Audit probe on trams - 'A full inquiry is inevitable into this mess'

THE news that Scotland's public sector finance watchdog is to probe the Edinburgh trams project is welcome. However, it is also woefully overdue and may prove inadequate.

It has been abundantly clear for many, many months - even years - that the entire scheme is a mess.

There is a serious doubt that any tram will ever run on a track through the Capital, and there seems little prospect of them going beyond the city centre.

What's more, there is no chance whatsoever of the final cost coming in at less than a budget-busting 600 million, however pale an imitation of the original multi-route vision is eventually delivered.

Yet, two months ago there were complaints from trams firm TIE when the News called for an inquiry that would "expose those who made mistakes and hold them to account for this massive waste".

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We were told this was not a constructive approach and would only lead to those at the heart of the project clamming up for fear of incriminating themselves.

Well, sorry folks, but that would be exactly the point of an inquiry - to hold some feet to the fire and make sure future projects don't go down the same toilet.

The Audit Scotland probe won't do that, of course. Instead, it will look at how Transport Scotland and the council have monitored spending on the scheme.

Even then, don't be surprised if its report "early next year" comes conveniently after the Holyrood elections in May.

But a full inquiry is inevitable and it must get to the bottom of this embarrassment to the city.

Whole Hogmanay

Let's raise a glass to the organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.

While Glasgow has dropped much of its usual New Year entertainment as it looks to save money, our street party will actually boast more stages than last year, not fewer. And all, we are promised, without breaking the bank.

The artists on the bill may not be quite as stellar as in some previous years, but with the Kaiser Chiefs, Goldie Lookin' Chain and The Coral there you would have to go a very long way to find better entertainment for the 15 cost of a Street Party pass.

It just goes to prove what most people know to be true already, Edinburgh is still the home of Hogmanay and the best place to bring in the Bells.