Horns lock as trams stampede over hidden bull sculptures

AS if building Edinburgh's tram line was not hard enough, it seems transport bosses now have a bull fight on their hands.

Three stone sculptures have been uncovered during work to fell trees in Haymarket Terrace.

And despite locals being unaware of their existence, the bulls' plight has proved to be a red rag for local campaigners.

They are now fighting to protect them from the all-conquering stampede of the trams.

The sculptures are part of Roseberry House, an office block which is a base for Amnesty International, Cosla and others, but their origin is a mystery at present.

Even tram company TIE, whose own offices are just yards away at nearby City Point, is at a loss to explain where they came from.

Jim Cooney, a member of the West End Community Council who lives in nearby Dewar Place, said contractors had not known of the bulls when they arrived to cut down trees at the weekend.

The 76-year-old former research engineer said: "The guys that cut the trees down did not have a clue what they were. I don't think they knew they were there until they started the work.

"They're cutting trees down all over the city and it needs a few councillors to put their heads above the parapet and start asking questions. The bull heads will end up getting moved away or put in storage and they're part of the fabric and history of the area."

The sculptures sit just a few hundred yards from where a viaduct is currently being constructed for the tram project.

Last orders were called at the nearby Caledonian Ale House in June when it was demolished to make way for the viaduct across Haymarket Station's car park.

The pub, which was built in 1862, had long been a popular haunt with rugby and football fans before it was compulsory purchased by TIE two years ago.

Earlier this year, protests were mounted over plans to permanently move the Hearts war memorial from Haymarket junction. The historic clock, which was built by the Gorgie club in 1922 to remember the footballers who had signed up to fight in the First World War, will be put into storage and return in 2011.

A spokeswoman for TIE today said a decision had yet to be made about the future of the bull heads. She said: "They are part of the street furniture belonging to Roseberry House and it is likely they will have to be moved, but a decision is still to be made."

Do you know why the bull heads are there? Contact the Evening News on 0131-620 8733