Fire crews were called to the old Debenhams building at 109 Princes Street in Edinburgh at 2.52am on Thursday after a fire broke out in the early hours. The blaze has largely been extinguished, but firefighters remained at the scene several hours later dampening down hotspots. The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
Response and Closures
At the height of the incident, seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines and two height appliances remained in attendance by 11am. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. A spokesperson for the fire service said crews worked through the early hours to contain and extinguish the flames, adding: “Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.” Large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off, and police have urged the public to avoid the area.
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, who gave his name as 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 Disruptions
Tram services in the area 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 said 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 were made to turn the building into a hotel.
