Edinburgh SNP Backs Tram Expansion but Calls for Rethink on Northern Routes

Edinburgh’s SNP group has expressed support for extending the city’s tram network but has raised concerns about the proposed routes for its northern section.

The party has indicated it does not consider either the Roseburn Path or Orchard Brae options to be suitable solutions.

Instead, the group is advocating for work to begin on the southern portion of the line, linking the city centre with the Royal Infirmary, while alternative options are explored for connecting Granton to the city centre.

The two northern route proposals have each attracted criticism. Campaigners opposing the Roseburn Path option argue it would result in the loss of a well-used walking and cycling corridor, along with valuable green space. Meanwhile, the Orchard Brae route presents significant engineering challenges, particularly due to the need to cross Dean Bridge.

As the largest political group on Edinburgh City Council, the SNP’s position is likely to play a key role in shaping the future of the project, which is currently estimated to cost between £2bn and £2.9bn.

The party has also pointed to the council’s “travel hierarchy,” which prioritises walking, wheeling, and cycling over other forms of transport. It argues that repurposing part of the Roseburn Path for tram infrastructure would conflict with this principle.

Additionally, the SNP has suggested that constructing both the northern and southern sections at the same time may not be practical. Prioritising the southern route, it believes, could strengthen the case for Scottish Government funding, particularly given its potential to provide regional links to East Lothian and Midlothian.

Councillor Euan Hyslop, the party’s candidate for Edinburgh Northern, has outlined the group’s position. Responding to concerns raised by campaigners, he emphasised the importance of preserving the Roseburn Path as a valued local asset. Speaking as a nearby resident, he highlighted its role as a safe and accessible space for everyday travel and recreation.

Hyslop reiterated that while the SNP supports tram expansion as part of a broader sustainable transport strategy, further work is needed to identify a northern route that aligns with the council’s transport priorities. He also noted that improving connections in the south of the city could bring wider benefits, including linking densely populated areas to public transport and contributing to regional connectivity.

The proposed tram extension has already attracted significant public interest, with more than 11,000 responses submitted during a consultation that closed in November. Councillors are expected to review an analysis of this feedback at a transport and environment committee meeting in June.