A historic building on Princes Street in Edinburgh has been gutted in a fire which broke out in the early hours of the morning.
Fire crews were called to the old Debenhams building at 2.52am on Thursday and remained at the scene several hours later dampening down hotspots after largely extinguishing the blaze.
The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene at the height of the incident. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines and two height appliances remained in attendance by 11am.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for some time and large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off.
A spokesperson for the fire service said crews worked through the early hours of Thursday to contain and extinguish the flames.
They added: “Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.”
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, 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.
Edinburgh Trams said trams are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only.
It said 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.
Lothian Buses said some services in the area have been diverted.
Police have put road closures in place and have urged the public to avoid the area.
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.
