Edinburgh north–south consultation brings mixed response

The results of 2025’s consultation on the north–south tram line linking Granton and the BioQuarter in the Scottish capital have been reported to Edinburgh City Council; the line is part of the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan. The line would start at Granton on the Firth of Forth and run via Roseburn or Orchard Brae to join existing tracks on Princes Street before turning south across North and South Bridge to Cameron Toll, Queen Margaret Hospital and BioQuarter, and possibly beyond. 

 

11 425 responses were received with 99% from members of the public. The northern arm received 40% support and 53% opposition, but the background to this is controversy about using the former rail alignment through Roseburn which has long been a pedestrian and cycle path. A sustained campaign by pedestrian and cycle interests resulted in 68% opposition and only 23% support. The Orchard Brae alternative attracted 44% opposition and 32% support. The South eEast Corridor southern arm attracted 51% support and 27% opposition. 

 

The Council is now preparing a Strategic Business Case for consideration by the Transportrt & Environment Committee of the city council on 10 September. This will determine the future of the project.