The Strategic Business Case (SBC) to build a new tram route, from Granton in the north to the Edinburgh Bioquarter in the south, was given the green light by the Transport and Environment Committee on the afternoon of 10 September.

Looking ahead, the next step to take will be to place the plans within the findings of SEStransit, a study for transport in the South East of Scotland region that is anticipated to be delivered in autumn 2027.

This work will align with the feasibility study on the possible reinstatement of passenger services on the South Suburban Railway line, which is presently being undertaken by Transport Scotland as well as Network Rail.

Through focusing on the southern section of the route as a first phase, councillors were also clear on the necessity for more work to be carried out on taking trams from Granton to the city centre for a new phase for the project.

Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, transport and environment convener, said: “This is a key milestone in our ambition to expand Edinburgh’s tram network. Let’s not forget why we’re developing these plans. 

“Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, growing at twice the rate of Glasgow, in the fastest growing region in the country.”

Jenkinson added: “Whilst this trend brings exciting opportunities, inward investment, and economic growth, it also presents real challenges on housing, education, and of course on our transport infrastructure.

“One of the key questions around this project is rightly on funding.

“To progress not only to the next phase of the business case but [also] potential future construction costs, we need to demonstrate clearly how our plans will positively impact our region and Scotland as a whole.”