A long-discussed transport proposal in Edinburgh - with possible benefits for East Lothian - could move a step closer if the SNP wins the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.
The party has pledged to fund a study into a tram-train route for the capital as part of its newly published manifesto.
Tram-trains operate on both tram lines and conventional railways, and the system could make use of the South Suburban railway, which runs in a loop around the south of the city.
Other potential options include connections with Musselburgh Railway Station and Queen Margaret University (QMU) and to Shawfair, with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
The proposal forms part of wider plans to improve public transport in Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Tram-train systems are already in operation in parts of the UK, including South Yorkshire, where a route launched in 2018. Similar systems are also being developed in cities such as Cardiff and Manchester.
Kate Campbell, an SNP councillor and candidate for Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent, said: "This will be welcome news for people in Niddrie, Craigmillar and Portobello.
"This is a forward-looking commitment by the SNP, investigating the use of tram-trains to enable the reopening of the South Suburban railway and integration with the existing transport network.
"It could potentially link in with an extended tram leg to the south, opening up the city."
The manifesto also includes a pledge to cap bus fares at £2 across Scotland and to support efforts to convert the disused Powderhall railway line into a walking and cycling route.
At a local level, the SNP group on City of Edinburgh Council has recently backed building the southern leg of the next tram extension before progressing northward.
However, Councillor Euan Hyslop has raised concerns about current proposals for the northern route to Granton. He warned that plans involving the Roseburn Path could have a negative impact on existing green space and active travel routes.
Councillor Hyslop said: "I’ve got real concerns about losing the Roseburn Path – it’s a well-used green space and active travel route that people rely on every day.
"The current proposal, a single tram line with passing points, squeezing in pedestrians and cyclists while removing established tree cover, would be a bad outcome for the tram network, the North Edinburgh Path network, and existing users.
"We can’t let flawed options hold up progress."
The SNP has instead called for an alternative route for the northern section that would avoid using the Roseburn Path.
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