Trams to feature famous citizens

Famous Edinburgh citizens such as Ian Rankin could feature on the trams

Edinburgh's trams are to be maroon, white and gold with two special ones bearing the image of famous Edinburgh citizens such as author Ian Rankin.

Edinburgh City Council has unveiled plans to showcase either the city's cultural or scientific heritage.

By using images from people such as Edinburgh-born telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell, it hopes to highlight the city's achievements.

Another two of the 27-strong fleet would be open to advertisers.

On the front of the trams, the city's "Inspiring Capital" logo is designed to be as "instantly recognisable" as the Volkswagen or Mercedes logos.

Gordon Mackenzie, Edinburgh City Council's transport convener, said: "This is about focusing on what the trams can do for Edinburgh.

"Branding is about more than the vehicles, there's an opportunity to look at how the tram stops will look and how the surrounding areas can be enhanced by the tram route.

"We're still working on the final designs of the vehicles but I am particularly interested by the concepts for the two tram 'specials' which the council can use to reflect Edinburgh's links with science, literature and culture.

"I hope these concepts inspire people into thinking about what the trams will look like once they're up-and-running."