PASSENGERS at Edinburgh's tram stops will be left cold and wet while they wait because the shelters will be inadequate, critics have warned.

The trams project has cost the taxpayer £776 million and is already years behind schedule. Now politicians, elderly support groups and passenger watchdogs have hit out at the newly designed shelters.

Edinburgh Airport chiefs are said to have expressed concern about the narrow shelter planned at its tram terminus.

And Scottish Conservative Transport spokeswoman Joanna Mowat said: "The tram stops appear to have been designed for sunnier climates."

The new shelters on the eight-mile route to the city centre are 8ft wide and 40ft long with longer ones at Haymarket and the airport. They are less enclosed than many at bus stops.

Gavin Booth from watchdog Bus Users Scotland, said the shelters could deter customers if they get a poor first impression.

He said: "If people are to be attracted to public transport, the whole experience has to be right. A cold, wet passenger is less likely to consider the public transport option again."

An Age Scotland spokesman said: "They do look stylish but don't seem to offer much protection from the horizontal rain."

Ms Mowat added that with some parts of the route exposed to bad weather, the shelters could be unwelcoming places.

Edinburgh Council could not be reached for comment.