Willie Gallagher is to step down as Executive Chairman of tie, the arms-length company of the City of Edinburgh Council, which is project managing Edinburgh's tram construction.

A report outlining interim governance and management arrangements will be presented at the full meeting of The City of Edinburgh Council on Thursday 20 November.

Willie Gallagher is to leave tie at the end of November 2008 for personal and family reasons. He joined in June 2006 and reorganised the company and oversaw the procurement of the contracts for the £512m Edinburgh tram project.

Cllr Jenny Dawe, Leader, City of Edinburgh Council: "Willie has been crucial in bringing the tram project to life. He always impressed those he met with his skills and enthusiasm, and I am very disappointed to lose him at this point. However, I fully understand his reasons for leaving, given his personal circumstances, and support his decision.


"I am confident that we have a solid team going forward to deliver a world-class transport network for the city, many of whom have worked on other tram schemes

and major construction projects."

Tom Aitchison, Chief Executive, City of Edinburgh Council said: "Edinburgh's trams would not have come this far without the skills and energy of Willie, and I thank him for his leadership and drive.

"Willie has created a high calibre team, who will ably ensure the construction process continues to runs smoothly and successfully. I am confident that Willie's legacy will be an organisation and staff who operate at the highest standards."

Willie Gallagher, Executive Chairman of tie: "I am very proud to have created a very strong team of engineering and construction professionals. They are more than equipped to deliver world-class trams for the people of Edinburgh and I look forward to seeing them run in 2011."

David Mackay, Chairman of Transport Edinburgh Limited: "Willie's leadership has seen the project move from a plan to becoming reality. He has guided tie and Edinburgh trams through this complex and difficult stage and leaves Edinburgh on the cusp of a world-class public transport network. We would like to thank him for his dedication and professionalism and wish him well in the future."

(GK/JM)