Firefighters tackle major blaze at historic building on Edinburgh's Princes Street

Firefighters have been tackling a major blaze within a historic building on the busy shopping area of Princes Street in Edinburgh.

Emergency crews were alerted to the fire 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) said seven fire engines and three specialist appliances remained at the scene at 6.45am.

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.

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.

Read more from Sky News:
Man tried to murder estranged wife in Edinburgh knife attack

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.

Plans were made to turn the building into a hotel.

(c) Sky News 2026: Firefighters tackle major blaze at historic building on Edinburgh's Princes Street