Trams report - 'Its language understates the failures'

THE long-awated Audit Scotland report into the trams project contained little that we did not already know.

If anything, the typically circumspect language used by the financial watchdog understated the extent of the failures in the scheme so far.

Nonetheless, the 44-page report did confirm how badly things have gone, with more than 400 million spent so far and little prospect of a tram running any time soon.

Among numerous other issues, it warned that trams firm Tie might no longer have the right people to complete the job and - as the News revealed last month - queried the way the council has overseen work.

That may be why the auditor left a couple of markers in the report, notably a suggestion that Transport Scotland might get more involved. The agency has previously wanted as little to do with the beleaguered trams as possible, but the report noted it is now working with the council to "review" its tram payments.

With little that was genuinely new to latch on to, many associated with the scheme reacted by doing what they now seem more occupied by than the task of getting the trams running - blaming others.

The politicians are the worst, because they know the trams will play big in the Holyrood elections, and not just here in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, many in Tie seem to have all-but given up on the project and are more concerned about how their own professional reputations emerge.

If as much energy had been spent laying tracks as has been devoted to trying to avoid blame, the trams would already be whizzing along Line 1a and we'd be eyeing the spur to the Royal Infirmary.

That's a relief

I say, I say, I say, have you heard the one about the charity with 50,000 to give away to community groups in Edinburgh?

No, it's not a joke, we'll leave those to Stephen Fry, Edinburgh's own Gary Tank Commander and the rest of the Comic Relief team.

What it is, though, is fantastic news for grassroots groups which we are offering the chance to grab grants of up to 1000 as part of this year's Red Nose Day.

The Evening News is proud to be joining forces with the appeal to help find the city's most deserving causes. If you have a local project which could benefit from a grant, whether you are a pensioners' club, parent and toddler group or community festival, don't miss your chance. Details of how to apply are on page 10 today.

And join us in having a laugh and helping a good cause - including dozens in Edinburgh - this Red Nose Day on Friday, March 18.