Historic building wrecked in major blaze on Edinburgh's Princes Street

A historic building on Edinburgh's Princes Street has been badly damaged in a "significant" fire.

Firefighters were sent to the disused site at the old Debenhams building at about 02:50 and worked through the early hours to bring the flames under control.

A number of roads have been closed and commuters are being diverted away from the area, with extensive damage particularly on the upper floors and roof.

Videos of the fire at its height have been posted on social media, showing large flames emerging from the two top floors and smoke billowing into the street.

At about 09:20 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said crews were dampening down hot spots.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, William Pollard, said: "The fire has been quite significant, and we will be in attendance for quite a considerable time moving forward. We understand the disruption that will have to the local community.

"I'd like to take the opportunity to really thank our crews because they've worked tirelessly through the morning in order to bring this fire under control and get to the position we are in at the minute.

"And certainly, they've been working tirelessly through the day today as well. I'm sure you can appreciate the weather conditions, which haven't helped that today."

Six appliances and two height appliances plus supporting resources were sent to the scene.

Police are on the scene and said inquiries are ongoing.

Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street are closed and the force has urged people to avoid the area.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but an investigation is underway.

There are no reports of injuries.

Trams in the area have been disrupted, with services running part route from Edinburgh Airport to West End only.

Edinburgh Trams said tickets will be accepted by ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley and on Lothian bus services between West End and Newhaven.

Lothian Buses said a number of services had been diverted.

River Island and Levi's had shops on the ground floor of the building but both units have closed.

The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Jane Meagher, said: "I'm relieved to hear that nobody has been hurt, and grateful for the swift response of the emergency services - who prevented this devastating fire becoming far worse.

"Once the area has been made safe, we will fully assess the condition of the building and consider next steps. I hope that local residents who were evacuated during the night will be able to return home soon."

A steady stream of commuters walked through Princes Street Gardens earlier as they were diverted away from the blaze scene.

Jakki Rowley, who lives nearby, told BBC Scotland News it was a "sad day" for the city.

She compared the scene to huge fire that destroyed Glasgow's Union Corner building in March, saying: "It's like Glasgow all over again, a beautiful historic building getting broken.

"I've lived here all my days and I think it is important to keep the original buildings. That's what tourists are here for. I am sad, very sad."

Debenhams closed in May 2021 following a large fire that April.

In 2021, Legal and General planned a £50m revamp of the building including a 207-room boutique hotel and "hospitality hub", but this fell through.

The old department store site was then bought by Criterion Capital, the development company headed up by billionaire Asif Aziz.

He planned to turn it into a Zedwell hotel, which would be the first in Scotland if successful.

A spokesperson for Criterion Capital said: "Our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.

"There have been no reported injuries, and we are liaising with the emergency services and relevant authorities to support them as required."