

Engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are spearheading calls to reopen a rail route that last served neighbourhoods in the south of Edinburgh over 60 years ago.   

The six-strong team of civil engineers, based in Edinburgh, are behind an online petition urging policymakers to integrate Edinburgh’s South Suburban Line into the city’s existing tram network paving the way for a new transport corridor in the Capital. In addition to the petition, which has already gathered almost 1500 signatures in the last week, the students carried out a public survey revealing significant support for their proposals from local communities and potential passengers.

Opened in 1884, the line – commonly known as the Sub – closed to timetabled passenger services in 1962.

Spanning 12.3km, the line links Murrayfield stadium in the west of the city with Portobello on its eastern boundary, passing through the key neighbourhoods of Craiglockhart, Morningside, Newington, Cameron Toll, Craigmillar, Fort Kinnaird and Brunstane. It currently has six platforms lining the route which the students acknowledge require renovation. Their plans also propose a further four new platforms at Portobello, Fort Kinnaird, Niddrie Bingham and Cameron Toll.

While the line is maintained by Network Rail and used today for freight transportation, the students argue it is underutilised asset, capable of assisting Edinburgh City Council in meeting its target to reduce car miles travelled by 30% by 2030.

Caitlin Cummings is working on the project as part of her final year coursework in Civil Engineering. She said: “Breathing new life into Edinburgh’s South Suburban Railway will make travel easier for all and encourage people to leave their cars at home in favour of this transport link.

“We do have a second phase to this project that would see a separate line extend from Portobello to Leith using a disused railway line. This would also reduce public disruption by preventing roads from being dug up and minimise impact to business and the environment while helping encourage people onto public transport.”

Efforts to reopen the Sub line have been discussed before but dismissed due to high costs related to increasing capacity at the stations. But with Edinburgh’s population increasing and placing greater demands on existing public transport services, the students believe they have found a ‘practical and cost-effective’ solution.

After months of research using the knowledge gained through their studies, they have tabled a proposal to introduce Scotland’s first battery-electric tram-train network. Tram-trains have been in use in Europe for decades and already operate in Sheffield with more planned elsewhere in the UK.

Tram-trains are a type of light rail vehicle that meet the standards of a light rail system – such as a tram network – and also national mainland railway standards. Tramcars are capable of operating on streets like an urban tramway as well as alongside mainline trains.

It’s a proposal the campaign group hope will trigger interest from the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council and Network Rail.

Final-year MEng Civil Engineering student, Corey Boyle said: “The system we propose is called discontinued electrification. That’s an alternative to a full route electrification like we see used on the Edinburgh trams.

“As they’re battery electric vehicles, they can run on sections using battery alone and then switch to overhead lines at certain points. This way, it helps keep costs down and gets round any potential obstacles, such as low bridges that might otherwise prevent a tram train from receiving power.

“It is a low-carbon and viable transport option that would see greater connections between homes in the south of the city with the city centre and beyond.”

The group say their proposal will help alleviate capacity concerns at Edinburgh’s two busiest railway stations, Waverley and Haymarket.

Corey, continues: “Ultimately, we want our work to result in the commissioning of a new feasibility study which looks into reopening the South sub.

“The last one was in 2008, which was before the trams were even opened and it never looked into the use of tram trains. Since then, there’s been a lot of new developments and there’s a strong case for a new feasibility study to be carried out.”

Edinburgh City Council’s Transport and Environmental Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson thanked the students for organising the petition and supported calls for Edinburgh to have an interconnected public transport system.

He said: “The South Suburban Railway network has been an issue that has appeared many times over the years and represents a potential future opportunity for development.  

“Edinburgh requires an efficient, innovative and interconnected public transport system to allow us to deal with projected population growth, fulfil our climate responsibilities, drive economic growth, and accelerate developments to respond to our housing emergency.

“I’ve been clear that the North-South tram route is a key part of this and I’m looking forward to seeing the final Strategic Business Case when it is ultimately presented to committee. In addition, we are working with partners on how a North-South tram route can connect with other public transport options across the city and the surrounding local authorities and South Suburban Railway is part of this.   

“We’ll continue to keep Edinburgh moving and encourage all our residents and visitors to use public transport wherever possible.”

If you wish to add your name in support of the campaign, you can by visiting Change.org.