The 12-week consultation into plans to extend the Edinburgh Trams from Granton to the Bioquarter via the city centre has now closed. The responses will now be analysed before the results are presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
The planned extension would see trams run from Granton in the north through to the BioQuarter (and beyond). Whilst there is support for extending the tram network, this planned line is not without its controversies – the most high-profile of which is the Roseburn Path.
Roseburn Path is the cheaper and more obvious option for the trams to run but in recent years this has been developed as a green corridor and campaigners wish it to remain. It is the preferred option though as it would keep costs down and the alternative route would also be more disruptive. Its likely that this will be subject of a lot of responses in the consultation.
The Council have confirmed that there were 11,500 responses from residents and businesses, with around 1,500 people attending the drop-in sessions.
In an article published in The Herald on Sunday and published on the City of Edinburgh Council website, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Over the last three months we’ve seen an incredible level of engagement on our ambitious plans to extend Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning tram network.
“We’ll now carefully consider the consultation responses as part of the wider business case, which will come back to the Transport and Environment Committee next year. I’d stress too that with any project of this scale, no one route, or plan will be agreeable to everyone. Ultimately my responsibility, and the responsibility of all elected members, is to do what is best for the city.
“The tram is a potentially transformational development for Edinburgh, and we owe it to future generations to be bold and ambitious. The Capital stands at a crossroads. We face a choice between confronting the complex challenges that are before us and laying the foundations for a better city – or burying our heads in the sand and hoping for the best. Edinburgh’s future citizens will not forgive us if we do nothing, and I have no doubt which side I am on.”
Writing about the proposed routes he added: “When considering the potential routes from Granton to the city centre, elected members gave a clear instruction in February 2024 that any future consultation should objectively consider the pros and cons of both the Roseburn Path and Orchard Brae routes, which is exactly what we’ve done.
“That’s not to say other options haven’t been considered, but these are the most direct routes, which is a central consideration in making the case for tram investment.
“The idea of a tram travelling through this area of the city is not a new concept. As far back as 1989, the then Lothian Regional Council considered an Edinburgh Metro on the old railway line at Roseburn, and consent for use of the line was granted by the Scottish Parliament almost two decades ago. The rationale which underpinned these plans, in terms of the economic, social and environmental benefits, still rings true today. We need only look to the success of Trams to Newhaven, and the new lease of life it has brought to communities and businesses across the north of our city to see the potential.
“On the Roseburn Path route, we’re conscious that its use has changed over the years, and thanks to input from local people and users of the path, our plans now include the installation of a high-quality, segregated, active travel route alongside the proposed tramline. The local ecological network will also be protected, with some 70% of trees being retained and new green spaces being created where possible along the route. Any trees lost will be replaced on a two-for-one basis at least.
“On Orchard Brae, whilst this option is still on the table, the undeniable facts are that it is calculated to cost hundreds of millions more than the Roseburn Path and ultimately carry fewer passengers – with the added complication of having to undertake significant work on a Category A listed structure in the Dean Bridge.
“Turning to the city centre, we’ve strengthened the North Bridge to be able to accommodate a future tramline, while initial technical reports show that the tram could also be delivered across South Bridge. I’d emphasise that we’re still in a very early stage of the process and, should we decide to proceed, a huge amount of further investigative work would be required across all aspects of the proposed extension. Learning the lessons from previous phases of the tram project, it’s vital that we take the time to get this process right.
“In terms of funding the proposed extension, we’ve been clear throughout that we would need to explore a range of options. This hasn’t changed. By developing the business case, we’re strengthening our ability to secure funding, regardless of the source. We’re already having advisory discussions with experts at the National Wealth Fund around this. I think it’s also worth highlighting that any Scottish Government funding wouldn’t be required until well into the next Parliament.”