So how exactly will travellers get to the ‘new’ Waverley? – John McLellan

Network Rail has almost literally been doing some blue sky thinking about the future of Waverley station, with swish artist’s impressions showing airy glass roofs over twin-level concourses which neatly avoid the problem at Birmingham New Street of burying the platforms in dank, fume-filled tunnels.

An artist's impression showing Network Rail's vision for Waverley station

But how will we get to this sunken cathedral of rolling stock? By bike and foot certainly, but buses are by no means certain with the council aiming to limit the number of heavy vehicles from Princes Street. The answer appears to be the tram, with a new Princes Street station which should have been built in the first place.

Somewhat optimistically, the drawings also include a tram stop on North Bridge, which will be fine if Network Rail can find the billion or so needed to build another tram line to the South. It is a 30-year vision, I suppose.

Cars barely feature, which is not unexpected given the plans have been drawn up with the co-operation of the council and its bid to rid the city centre of private motoring has been clear for months, but the lack of provision for close vehicle access for disabled people or taxis is hard to fathom.

There will be service access down what was the old newspaper platform beneath the old Scotsman building, but taxis will be stuck up on East Market Street and the nearest you will get to drop off your elderly auntie will be the New Street multi-storey. How inclusive.