Tag: Princes Street fire

Princes Street summit outlines progress and next steps

Council Leader Jane Meagher has met with business representatives, heritage organisations, community groups and Councillors to provide an update on efforts to reopen Princes Street.

The meeting also discussed the Council’s wider response to the disruption.

Cllr Meagher hosted the summit in the City Chambers on Wednesday evening, at which council officers set out in detail the complexity of making the former Debenhams building safe to allow the thoroughfare to reopen.

Initial proposals for a communications campaign to promote those businesses and communities most affected by the disruption were also presented and discussed. This will also include resident and visitor spend incentives, events and other promotions.

This activity will be paid for from the Scottish Government funding announced last week and would continue beyond the reopening of Princes Street and into next year.

Key points from the on-site progress update:

  • Five weeks on from the fire, work on site continues to progress well. The focus continues to be on making the building safe – allowing Princes Street to reopen – while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as possible.
  • This is complex and challenging work which is carried out from cranes by a team of highly skilled engineers.
  • The eastern gable of the building has been secured and made safe. This involved reducing it in height by approximately two metres and supporting it with scaffolding.
  • The front façade of the building is now being stabilised with steel beams – more than 40% of these are now in place internally and externally to support the western end of the Princes Street façade – with work ongoing on the remainder of the upper floors.
  • Several tonnes of bricks and unsafe stonework – some weighing as much as 850kg – from the upper levels of the façade have been carefully removed and carefully stored on site for reuse.
  • Debris and dangerous materials continue to be removed from inside the building – with several tonnes already removed.
  • Subject to favourable weather conditions (this restricts when this can be done safely) the hope is that work carried out will allow Princes Street to reopen by the end of August.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to make sure Princes Street can fully reopen and I’m reassured by the progress being made. It goes without saying that we want to do this as soon as possible – but only when it is safe to do so.

“I want to reiterate just how complicated, hazardous and challenging this work is – and it was helpful to be able to share more of this detail during, what was, a very positive and constructive meeting with local business and community representatives last night.

“I was extremely grateful to all those who attended and gave us their feedback – which I committed to taking on board, either immediately or as part of our lessons learned exercise that will follow. I also welcomed the views of Edinburgh World Heritage and the Scottish Architectural Society who spoke in praise of the steps we’re taking to preserve an important part of our city’s heritage.

“Clearly, the resulting disruption continues to have a significant effect on businesses, particularly on the north end of the tram route, and last night we outlined our plans for a communications campaign to promote Leith, the Shore and Newhaven – and everything all they have to offer for our residents and visitors.

“This is being developed very much in partnership with the businesses and communities themselves – and we hope it will encourage people to visit businesses in the area well into the future.

“What also came across strongly last night was the effect this is having on our residents who are struggling to get to work, meet commitments or make appointments. I want to put on record again my thanks for your patience and understanding and to reiterate my determination to bring this disruption to an end as soon as it is safe to do so.

“In the meantime, I want to give special thanks to Lothian Buses, particularly their drivers, for their support in keeping the city moving.”

The latest updates and information, including a Q&A and image gallery, are available on the Council’s dedicated webpages.

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP: The Fringe is a chance to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome visitors from across the globe for the start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has welcomed the return of the world’s largest arts festival and highlighted the pride it brings to the capital.

Every August, Edinburgh comes alive. Our streets are filled with music, theatre and comedy while local cafés, pubs and shops welcome thousands of extra customers and people come to experience the city at its very best. The Fringe is not only a major boost for the local economy but a celebration of the creativity, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special place.

However, this year the Fringe begins after a difficult few weeks for the city. The fire on Princes Street is continuing to affect our public transport and ongoing discussion around policing in the city centre reminding us that Edinburgh also faces real challenges.

Commenting, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “The Fringe is one of the things that makes Edinburgh unlike anywhere else. There’s a real buzz about the city as performers arrive, venues open their doors and our streets fill with people looking to discover something new.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, though. The fire on Princes Street has been an ongoing issue for businesses and locals alike as transport continues to be disrupted. This is why I pushed the Scottish Government to provide emergency support.

“I’m really pleased we’ve now secured a £5 million recovery fund to help Edinburgh get back on its feet. That support matters, but so does making sure people feel safe when they’re out enjoying the city.

“The ongoing rise in petty crimes and anti-social behaviour have left residents concerned. These concerns need to be taken seriously because the Fringe should be something everyone can enjoy with confidence and in safety.

“The Fringe reminds us why so many people fall in love with Edinburgh.

“Let’s make sure we give visitors a warm welcome while continuing to back the businesses, workers and communities that make this city such a brilliant place to live all year round.”

£5 million for Princes Street recovery

Deputy First Minister visits site and meets council leader

Up to £5 million will be made available to help support recovery from the fire on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth met with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher yesterday following a tour of the site of the blaze at the former Debenhams store which broke out on 9 July.

The funding will be administered by the council and include support for a number of areas to assist the recovery from the fire, including support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.

It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.

