Edinburgh's last tram makes its way down south

Tramcar 35 is the last example of the city's old tram fleet, and has been on loan to the National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire, since the late 1980s.

The city council has always retained ownership of the vehicle, but officials have now recommended gifting the tram to the museum on a permanent basis.

The tram is in a poor state of repair and has not run since the late 1980s, despite enthusiasts pleading with the council to pay for its upkeep.

They today expressed disappointment that the tram will not be brought north of the Border for display in its home city.

But the council and museum chiefs said the move will ensure the long-term care and preservation of the historic vehicle, with the possibility of a full 300,000 restoration in a few years' time.

Herbert Coutts, the council's director of culture and leisure, said today: "Consideration has been given to returning the tram to Edinburgh. However, no suitable location or venue has been identified that could house the tram."

Ian Dougill, secretary of the museum, added: "As a charity, we can't spend any money on the tram because we don't own it. But if we are to be given ownership, I am very hopeful that we can get around to fully repairing it."