A fire took hold in an empty disused building at 109 Princes Street on Thursday morning in the early hours, and some eight hours on there is still disruption in the city centre.
Just before 11am the street remains closed to all vehicles while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service damp down the building and ensure that it is completely safe.
The building affected is the former Debenhams store at 109 Princes Street, which is of historical importance and is a B-listed structure. Previously this building was the Conservative
Planning permission was granted to convert 109,110,111,112 Princes Street and the building at the rear at 150 Rose Street into a hotel and Zedwell pod hotel with a rooftop extension in February 2026.
A representative for the owner of the building, Criterion Capital commented when the permission was granted earlier this year. Omar Aziz, said: “Princes Street reflects our ongoing commitment to heritage preservation and sustainable urban transformation. We are excited to bring our first Zedwell hotel outside London to such an iconic location – offering an unparalleled stay for both leisure and business travellers, right at the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre.”
Smoke can be smelled in the air in George Street and is visible along Princes Street. There is still smoke coming from the building, and three fire appliances are in place spraying water. Smoke can be seen at times coming out of the top of the building.
Businesses which are closed include:
- Superdrug
- Regus
- Skechers
- Boots
- Uniqlo
- Chisholm Hunter
Several people are standing at the police lines asking for access to their business premises and one woman said she had a £200 dentist appointment.
Police would not let her cross saying all businesses were reportedly closed.
Staff from M&S and other locals were observed bringing water and snacks to emergency services.
Workmen from Scottish Gas, SFRS, and police officers are on site.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said they despatched eight fire appliances after receiving a call just before 3am on Thursday morning.
A spokesperson for SFRS said: “We were called at 2.52am on Thursday, 9 July, to reports of a fire within a former department store building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised six appliances and two height appliances plus supporting resources to the scene and firefighters worked through the early hours of the morning the contain and extinguish the flames.
“Crews continue to extinguish and dampen down hotspots and will be in attendance for some time.
“Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.
“There are no reported casualties”
Police Scotland said in their latest update that Princes Street, Frederick Street, and Castle Street remain closed as at 8.21am, and have asked members of the public “to avoid the area where possible at this time”.
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