Firefighters have been tackling a major blaze at a historic building in Edinburgh, which burned for hours overnight.
Emergency services were called to a fire at the old Debenhams building on Princes Street at 2.52am on Thursday. By 6.45am, seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said.
Pictures posted on social media during the night showed flames and plumes of smoke rising from the area, with the upper floors of the building well alight.
Photographs taken later on Thursday morning showed that the flames had been brought under control.
The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed by the blaze, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off as firefighters tackle the blaze.
Tram services in the area have been disrupted and some bus services have been diverted.
Edinburgh Trams said that trams are running a part 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.
Meanwhile, Lothian Buses said that some services in the area have been diverted.
Those passing the scene 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.”
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.
