The fire at the former Debenhams store on Edinburgh's Princes Street has caused significant disruptions, with transport services suspended and businesses affected.
The fire that engulfed the former Debenhams store on Princes Street in Edinburgh on July 9, 2026 has left a trail of disruptions and challenges for the city. The historic building, owned by Criterion Capital and earmarked for conversion into a 300-bed hotel suffered extensive damage, prompting a closure of the street between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street.
The incident has sparked a series of responses from city officials, transport authorities, and local businesses, all aiming to mitigate the impact and restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.
The Fire’s Immediate Impact and Transport Disruptions
The fire, which broke out around 3 am, has led to significant transport disruptions.
Tram services between the city center and Newhaven have been suspended, and buses have been diverted along George Street. The Edinburgh Trams network has been particularly affected, as all tram vehicles were in the Gogar depot at the time of the fire, making it unsafe to operate even an empty tram past the damaged building.
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson Edinburgh’s transport convener, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. In a social media post, he expressed his desire to knock down the building and reopen the road as soon as possible but he also recognized the multifaceted considerations involved. These include the building’s heritage nature the council’s lack of ownership, and the obligation to protect Edinburgh’s historic fabric.
City Officials and Recovery Plans
Council leader Jane Meagher has emphasized the complexity of preserving and making the building safe. She expressed confidence that the street would reopen in weeks, not months but acknowledged the significant disruption during Edinburgh’s busiest period, with major events and festivals on the horizon.
The council is working on plans to support affected businesses and keep public transport running smoothly. This includes providing alternative arrangements for events and festivals, such as the Edinburgh Festival Carnival which adapted its parade route to accommodate the closures. Additionally, the council is collaborating with Edinburgh Trams to resume services as quickly as possible, potentially opening the south side of Princes Street before the north carriageway.
Community and Business Response
The fire has had a mixed impact on local businesses. While some, like the Mor Bakehouse on Princes Street, have reported a significant drop in trade, others, such as the Day-Today Express store, have seen increased footfall due to diversions. The council has sent out a message that the city center is open for business encouraging residents and visitors to support local establishments.
To ease the transport burden, the council is increasing the number of e-bikes available for hire through the Voi on-street scheme with an additional 200 e-bikes being made available by the end of the week. Extra bike parking is also being provided to accommodate cyclists traveling from Leith and Newhaven.
The fire at the former Debenhams store on Princes Street has presented Edinburgh with a complex challenge, but the city’s response demonstrates a commitment to recovery and resilience. As officials and community members work together to address the disruptions, the focus remains on restoring normalcy and supporting those affected by the incident.
