Historic tram cable wheels to go on display

EQUIPMENT used to power the late 19th century and early 20th century version of Edinburgh’s trams network has been unearthed, to soon feature as a permanent public display.

The older version of the present-day trams system saw trams being pulled by cables, using giant wheels located just off Leith Walk, in the city.

Says The City of Edinburgh Council, here: “The wheels, dated to 1898, are each 2.6m in diameter and were used in the underground cable-winding mechanism for Edinburgh’s original cable-operated tram network. They were rediscovered at the Pilrig Street junction with Leith Walk in August 2021 during Trams to Newhaven excavations.”

The display is scheduled for Leith’s Iona Street.

Pictured: One of the wheels being unearthed, Picture credit: The City of Edinburgh Council

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