The Deputy First Minister has also confirmed that work is underway with Highland Council to finalise the financial support that the Scottish Government will provide for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.

Ms Gilruth said: “This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.

“The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.

“The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible.” 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “This is a significant step in our city’s recovery from the Princes Street fire, and I wholeheartedly welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement today.

“Whilst I remain acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city every day, I hope that this news can bring some comfort to our residents, businesses and visitors. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as the festivals begin later this week.

“We’re continuing to do everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’d also urge people to continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

“I was encouraged by my conversations with the Deputy First Minister today and we’ll continue to work alongside the Scottish Government and our partners in our collective response to this incredibly difficult issue.”

The fund will be administered by the Council and divided into the following sections –

Building Works:

The Council is incurring substantial daily costs to progress work on the site, including making the building safe and the retention of heritage features, alongside associated security costs. This support will go towards covering these in the short to medium term.

Ultimately, the Council will still attempt to recover appropriate costs from the owners under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.

Business Recovery: The Council recognises the impact that this has had on businesses across Edinburgh, particularly in Leith and the north of the city due to tram disruption. This funding will be used to encourage people to visit local businesses through a communications campaign, creating a local events fund and further incentivising patronage.

Festivals Support: The fire has resulted in some events by festival partners in the immediate vicinity being relocated at short notice. Bookings have also been impacted. Requests for funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Public Transport Support: Edinburgh Trams has experienced increased costs and a loss of income due to disruption on the network. As a large section of the tram network has been offline since the fire, this fund would be used specifically to help mitigate this ongoing impact on both Edinburgh Trams and the Council.  

Princes Street City Dressing: Funding will support the installation of dressing at any vacant units or construction sites, including the former Debenham’s building, while works are ongoing, to maintain a positive image for Princes Street.

‘Getting Around Town’ Communications Campaign: Work has already commenced on a campaign to help residents and visitors get around the city.

Work is taking place to finalise arrangements for the support package which will be made available to the council. 

Due to serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building a substantial exclusion zone was established and remains in place around the affected section of Princes Street.

For the latest advice and updates on Princes Street please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage.

Princes Street Fire: Deputy First Minister to meet council leader

Direct Scottish Government support to help address the ongoing impact of the fire on Princes Street, including potential financial support, will be discussed during talks with City of Edinburgh Council leaders next week.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has acknowledged the “major difficulties” being faced in the capital as a result of the blaze at the former Debenham’s store on July 9th.

Ms Gilruth will visit the site of the fire next week and meet with the head of the local authority to clarify what action is required to assist with the recovery.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.

“The Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public’s safety while minimising and reducing disruption. I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.

“I am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.

“I will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.”

Edinburgh’s summer festivals oficially begin next weekend, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the capital.

Historic features survive Princes Street fire

WORK EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST THREE MORE WEEKS

Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.

Securing the front façade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.

Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.

Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.

It has also emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, at 111-112 Princes Street, have survived relatively unscathed.

These two key features from the 1880’s will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.

Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.

Check our dedicated webpage for detailed information and travel advice.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be overstated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.

“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving.

“A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.

It’s positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.

“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.

“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”

The recent fire on Princes Street has had a significant impact on our city.

@on_lothianbuses and @EdinburghTrams‘ Chief Operating Officer, Willie Hamilton, thanks our colleagues and customers for their support during this challenging time.

Read his full statement below:

The Shore Business Collective launches campaign to welcome visitors to Leith during city centre disruption

Businesses at The Shore have come together to launch a campaign reminding residents and visitors that Edinburgh’s waterfront destination remains open for business following the disruption caused by the recent fire on Princes Street.

While the partial closure of the tram line has had a significant impact on businesses at The Shore, the Shore Business Collective believes the focus should now be on encouraging people to continue supporting local businesses across Edinburgh.

The campaign will provide practical travel information alongside a coordinated programme of social media activity celebrating the people, places and experiences that make The Shore one of the city’s most distinctive destinations.

The push from the Shore Business Collective will highlight the many ways visitors can easily reach The Shore by bus, on foot, by bike, taxi and car, while showcasing everything the area has to offer – from its award-winning restaurants, cafés and bars to independent retailers, cultural attractions and picturesque waterfront, as well as highlighting the best offers from local businesses this summer.

Ashley Harley ,Chair of the Shore Business Collective, said: “Like many businesses across Edinburgh, we’ve been affected by the disruption following the fire on Princes Street. However, our priority is to look forward.

“The Shore remains open, our businesses are ready to welcome visitors, and we want people to know it’s still easy to enjoy everything this unique part of Edinburgh has to offer. Our thoughts are with everyone directly affected by the fire, including the businesses, employees and communities in the city centre.

“This campaign is  about working together to support local businesses and ensuring that people continue to visit and enjoy every part of Edinburgh during what is a difficult period for many. The Shore is open, the welcome is as warm as ever, and businesses are encouraging people to make the journey and rediscover one of the city’s most vibrant waterfront communities.”

