Firefighters continue to dampen down hotspots after a blaze gutted a historic B-listed building on Edinburgh's Princes Street in the early hours of Thursday. The fire at the former Debenhams department store at 109 Princes Street was reported at 2.52am, with seven fire engines and three specialist appliances initially dispatched.
Extent of Damage
The roof and top floors of the disused building have been destroyed, and the interior is left blackened and charred. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that by 11am, four fire engines and two height appliances remained at the scene. Large parts of Princes Street remain cordoned off, and road closures are in place.
No Injuries Reported
There were no reports of any injuries. A fire service spokesperson said: “Crews worked through the early hours of Thursday to contain and extinguish the flames. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.”
Public Reaction
Passers-by expressed sadness over the incident. Graham Reed, 59, from Edinburgh, said: “It’s such a shame. It’s an iconic building, and it’s such a shame that yet another one’s gone up in flames on Princes Street. It’s just a shame to see it because we lost a couple, there was one down in Jenners as well that went up in flames a few years back. It’s a shame it happens.” Another man, Sotirs, 36, said: “I feel sad because it looks like a classic building and I feel bad because they make the city much more beautiful and it’s a nice building.”
Transport Disruption
Tram services have been disrupted, with Edinburgh Trams running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only. Ticket acceptance is in place with ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square) and on Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven. Lothian Buses confirmed some services in the area have been diverted.
Building History
The building at 109 Princes Street dates back to 1869 and was originally called the Palace Hotel. The Debenhams branch closed in May 2021 following another fire at the premises the previous month. Plans had been made to turn the building into a hotel.
