Trams ring bell for new hotel

AN international hotel operator is believed to be drawing up plans for a new five-star hotel in Edinburgh city centre.

The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, which owns hotels in New York and Dublin, is known to be looking for sites in Edinburgh and is understood to be considering a move to near the Playhouse.

It is understood the hotel's proximity to the city's tram route attracted the firm to the location.

Willie Gallagher, executive chairman of tram company TIE, said: "One of the key incentives behind creating a modern tram scheme for Edinburgh is the clear potential for continued economic growth and expansion.

"We believe that the trams will act as a catalyst for this continued growth and are confident that Edinburgh will attract further large-scale investment as a direct result."