Storm Bert gave all sorts of different weather across the UK, whether that was strong winds, heavy rain or in some cases snow. Edinburgh fell into the final category with Saturday 23rd November seeing some snow fall and giving the chance to capture the trams in operation through the white stuff. The trams were incredibly busy on this day, in no small part down to the fact that in the morning Lothian Buses withdrew their vehicles back to depot (there were no buses in the city from around 1040 until approximately 1430). This collection of photos takes a look at some of the trams in the city centre on this day, with thanks to Roy Calderwood.
The snow is already turning to slush as we see one of the two trams which advertises The Royal Yacht Britannia, 263, call at Princes Street on the way to Newhaven. With no buses running the trams were busy as seen on the platform here.
Its 1447 and we are still at Princes Street for this image of 265 which is also heading to Newhaven. This tram features the rosette celebrating the tramway being no. 1 as well as adverts for CR Smith.
Trams go in either direction at Princes Street with people queuing to get on board. Closest to us is 269 with adverts for Edinburgh Street Food whilst over the other side (with a service to Newhaven) is the RBS supporting Team GB adverted 255.
Buses are starting to come back into service as we see 273 calling at Princes Street with a service to the advert. The tram is now in its third version of an advert for Uni Qlo.
253 is approaching the Princes Street stop with a service to Newhaven. On the right the windows above the River Island and Levi’s stores were once part of the now closed Debenham’s store which is to be converted to a hotel.
We move onto St Andrew Square and have another pair of trams. 263 is coming back from Newhaven and is now on its way to Airport whilst closest to us we have 252 which goes the opposite way. (All Photographs by Roy Calderwood, 23rd November 2024)