Fire crews are tackling a blaze which broke out on Edinburgh’s Princes Street in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Firefighters were called to the scene, next to the old Debenham’s building, at around 3am, with seven engines and three specialist appliances.
The fire appears to have engulfed the block above the former River Island and Levi’s stores at 109 Princes Street.
Crews continue to extinguish and dampen down hotspots and will be in attendance “for some time”.
SuppliedThe Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was still ongoing and crews remained at the scene at 8am.
Police Scotland confirmed that Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street remain closed.
There are no reports of any injuries.
Pictures posted on social media during the night showed flames and plumes of smoke rising from the building’s facade.
Dillion Laing via SuppliedLothian Buses have said it is currently unable to access Princes Street and diversions are in place.
A spokesperson said: “Due to a road closure buses are unable to serve Princes Street and are instead diverted via South Charlotte Street, George Street and South St David Street in both directions until further notice.”
Edinburgh Trams said that it is running a partial route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only.
It said that 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.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson 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.”
A Police Scotland 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, July 9, 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.”
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