Edinburgh Trams suffered more disruption on Thursday 3rd September 2026 when an overhead problem saw the service suspended on the Newhaven extension, coming just six days after a full service was resumed.
The issue – first reported at around 1100 – was on Leith Walk between the stops at Foot of the Walk and Balfour Street and involved 259 (which has only recently received new adverts for CR Smith – one of two trams to have done so) which saw its pantograph damaged. Whether the damage was caused by a problem on the overhead or whether the damaged pantograph caused issues with the overhead is not currently known.
Following the damage Edinburgh Trams services from the Airport were initially turned at Picardy Place (and using the crossover at York Place) but this was later changed to West End meaning we were back where we were for seven weeks during the closure of Princes Street.
Services resumed full route again from late afternoon with further disruption experienced as trams got back onto timetable.
The stricken 259 sits and waits recovery. Not immediately apparent here is that its pantograph snapped either because of overhead line damage or causing it. In the background a road-rail tower wagon is undertaking repairs.
A CAF van on scene and accompanying 259 as we look up Leith Walk towards the city centre.
Work underway on the overhead to fix the damage. The former Leith tram depot offices are right behind.
Although not suffering damage 272 was stuck behind the incident. This photo shows it opposite The Red Sandstone building at Stead’s Place.
With the overhead isolated the pantograph of 268 – at Foot of the Walk – has been lowered. This image looks away from the city and towards The Shore.
The at stop passenger information displays were updated to let people know of the service disruption.
Another tram stuck by the incident was 252. This is at Port of Leith with the tram heading towards Newhaven at the time the service was suspended. The pantograph is again down whilst the overhead has been isolated. (All Photographs by Roy Calderwood, 3rd September 2026)