OPPOSITION politicians reacted with fury last night when it emerged a retired judge had been paid more than £1million to chair the £13million Edinburgh Tram Inquiry.
A government-funded probe started in 2014 into the crisis-hit transport project after it came in £400million over budget and five years late.
Nine years later and five years after evidence ended, the inquiry chaired by Lord Hardie has still not issued its final report.
But the Daily Record can reveal that the former judge has pocketed an "eye-watering" £1,056,181 to chair the probe after transport chiefs tried to keep the sum a secret.
After two years, the Scottish Information Commissioner agreed with the Record that Lord Hardie's earnings should be public knowledge. Transport Scotland said yesterday it had noted the decision of the commissioner.
It added: "We can confirm that Lord Hardie has been paid a total of £1,056,181.59 for his role as chair of the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry from 2014 when the inquiry commenced to the date that we received your request."
Last night, Scottish Labour transport spokesperson Alex Rowley said: "These eye-watering sums of public money raise fresh questions about how this inquiry has been allowed to fall into such chaos.
"Costs have spiralled and years have passed but we are still waiting for the report - it is farcical.
"We need to learn the lessons of what happened in Edinburgh, and this report must be delivered without any more delays or cost increases.", Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, said the cost of the tram probe was now similar to the cost of the inquiry into the Iraq War.
Denne historien er fra June 22, 2023-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 22, 2023-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CLOSE LOOK
Boss Bren will have old target Ademola in his sights yet again
NO PLACE LIKE ROME BALLE
Captain Callum channels spirit of 2019 as he plots another Euro glory night for Bhoys on Italian soil
We kept foot on Gas.. Celts should do the same
La Dea gaffer knows what it's like to suffer Champs League beatings but urges Rodgers to never change side's style
Butt of luck
Gunners edge to win after Martinelli strike goes in off keeper's backside
IT COULD BE CUE!
Snooker's new Golden Ball will now be worth $1million
GET ON TOUR BUS BOYS
Rory urges Warriors stars to aim for British Lions spot
I had to choose who to save.. it's unbearable still
Field worker recalls horror of 1984 famine in Ethiopia
My pal Walter made special me feel
McCoist hails impact of mentor Smith
Toony rallying call to wear poppies and change lives
SCOTLAND rugby coach Gregor Townsend has urged people to show they care by wearing a poppy.
PUTIN PORT ATTACKS DELAYING VITAL AID
PM: Russia risks starving millions by hitting ships