Trams: The story so far

•The Edinburgh tramline is to run between the airport and Newhaven, a route of 18.5 kilometres.

•Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) is managing the project on behalf of the City Council, the contractor is German company Bilfinger Berger.

•Construction began in 2008 with a completion date set in 2011. New estimates suggest it wont be completed until 2013 at the earliest.

•The budget was originally £512 million and later increased to £545 million. Current reports suggest the final bill will be closer to £700 million.

•The project has been plagued with contractual disputes and construction problems. TIE is looking to part ways with Bilfinger Berger due to severe financial differences, a disagreement which could end up in court. There are only two options with the money at hand: finish the line to York place or scrap the project altogether.

•Edinburgh Evening News recently reported that Princes Street might see another shutdown. This emerged after fractures under the road surface were found. The fractures will now be studied to determine if a replacement is necessary.

•Edinburgh Trams recently acknowledged the possibility of re-opening Shandwick place to traffic until the tramworks are ready to re-commence.