A disabled poet almost missed the opening ceremony at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe after she struggled to find a seat on the tram.

Rosalind Alexander (pictured above) lives with arthritis, vascular circulation disease and bone disease 

The 66-year-old states the tram on Saturday, August 13,  had passengers “packed like sardines.”

She was unable to use the accessible seating on the tram, so she was forced to pay a taxi at a much higher price.

Alexander told Edinburgh Live: “This problem has been going on for years but since the Covid-19 pandemic we have not had the Fringe. I did think with the pandemic that those running the Trams would look to ensure that the tram did not have people packed in like sardines.

“I went to go get the tram by Saughton Mains to travel into town as I had the opening ceremony for my poetry show at the Grassmarket. The tram was so overcrowded that I was unable to gain access to the disabled space and therefore had to order a taxi to make sure I could get into town.

“This was difficult due to the cost of living crisis and it left me feeling angry, frustrated, tearful and annoyed. I really hope that Lothian trams can look at how they can better control large crowds and to ensure that those with disabilities are not excluded from using this service.

“It really is quite a serious health and safety issue.”

The Edinburgh Fringe was founded in 1947, it’s the world’s largest arts festival.