Princes Street fire: Major roads and transport routes disrupted by huge fire on Princes Street
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A number of major roads and transport routes have been disrupted by a huge fire on Princes Street
Traffic in Edinburgh city centre is expected to be disrupted for the remainder of today after a huge fire ripped through a building.
Police Scotland said that road closures are in place on three streets in the city centre – Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street – following the blaze which broke out in the early hours of this morning (July 9). Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area.
Lothian Buses confirmed that 45 of its services would be disrupted in both directions due to the closures with diversions in place via South Charlotte Street, George Street and South St David Street until further notice.
A spokesperson 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.”
At around 10am Edinburgh Trams confirmed that they would continue to run a part route between Edinburgh Airport and West End - Princes Street.
In a separate message, Edinburgh Trams confirmed that, due to the overnight closure, trams will not serve stops between Princes Street and Newhaven.
Scottish City Link – the firm which runs numerous inter-city bus links from Edinburgh to the rest of the UK – said that stops on Princes Street were unable to be served.
A spokesperson said: “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.”
Rail travel from Waverley Station has not been affected by the disruption.
Fire crews began battling the blaze around 3am on Thursday morning. Road closures are in place as crews continue their efforts to make the area safe.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Police have also confirmed that they are making enquiries into the fire.