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Edinburgh’s city centre is facing ongoing disruptions to public transport following a fire that severely damaged the former Debenhams department store on Princes Street. Bus routes have been diverted to George Street, and tram operations are limited to a reduced network, notably running only between the west end and the airport. Lothian Buses described the situation as “fluid,” with no fixed date for the full resumption of normal services.
The investigation into the fire, which broke out last week at the B-listed building, has begun now that fire investigators have been granted access. Initially, concerns about the building’s structural safety had prevented the probe from proceeding. Images captured during the fire revealed that the roof was entirely destroyed and large sections of the building suffered extensive damage. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service remain actively involved in determining the cause.
This disruption comes just before Edinburgh’s busy festival season, during which George Street traditionally closes to traffic to accommodate extended outdoor venue spaces. City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher acknowledged the inevitable impact on commuters and businesses, emphasizing that Princes Street’s closure will cause travel difficulties. “We will reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so but, with investigations ongoing at the site, it’s too early to say when that will be,” Meagher said. She also noted the council’s efforts to minimize delays by working closely with transport operators and supporting affected businesses.
At the fire’s peak, approximately 50 firefighters battled the blaze, which began in the early hours of a Thursday. The building had previously housed parts of Debenhams until the chain’s closure in May 2021 following an earlier fire. Ground floor tenants such as River Island and Levi’s had also shut their stores. Prior to the fire, plans were underway to convert the property into Scotland’s first Zedwell hotel, with a recent application proposing to cover the works behind a false facade and advertising screen. The full extent of the fire damage continues to be assessed as investigations proceed
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