We'll regularly update this page with the latest information.
The fire and public safety
Is it safe to travel into the city centre?
Yes. Most of the city centre remains open and businesses outside the safety cordon continue to welcome visitors. However, a section of west Princes Street between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street remains closed to vehicles (including buses and trams) while work continues to make the damaged building safe. Please follow signed diversions. A further section is closed to pedestrians between 101 Princes Street (Boots) and 112 Princes Street (the former Debenhams Building).
What caused the fire?
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. A joint investigation by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Police Scotland is underway. Read more at Update: Retail building fire on Princes Street, Edinburgh | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Were there any casualties?
No. Thankfully, there were no casualties. We thank SFRS, Police Scotland and partners for their swift and dedicated response to ensure public safety.
Will the building be knocked down?
The building is a B-Listed historical building. We’re trying to preserve as much of it building as possible. It is too early to tell how much of it can be saved.
Road closures and public transport
Are buses and trams running?
Public transport services are operating with temporary diversions. Some bus routes have been re-routed and trams are only running between the airport and Shandwick Place. Trams are not running between Princes Street, Leith and Newhaven. Please check with your transport operator before travelling.
What are you doing to improve traffic delays and congestion being caused by road closures?
We've optimised traffic signals to help improve the flow of traffic. We're also working very closely with our transport partners to make sure bus routes are running as regularly and efficiently as possible. We've asked bus companies that use the bus station to reroute from George Street to Queen Street to increase capacity for diverted Lothian buses. We’re also exploring the possibility of making additional Voi rental bikes available in/ around Leith to compensate for the loss of trams.
We understand the disruption and delays this is causing are frustrating but we must prioritise public safety.
Why is west Princes Street still closed?
The closure is necessary to protect the public while specialists assess the structural condition of the fire-damaged building and urgent work is carried out to make the building safe. The building cannot yet be safely entered, and work is continuing to stabilise the site before restrictions can be lifted.
How long will west Princes Street be closed to traffic?
Road closures will remain until the building has been made safe and the relevant structural assessments have been completed. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Current indications are that some restrictions will continue into August.
We understand the disruption and delays this is causing are frustrating but we must prioritise public safety. Thank you for your patience.
Why can’t a tram be run along Princes Street?
Public safety is a priority and there is a risk that vibrations caused by a tram travelling along Princes Street, even at a slow walking pace, could cause further damageand safey risks. Structural assessments of the building are taking place and work is continuing to stabilise the site before restrictions can be lifted.
Why can’t trams run in the east of the city (eg to and from Newhaven)?
The fire happened overnight when all the trams were in the depot in the west of the city. Until the restrictions on Princes Street are lifted, it is not possible to move trams to the east of the city.
How can pedestrians safely access nearby shops and businesses
Pedestrians can still access Princes Street except for the area between Boots and the former Debenhams building (101 - 112Princes Street). Rose Street and Princes Street Gardens remain open for pedestrians.
Impact on events in the city
Will Princes Street be open in time for the summer festivals?
Road closures will remain until the building has been made safe and the relevant structural assessments have been completed. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Current indications are that some restrictions may continue into August.
What does this mean for the festival activities planned for George Street in August?
George Street must remain available for diverted buses, so we're working with Essential Edinburgh and Assembly to explore options to relocate elements of their festival programme. They are exploring whether it's possible to use St Andrew Square as an alternative and a temporary ticket office outside Assembly Rooms may be set up.
Hundreds of thousands of people use the tram to travel to Murrayfield for major concerts and other events – what contingency are you putting in place?
There are several events taking place at Murrayfield Stadium over the summer. Please plan your journey in advance as transport to and from the stadium is disrupted by road closures on Princes Street. Visit our dedicated webpages for advice on how to travel to and from these events.
Businesses and Residents
Can businesses access their premises yet?
Most businesses are unaffected and are open as normal. A small number have had to temporarily close and it is not possible to access them. Council officers are liaising directly with affected businesses.
Find details of which businesses are closed on our dedicated page.
What is the Council doing to keep affected businesses updated, including expected timelines for access, safety checks, and any ongoing restrictions?
Council officers are liaising directly with businesses that have had to temporarily close and with their representatives in the Business Improvement District for the area.
For updates on the situation (including transport and traffic and service updates), there are dedicated webpages at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/princesstreetupdates
What support is being offered to affected businesses?
We are acutely aware of the impact this is having on city centre businesses and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. There will be Non Domestic Rates Relief for businesses that have had to close and we are in discussions with the Scottish Government around what support, if any, they are able to offer. The Council Leader will be seeking a meeting with the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer.
The Council's role
Who is managing the response?
The response involves the City of Edinburgh Council as a statutory authority, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, transport operators and other partner agencies to ensure public safety, manage disruption and support recovery.
What is the role of the council in this incident?
Our role in this incident is as a statutory authority. Our priority is public safety and we have specific powers to deal with dangerous and defective buildings (or parts of buildings) in the city under the Dangerous Buildings Act section 29 and Section 42/1.
Once the relevant structural and police investigations are completed and the building is made safe, responsibility for the building is given back to the owners.
The building is not owned by the Council, it is privately owned.
Does the Council do fire safety visits and fire regulation?
The Council does not conduct fire safety inspections under fire legislation, but it does regulate fire safety aspects of buildings through Building Standards, which includes compliance with Building (Scotland) Regulations and proper documentation and inspections during building work.
The Council is responsible for ensuring public safety in and around buildings when it appears that a building has become dangerous. It We do this by preventing access to buildings and spaces, carrying out any necessary urgent works and by issuing notices to owners requiring further works to be carried out to make buildings safe.
Fire safety enforcement and inspections are carried out by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ensure compliance with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
Useful links
Latest news and updates on Princes Street fire
Road closures and changes to public transport.