Trams on Princes Street

Category

Library Item

Item no

31455

Title

Trams on Princes Street with Edinburgh castle in the background

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1938

Size

5.7 x 8.4 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The last of the city's previous electric trams ran on 16th November 1956, with a procession making the final journey south to the depot at Shrubhill. They carried local dignitaries and members of the public, many of whom were tram enthusiasts. Presentations were made at the Mound by the Lord Provost to the last crews. Local people lined the routes to see the passing of the last trams and there was a large number of police present at the Shrubhill Depot to maintain order. As the final tramcar passed through, the gates were closed after them, ending the historic era of Edinburgh's trams.

Construction on Edinburgh's future tram system started in Spring 2008, while road works to divert utilities on tram routes began in 2007. The project had to deal with moving utilities and other services that had been introduced to the road and pavement surfaces since trams last ran in the city. The project met its target to a revised budget and timescale, when passenger services began on 31st May 2014 under the auspices of Transport for Edinburgh, a new company set up in late 2013 to provide integrated transport for the capital.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

Places > Edinburgh areas > Princes Street

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Edinburgh Castle

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Princes Street

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Tram stops

Transport > Infrastructure > Tramlines

Transport > Land > Cars

Transport > Land > Trams