City’s last tram returns as star of technology display

Transport: Former horse-drawn vehicle was converted to electric power

An iconic piece of Aberdeen’s transport heritage has returned to its original home as the star of the show at a new technology exhibition.

The Granite City’s last surviving tram was once again brought into place at its former sheds in what is now the Aberdeen Science Centre or Satrosphere.

The vehicle was once part of a vast fleet which was a common sight across the city’s streets from the late 19th century – when they were drawn by horses – until the late 1950s, before they were gradually replaced by buses.

Aberdeen’s last tram operated in May 1958, as the prelude to the whole fleet being dramatically burned near the beach.

And it was thought that was the end of the story with new technology propelling the diesel revolution in the city.

However, one prized item was spared the flames and eventually found itself housed in the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford.

Now the tram, which was converted from horsepower to electrical, will be featured in the Aberdeen Science Centre as part of the reflective Silver City Stories events. Bedecked in black and gold and still bearing its Union Terrace, Rosemount and Mile End signage, the vehicle was carefully lowered into the centre’s car park before being taken to its display place.

One proud onlooker was Ian Souter, a trustee of Aberdeen and District Transport Preservation Trust.

He said: “It was built by RJ Shinnie in Aberdeen and was one of 13 trams converted from horsepower to electric.

“In May, 1958 the trams were closed altogether and all the cars were burned, but this one escaped and was brought to a museum in Edinburgh before going to Alford.

“The trams are absolutely vital pieces of our transport heritage.” Mike Ward, of the museum, added the loan had been long in the works and confirmed the vehicle would return to its north-east roots by the end of October.

He said: “We like to get parts of our collections out to new audiences and we thought that returning the tram to its home was a great idea. “

A spokeswoman for Aberdeen Science Centre said: “It’s just great to see it in the centre.”

“In May 1958 the trams were closed and all the cars were burned”

Photograph: Kenny Elrick LIFTED IN: Grampian Transport Museum’s horse-drawn tram arrives at Satrosphere Science Centre.

The last trams pass the Music Hall in May 1958