Edinburgh developments : After two years scrutinising the proposals and listening to concerns, a parliamentary committee, set up to review the plans, have come out in support of the council's chosen route for line 1 (the circle line) and will recommend parliamentary approval. Tram Line Two, from Princes Street to Edinburgh Airport and Newbridge, has already won the backing of MSPs.

Four European companies have been shortlisted to compete for a GBP50 million contract to design and supply trams for Edinburgh. French based Alstom, Spanish group CAF, Germany-based Siemens and the German arm of Bombardier.

The winning bidder is expected be announced before the end of the year. Construction is due to begin in 2007, subject to approval of the Tram Bill by the Scottish Parliament, which will hold a full debate on the plans in March.

1 March 2006