Tram board move blasted

THE decision to remove Transport Scotland from the board of the tram project has been criticised by MSPs.

Officials from the national transport agency told Holyrood's public audit committee that the withdrawal took place in 2007 following discussions with ministers.

The admission came after a report from Audit Scotland called for Transport Scotland to play a greater role in the project.

Transport Scotland has said it intends to take part in mediation talks on the future of the project scheduled for next week.