Firefighters have spent the night tackling a large blaze which broke out at a disused building on Princes Street. 

Seven fire engines and three specialist vehicles were dispatched to the scene at 2.50am this morning Thursday 9 July 2026. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was still ongoing. Police are on the scene and said inquiries are ongoing. 

Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street are currently closed and officers have urged the public to avoid the area if possible. 

A police spokesperson said: “Road closures are in place 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. 

“Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street remain closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible at this time. 

“Emergency services remain in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.” 

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

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

A number of Lothian Bus services had been diverted. 

Police Scotland update 4.30pm 9 July 2026: “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.”