The need for a tram system in Edinburgh is being highlighted today by prominent business chiefs and city leaders who are calling for the First Minister to support the tram project as an essential investment for the future growth of the city.

Members of the Edinburgh Business Assembly, along with both the Edinburgh and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, strongly believe that the introduction of trams is vital to help achieve the First Minister’s stated ambitions for Scotland’s future. During a speech made in the Scottish Parliament on 24th May 2007, he said: ‘The overarching priority of the Government is a faster and more sustainable economic growth in Scotland … The health of the Scottish economy underpins all our priorities …. A vibrant dynamic economy is the beating heart of a successful confident nation.’

The business community within Edinburgh supports the First Minister’s assertion that the economy is a priority but believe that a decision to withdraw funding from the tram project would be a huge blow for the economy of the city and also across Scotland.

Brendan Dick, Chairman of the Edinburgh Business Assembly, said: “Edinburgh is the powerhouse of the current and future economic success of the nation, with 30,000 new jobs projected for the city by 2015. However, without improvements to the transport network, the entire city-region’s capacity to sustain and drive its economic growth will be severely damaged, and that will be bad for Scotland. “People living throughout the Fife, Lothian and Borders city-region must be able to travel easily to and from work, and to get around Edinburgh. Connecting people with their jobs and homes and leisure in an integrated and environmentally friendly way is fundamental to enhancing their quality of life. “Edinburgh is the gateway to a successful Scotland and the Edinburgh Business Assembly believes that investment in trams is an important investment in that success. An excellent and efficient transport system for the entire city-region, with trams as a key component, is crucial to sustaining current business activity, ensuring long-term growth and delivering the widest possible benefits.”

Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The business community welcomes investment in Edinburgh’s transport infrastructure for the good of the economy of both the city and the nation. We support following through the investment of over ten years and many millions of pounds in achieving a design solution to growing congestion in our capital which will send a message to inward investors that we are a city that is on the move and open for business.’

The need for a tram network in Edinburgh is still the driving force behind the City of Edinburgh Council’s transport plans for the foreseeable future. Aside from the SNP, it has cross-party support in Council.

Seventy five percent of Edinburgh councillors were elected on the promise that they would introduce trams. City Leaders from the Liberal Democrat, Labour, Conservative and Green groups in the Council have come together to highlight the economic, social and environmental benefits of the scheme and the support for the project within the Scottish Parliament.

The Group Leaders urge the First Minister to take the opportunity to make good on his promise for consensus working and support the tram project for Edinburgh, recognising that investing in the capital city means investing in Scotland.

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Jenny Dawe said: “The Tram Project commands wide support within the City of Edinburgh Council and the business community in the city. The project is vital to the future development of the city and its continued economic prosperity.

“Without the tram project there is a real risk to the capital city’s future success, specifically the development of West Edinburgh, the City Centre and the Waterfront.

“The case for trams has been well made and it has been rigorously scrutinised through the parliamentary process. Edinburgh has a great bus network but expanding this is simply not enough to ensure the city’s economy flourishes in coming years.”

The views on the case for trams are shared by other leaders from the business world:

Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive, Forth Ports PLC, said: “Economically, socially and environmentally, the tram is absolutely pivotal to the regeneration of north Edinburgh.without it, the task of breathing life back into these communities to the enormous benefit of the capital as a whole will be made immeasurably more difficult.”

Gordon Drummond, General Manager, Harvey Nichols, said: “A reliable, integrated transport system is vital for the economic prosperity of the city and a modern tram system will position the capital confidently alongside the major cities of Europe. Trams provide a fast, efficient and environmentally acceptable way of moving people around the city to the obvious advantage of all businesses.”

Jim Hunter, Facilities Director at Standard Life, said: "Standard Life believes that the investment in trams is important and would make a positive contribution to the future transport network for Edinburgh."

Simon Williams, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Principal Hotels Association, said: “As the UK’s second city for tourism and with increasingly well travelled visitors, the city, like its international counterparts, must be able to provide modern integrated transport to meet their needs. We cannot afford procrastination and lag behind.”

Source: City of Edinburgh Council, Thursday, 31st May, 2007