Historic building gutted by major blaze on Edinburgh's Princes Street

A historic building within the busy shopping area of Princes Street in Edinburgh has been gutted in a fire.

Emergency crews were alerted to the blaze at the old B-listed building in the city centre - which used to house shop fronts for River Island and Levi's until they closed down - at 2.52am on Thursday.

The roof and top floors - some of which are understood to have been formerly occupied by Debenhams - have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) remain at the scene, dampening down hotspots after largely extinguishing the blaze.

Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene at the height of the incident.

Pictures posted on social media during the night showed flames and plumes of smoke rising from the area.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Police Scotland has closed Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street, and has urged members of the public to avoid the area where possible.

The force said inquiries are ongoing.

Passers-by spoke of their sadness over the incident.

Robert Murphy, 72, used to work in the River Island shop, which was next to former department store Jenners.

He said the potential loss of the building was a "tragedy", adding: "Sometimes I would go next door to Debenhams, I was impressed with the quality. The building was just really nice.

"It was on the same lines as Jenners. They seem to be getting replaced with concrete and glass - cheaper-looking buildings."

Graham Reed, 59, from Edinburgh, said: "It's such a shame. It's an iconic building, and it's such a shame that yet another one's gone up in flames on Princes Street.

"It's just a shame to see it because we lost a couple, there was one down in Jenners as well that went up in flames a few years back. It's a shame it happens."

Another man, who gave his name as Sotirs, 36, and was on his way to his work in the capital, said: "I feel sad because it looks like a classic building and I feel bad because they make the city much more beautiful and it's a nice building."

Tram services in the area have been disrupted and some bus services have been diverted.

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The building will be assessed when the area has been made safe, the local authority has said.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said: "Once the area has been made safe, we will fully assess the condition of the building and consider next steps.

"I'd urge people to continue to avoid the area for the time being, plan for ongoing disruption and follow all advice from the emergency services and transport operators."

The building at 109 Princes Street dates back to 1869 and was originally called the Palace Hotel.

The Debenhams branch closed in May 2021 following another fire at the premises the previous month.

It was acquired by Criterion Capital, which had announced plans to turn it into its first Zedwell hotel in Scotland.

A Criterion Capital spokesperson said: "In respect of the fire at the former Debenhams building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, in the early hours of this morning, our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.

"There have been no reported injuries, and we are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism.

"This building is an important and historic part of Edinburgh's city centre, and we continue to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities."

(c) Sky News 2026: Historic building gutted by major blaze on Edinburgh's Princes Street