Edinburgh fire live: Historic building blaze in Scotland sparks huge emergency response

Edinburgh fire live: Historic building blaze rages as Princes Street closed Emergency services have rushed to Prince Street in Edinburgh as a raging fire sends thick clouds of black smoke across the city centre A huge blaze is tearing through a historic building in central Edinburgh this morning. Massive flames can be spotted above the Scottish capital after the fire took hold of a building on Princes Street at around 4am on Thursday. Footage is circulating on social media showing thick clouds of black smoke billowing from Edinburgh's iconic skyline. It is believed to be the old Debenhams building that is alight, although this is yet to be confirmed by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Edinburgh Trams are running for part of the service. A spokesperson said: "Due to a incident on Princes Street, Trams are Part Route from Edinburgh Airport - West End only. "Ticket acceptance is in place with Scot Rail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square) and on Lothian buses services between West End and Newhaven. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to your journey this morning." According to local residents the smell of smoke can be smelt for miles. One social media user said: "The smell is really strong in Craigentinny." Another addded: "Wondering why I smelt fire when I woke up." Princes Street is closed due to the blaze, with emergency services still on scene tackling the flames. Lothian Buses said: “Due to a road closure buses are unable to serve Princes Street and are instead diverted via South Charlotte Street, George Street and South St David Street in both directions until further notice." The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighters continue to work to tackle the blaze. The blaze has taken hold of a historic building on Princes Street, the Scottish capital's main shopping street. The building is reportedly just a few doors down from Jenners department store, which was gutted by a fire in 2023. The street is also nearby to Edinburgh's iconic castle. Scottish Citylink have confirmed services in the area have been cancelled. The operator posted on social media: "Due to a building fire, Princes Street in Edinburgh is currently closed at the moment and is unable to be served. "Next alternatives stops are either the Bus Station or Shandwick place." Welcome to our live coverage. We will be bringing you the latest updates from the fire that has engulfed a historic building in Edinburgh city centre.