Fake tram is given real security against vandals

Published on Thursday 7 May 2009 09:44

IT is clearly not the most taxing of jobs.

But transport bosses are paying for someone to spend the night in the life-size replica tram in Leith to ensure it is not vandalised.

One worker was seen settling in for the night with a book shortly before 8pm as he guarded the mock tram in Constitution Street.

Tram bosses have refused to reveal how much the "security" measures are costing, but based on a 12-hour shift at minimum wage, a year's worth of seven days-a-week cover would come in at almost 25,000.

Today the council said the security measures taken in Constitution Street were vital for protecting its "asset".

But Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for the Lothians, said it was "disappointing" public money was being used in such a way.

She said: "The council and TIE have claimed for a long time that this is a tourist attraction, but it seems it has also become an attraction for vandals as well. It's disappointing that somebody has to sit there all night and it's disappointing that public money has to be used in such a way.

"It's also disappointing for the people of Leith that one man sitting in a tram is the only tangible development they are going to see for some time to come."

The model was moved to Leith last month after attracting around 74,000 visitors while on display in Princes Street.

During its time in the city centre, the model tram was vandalised twice in the space of a few days. The replica, which became one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions during its time in Princes Street, was sprayed with graffiti in two separate incidents that were later linked by police.

Gordon Burgess, of the Leith Business Association, said traders in the area were happy that it had moved to Constitution Street.

He said: "We banged on for long enough about getting the mock tram down to Leith, so I'm not going to criticise it now. The guy is just there doing a nightwatchman's job and TIE and the council obviously think there's a risk. I'm happy to have the mock tram in Leith. We need to get a positive vibe about the place because things have been negative for too long."

Council chiefs plan to tour the mock tram around the Capital after its popularity in Princes Street led to its initial two-week run being extended, though it is not known how long it will stay on the streets.

The model has also been used to carry out important engineering and safety checks.

At over 40 metres long, Edinburgh's trams will be the biggest in the UK, carrying up to 250 passengers at a time.

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