A huge late-night fire has devastated a building on High Street which is home to one of the city's oldest pubs.
Pictures from the scene show the aftermath of the ferocious blaze which took hold of the derelict building on the corner of High Street and George Street around 1.27am – with firefighters still battling to get it under control this morning.
The fire had already become 'well developed' by the time emergency crews arrived, with a police cordon set up and nine fire appliances deployed. No injuries have been reported by police.
The site of the butchers and Foodfillas cafe on the bottom floor appear to be completely gutted, though the extent of the damage of the Old College Bar following the fire is not yet known.
Follow live updates on the High Street fire as we get them
The historic pub, which is believed to date back to the 19th century, has been described as 'insignificant' and in a 'poor state' in planning documents and was to be knocked down among other buildings to make. way for 239 build-to-rent flats with rooftop terraces.
A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: "On May 4, 2021, we were called to a report of a fire within a derelict building on fire on High Street.
"We immediately dispatched four appliances to the scene.
"Firefighters were met with a well-developed fire and requested further resources to bring it under control.
"Seven appliances and two high-level appliances are currently in attendance and the incident is ongoing".
Follow our live blog for more rolling updates on the High Street fire as we get them.
