The iconic Princes Street in Edinburgh's city centre has been severely disrupted after a fierce blaze ravaged a former department store, forcing the partial closure of the main thoroughfare ahead of the peak festival season. The inferno, which broke out last week, has left the B-listed building severely damaged and its roof destroyed.
City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed that buses will be unable to travel between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street for several weeks, while tram services along Princes Street to Leith and Newhaven will also be suspended. The tram network will only operate between Edinburgh Airport and the West End during this period.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are leading an investigation into the cause of the fire, which has been ongoing since last week due to structural concerns over the building. After a delay, fire investigators have now gained access to the largely empty former store, which was previously damaged in a blaze in 2021.
Council leader Jane Meagher acknowledged that the closure will cause significant disruption during Edinburgh's busiest period of the year, but assured residents and visitors that her team is working tirelessly to ensure the building's safety while preserving its historic features. The situation remains 'ever-changing', she noted, as officials work to mitigate the impact on local communities.