A tram line returned to the Capital in 2014 after a more-than-50-year absence.

The modern-day route has since been extended and the possibility of further additions is now being explored.

City of Edinburgh Council has opened a 12-week consultation encouraging members of the public to share their views on the proposed new tram routes from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the south.

At the same time, discussions are taking place with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils, as well as SEStran, the regional transport partnership, regarding the possibility of “potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary”.

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That includes the possibility of a tram-train – a light rail vehicle that can operate on tram and rail tracks – concept with Network Rail on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway.

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.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council stressed that a lot of work would need to be done before the idea moved forward.

They said: “We are aware of the City of Edinburgh Council’s public consultation, which notes the possibility of further development of the city’s tram network.

“While we are happy to discuss potential opportunities to further improve public transport locally as and when they arise, extensive consideration would need to be given to what may or may not be feasible.

“More generally, we are supportive of Scotland’s Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) and the need to improve mass transit over the City region.”

READ MORE: ‘QMU option’ to East Lothian included as possible future tram route

Details on the proposals can be found at consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south

Edinburgh councillor Stephen Jenkinson, transport and environment convener, said: “Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all.

“From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.

“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.”