Beginning today the 15m life-sized tram mock-up will be situated on Leith's Constitution Street.

As it will be situated in the exact roadside position, it will provide a real picture of how the tram will work successfully in narrower road spaces and residential areas.

It was previously situated on Edinburgh's shopping and attraction-filled Princes Street. During its seven week run on the famous street, it attracted 74,000 visitors.

The much-awaited arrival of the Edinburgh tram mock-up to Leith is being welcomed by local businesses, who are encouraging people from throughout the city to come down and find out more about their unique shops, attractions, restaurants and history.


Gordon Burgess of The Leith Traders' Association said: "You really can find it all in Leith. Take your pick from Chinese supermarkets, bargains for your home, the best pizzas or local beauticians. The community spirit is what makes it such a special and fun place. Come down, visit the tram and make sure you pop into one of the many unique and quirky shops."

The mock-up will open for the public to step inside, ask questions and find out more about the upcoming tram system. The opening hours will be 11.30-5.30pm during the first week.

The 15m mock-up includes the driver's cab and a section of a carriage. The carriage shows different seating and interior options, which are still subject to final design.

The mock-up was produced as part of the contract by the Spanish manufacturer, CAF, for necessary testing and approval by authorities.

Once up and running, there will be 27 trams in total. Each tram is 42.8m long and 2.65m wide with 7 articulated sections. There is a capacity for approximately 250 passengers on each, which is the equivalent to 2.5 double deck buses.

The trams are 100% low floor with level boarding, large door vestibule areas and wide aisles making the tram ideal for buggies and prams

On-street the trams can travel up to 50kph (30mph) and off-street the trams can reach a maximum of 70kph (about 45mph).

(GK/JM)