The first completed section of the tram route between the Gogar depot and Edinburgh International Airport has officially been handed over to Edinburgh Council.

The 2.8km stretch of track was handed over after a successful programme of testing by contractors and marks the end of a thorough commissioning process which began in November 2012.

The completion date for the transport project remains as summer 2014 and once on-street works and overhead cabling work has been completed by the end of the year, stringent testing and commissioning will take place in early 2014 to prepare the service for operation.

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This morning, Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP and Edinburgh Council's Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds took a journey on the completed section of track.

Ms Hinds said: "With the airport to Gogar section now handed over to the Council and good progress being made all along the route, it's clear to see that the Edinburgh Tram project is heading towards completion.

"It's a big year for the project and we can push on safe in the knowledge that this first 2.8km section has been successfully completed and is working well."

The completed section of track is from Ingliston Park and Ride to Edinburgh Airport.

(JP)