David Mackay, Chairman of Transport Edinburgh Limited, has been appointed as

Interim Chairman of tie, the arms-length company of the City of Edinburgh Council,

which is project managing Edinburgh’s tram construction.

Approved at last Thursday's full Council meeting, he takes over from Willie Gallagher, the outgoing Executive Chairman, who is standing down for personal reasons at the end

of November.

Councillor Jenny Dawe, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council said: "I am certain that

David will ensure there is minimum disruption in the management of tie as we enter a

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new, and challenging phase, of the trams project. Under his stewardship I am sure we

will continue as planned towards our goal of a world-class public transport system for

Edinburgh."

David Mackay said: "We are very fortunate that Willie has established a high calibre

team who work to stringent standards and many of whom have been engaged on

other tram schemes and major construction projects. I am very much looking

forward to working more closely with this first class team to ensure that we deliver,

for the capital, a state of the art tram system which will be the envy of other leading

cities."

There will be further reports to the Council on these interim management arrangements

and the appointment of a permanent successor to Willie Gallagher.

Willie Gallagher joined tie in June 2006. He reorganised the company and oversaw

the procurement of the contracts for the £512m Edinburgh tram project.

(GK/KMcA)