Transport leaders in Edinburgh are looking for a new boss for the £512 million tram project to keep the scheme "on time and on budget".

The new chief executive of the tram firm TIE will be paid a six-figure salary to get the project on track and improve the public relations of the scheme.

The position was previously filled by Willie Gallagher who carried out the roles of TIE's chief executive and chairman for a basic salary of £170,000.

He was also to earn £340,000 in bonuses if the project was completed on time.

His unexpected resignation in November led Transport Edinburgh Limited's chairman, David Mackay, to take over the position of interim chairman of TIE.

Mr Mackay told the Scotsman: "I expect the post will attract a high calibre of applicants, who would like to take responsibility for leading the delivery of the construction of the Edinburgh tram project through to successful completion.

"Whoever is successful in applying for this role will also play a major role in the overall development of public transport in Edinburgh."

Gordon Burgess, of the Leith Business Association, said: "I would like to see greater transparency, more understanding of the intricacies of the project and an improvement in what's gone before."