TRAM: British and Australian (American usually streetcar also trolley) noun [C] An electric vehicle that transports people, usually in cities, and goes along metal tracks in the road. (Taken from the Cambridge English Dictionary)
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HORSE TRAM RETURNS TO EDINBURGH AS CALLS MADE FOR 35 TO RETURN
Preservation – Sunday 16th December 2007
An Edinburgh horse tram was returned to the Scottish capital for restoration in January this year and has been stored in the Seafield depot of Lothian Buses since – alongside tram 226 which has been there for over 20 years. And now transport groups are calling on a transport museum for the city which would also see 35 - currently on loan to the National Tramway Museum – return to be on display in its home city.
The horse tram is believed to be the last remaining tram dates from 1871 and would have operated in its home city until 1899. At this time the tramway was converted to cable operation and all the trams were sold off for £6 each. This one ended up at the Scottish borders town of Newton St Boswells where it remained until the homeowner contacted the Edinburgh Horse Tram Trust.
The Trust are planning to apply for Heritage Lottery Funding to help the restoration. Neil Mackenzie from the Trust said: “The horse tram was a truly remarkable find and although it does require restoration it is in quite good condition. We really need to be looking towards the future and housing these trams in a proper facility. I would love to see them restored to their former glory and make the odd appearance on the streets - it is important that we preserve what is an important part of the city's heritage."
This proper facility would be a Museum not on the large scale of Glasgow’s Museum of Transport but would be large enough to at least display the transport heritage of the Scottish capital. As part of the proposals 35 would return home. Earlier this year the Council revealed they were planning to donate 35 to the National Tramway Museum as they had neither the cash or space to store it in Edinburgh. However, they have now agreed to wait until 5th February 2008 until a final decision is made on the subject whilst a fully costed proposal is made by tram enthusiasts who claim they have private backing.
Cllr Ricky Henderson, transport spokesman for Labour, said: “This tram is the last of its type and we would ideally want to see it housed in a proper museum up here. Unfortunately we do not have anywhere like that, and we do not have the resources to bring the tram back or create a home for it. The council has agreed to postpone the handover however, as we have been approached by people who claim to have significant private sector support which could fund the return of the tram. The onus is now on them to come forward with detailed proposals. This is a piece of the city's history and I think it would be something the whole of the city would want to see brought back here, particularly now."
