The Council has landed a prestigious industry accolade for ‘turning around’ the Edinburgh Tram project.

At a special ceremony in London for the 2014 Light Rail Awards, Chief Executive Sue Bruce collected the Judges’ Special Award from Baroness Kramer, Minister of State for Transport and broadcaster and journalist Nicholas Owen.

The accolade was awarded in honour of the ‘strong leadership’ demonstrated by Ms Bruce and Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds in bringing the much-publicised tram project in on its revised timetable and revised budget, following a mediation process in 2011.

The Light Rail Awards judges commented: “This formidable duo came into one of the most high-profile – for all the wrong reasons – and toughest tramway projects late in the game. Through strong leadership, they have turned it around – and into a success. Please be upstanding for the key figures who have brought the Edinburgh Trams project to its opening – a feat just two years ago some never even thought would happen.”

Ms Bruce said: “We had no prior knowledge of this award before it was announced on the night but it was definitely a very welcome surprise. Cllr Hinds and I have made no secret of our determination to see the Edinburgh Tram project delivered in line with the revised budget and timescale, so it’s gratifying to have received this industry recognition. I was delighted to accept the award on behalf of everyone who made this turn-around possible.”

Cllr Hinds added: “The judges said that two years ago some people didn’t think trams would ever materalise in Edinburgh – I for one certainly didn’t expect to be winning this kind of industry accolade when I first took over the project in May 2012! It’s an honour to be presented with this Light Rail Award and credit is due to everyone at the Council, Edinburgh Trams and the project contractors whose exemplary joint working got trams up and running earlier this year.