Fifth day of travel disruption on Princes Street after major fire as trams and buses still diverted
It is not yet known when the busy street is likely to reopen.
A section of Princes Street remains closed for fifth day after a major fire gutted the B-listed former Debenhams store on Thursday.
The street is closed to traffic and pedestrians between South Charlotte Street and Frederick Street, meaning buses are diverted and trams are only running a partial route.
Around 50 bus routes through the city centre have been rerouted until further notice and trams are operating between the airport and the West End only.
Tram ticket acceptance is available on bus services between the West End and Newhaven, as well as on ScotRail services between Edinburgh Gateway and Waverley.
The closure is causing major disruption in the city centre, with commuters and those travelling to Edinburgh Airport urged to allow for extra travel time in case of delays.
It is understood the road will only reopen after the city council’s building standards have assessed the safety of the remaining structure.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Friday they had left the scene, although they were called back briefly on Friday afternoon following reports of “smouldering wood”.
A joint investigation is currently between the fire service and Police Scotland is currently underway.