The Shore Business Collective is a community-led network of independent businesses working together to protect, champion, and bring vibrancy to The Shore in Leith.

Follow the Shore Business Collective for updates on what to do and how to get to the Shore: @theshoreedinburgh

Update on Princes Street closure

Princes Street is expected to remain closed into August following a major fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July.

Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible. While timescales are not yet confirmed, these works are expected to take several weeks to complete.

Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.

With the diversions set to continue into next month, including on George Street, alternative arrangements are being put in place to limit disruption to forthcoming festivals and events.

A dedicated page has been created on the council website, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites. This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.

“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.

“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre. We will continue to work with bus, tram, and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.

“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.

“This an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the Council website.

“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”

Former MSP calls for sustained investment following Edinburgh fire

The recent fire in Edinburgh serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage, professionalism and dedication of Scotland’s firefighters (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).

I want to pay tribute to every member of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency responders who worked tirelessly, often in extremely dangerous conditions, to protect lives, homes and businesses.

Their commitment to serving our communities is nothing short of remarkable. Every day firefighters put themselves in harm’s way without hesitation, responding to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding, hazardous incidents and many other emergencies. They deserve not only our admiration and gratitude but also our full support.

Throughout my time as a Member of the Scottish Parliament, I consistently championed the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and repeatedly raised concerns about the impact that funding reductions and resource cuts could have on public safety.

I firmly believed then, as I do now, that public safety should never be compromised. Investment in our Fire and Rescue Service is not an expense. It is one of the most important investments any government can make.

One issue I campaigned strongly on was the proposal to remove the turntable ladder from Crewe Toll Fire Station. After meeting firefighters and hearing first hand about the operational implications, I publicly opposed the proposal, supported the Fire Brigades Union’s #CutsLeaveScars campaign and lodged a Parliamentary Motion calling on the Scottish Government to reverse the planned £11 million reduction in funding to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The turntable ladder is a vital specialist appliance used for tackling fires in high rise buildings and carrying out complex rescues. At the time, I warned that removing this capability would leave more than 50 high rise buildings across north and west Edinburgh with reduced emergency cover.

My concern was always straightforward. Every community deserves the highest level of protection possible and firefighters deserve the equipment they need to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

My work in Parliament also focused heavily on firefighter welfare and safety.

Following the serious fire at Breadalbane Street in Edinburgh, I submitted a series of parliamentary questions seeking detailed information from the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

These questions covered firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants, decontamination procedures following major incidents, the availability of specialist personal protective equipment, and the measures in place to protect firefighters from the long term health risks associated with repeated exposure to toxic smoke and hazardous materials.

Firefighters willingly put themselves in dangerous situations to protect others. It is only right that we do everything possible to protect them in return.

Throughout my parliamentary career, I believed it was my responsibility to scrutinise decisions affecting emergency services, ask difficult questions where necessary and ensure that the voices of frontline firefighters were heard in Parliament.

The challenges facing the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to evolve. Climate change has increased the frequency of wildfires and severe weather events. Our cities continue to grow with more high rise developments and increasingly complex infrastructure.

Firefighters now respond to a far wider range of emergencies than ever before. These changing demands make sustained investment in staffing, training, specialist equipment and modern technology more important than ever.

The recent fire in Edinburgh once again demonstrates why we cannot afford to become complacent about public safety.

Our firefighters repeatedly show extraordinary bravery, professionalism and compassion under immense pressure. They run towards danger when everyone else is being told to run away.

They deserve modern equipment. They deserve appropriate staffing levels. They deserve continued investment. Above all, they deserve to know that the public and our governments stand behind them.

I remain incredibly proud to have supported Scotland’s firefighters throughout my time in Parliament. I consistently argued for greater investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service because I recognised that every decision on funding has real consequences for frontline services and for the safety of our communities.

Over the years I raised these issues in parliamentary debates, lodged motions, submitted written parliamentary questions and met directly with firefighters and their representatives to better understand the challenges they faced.

My commitment was always to ensure that those risking their lives on behalf of others had the resources, equipment and support they deserved. I hope this latest incident serves as a reminder to all decision makers that investing in emergency services saves lives. We should never wait for tragedy before recognising the importance of properly funding those who protect us every single day.

My thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fire. I wish those who have lost their homes or businesses every strength during this difficult time. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to every firefighter, police officer, paramedic and emergency service worker involved in bringing this incident under control.

Scotland owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude, and I will continue to support calls for sustained investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service so that firefighters can continue protecting our communities safely and effectively for generations to come.

Foysol Choudhury MBE

Former Member of the Scottish Parliament

Former Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe & International Development.

Police: Princes Street Fire Update

Emergency services remain in attendance following a fire at a disused building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

Officers were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue around 3.05am on Thursday, 9 July, 2026. There are no reported injuries.

Firefighters and officers cannot enter the building as, at this time, it is deemed not safe to enter. Work is ongoing to ensure the area is made safe and enquiries are at an early stage.

The surrounding area of Princes Street remains closed, along with Rose Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed where possible.

A joint investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.