An artist's impression of an Edinburgh tram at Ocean Terminal

The parliamentary committee reviewing the plans threw out dozens of objections to the controversial scheme in a new report published on Wednesday.

After two years scrutinising the proposals and listening to concerns, four MSPs have come out in support of the council's chosen route.

The circle line will run from St Andrew Square to Leith, Granton, Haymarket, and along Princes Street.

It means trams will run along the Roseburn Urban Wildlife Corridor - a former railway line now used by walkers and cyclists - and not directly to the Western General Hospital.

The committee will recommend parliament approves the Bill Jackie Baillie Committee convener

Instead, a connecting bus service will take passengers to the hospital.

Committee convener Jackie Baillie said: "The committee will recommend parliament approves the bill.

"This will be subject to a number of improvements that will help to address the impact of the tram on individual properties along the route.

"The committee is particularly pleased that it has secured a binding commitment to a feeder bus service which will greatly enhance public transport access to the Western General Hospital."

Very pleased

Tram Line Two, from Princes Street to Edinburgh Airport and Newbridge, has already won the backing of MSPs.

Michael Howell, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (Tie) chief executive, said: "Tie is very pleased that both committees have now responded positively, with recognition of the benefits that trams will bring to Edinburgh.

"We now look forward to the next stage, which is to formalise these additional proposals, in advance of the final debates in parliament later this month."

Councillor Donald Anderson, Edinburgh Council leader, said: "There's never been a better time to make this step change for public transport in Edinburgh - we've got funding committed, all-party support in the council and we're another step nearer getting all the approvals that we need."

Stuart Hay, Friends of the Earth's head of research, said: "The message from the committee is that Edinburgh needs trams and this project stacks up in terms of environmental benefits.