Plans to extend the Edinburgh tram line to Leith have been revealed.

The three-mile extension of the line would take trams down Leith Walk, around Ocean Terminal and end at Newhaven.

The construction of the line would cause considerable disruption to the area, with three lanes of Leith Walk expected to be closed for around 18 months.

The extension would move the current York Place stop closer to the Omni Centre, placed on Picardy Place, after it is remodelled as part of the St James Centre redevelopment.

If the plans are approved, construction would be expected to start in spring 2019.

Council leader Adam McVey said: "Edinburgh is growing faster than any other city in Scotland and our current road network and public transport provision simply aren't sustainable given the number of new residents we're expecting to welcome here over the next two decades.

"Rather than exacerbating traffic problems on our already congested roads, trams allow far greater numbers of people to travel, while creating employment during construction, boosting development along the route and connecting people to centres of employment, leisure and retail."

Transport convener Lesley Macinnes added: "Given the experience of the last tram project, we're acutely aware of the need to scrutinise this business case as rigorously as we possibly can - residents deserve nothing less.

"We won't take any decision on completing the line to Newhaven until we are 100% confident that the project can be delivered, financed and managed effectively.

"Councillors from all parties have been taking up the opportunity to fully examine the business case over the past weeks and will use this special meeting of the transport and environment committee to quiz officers further on the detail and make a recommendation on whether to progress to the next stage."