The inquiry into the building of Edinburgh’s tram network has blamed a “litany of avoidable failures” for the cost overrun and delays in completion.

The inquiry was tasked with finding out why the city’s tram project was £400m over budget and five years late.

Chair Lord Hardie concluded failings by the City of Edinburgh Council and its arm’s-length companies were to blame for the delays.

The 8.7 mile route from Edinburgh airport to the city centre opened in 2014, five years later than planned.

Lord Hardie said: “”Tie’s failures were the principal cause of the failure to deliver the project on time and within budget” but added that the City of Edinburgh Council “must also share principal responsibility with Tie for the delays in design”.

Read the full report here.

(Picture – Enquiry Report)