Princes Street Closure to Continue Into August After Former Debenhams Fire
Part of Princes Street will remain closed as Edinburgh enters its busiest summer period, with bus diversions, a shortened tram route, and changes to planned Festival activity.
Princes Street is expected to remain partly closed into August while work continues to stabilise the former Debenhams building damaged by fire on 9 July 2026.
The section between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street remains closed to all vehicles. Buses are being diverted through George Street and Queen Street, while trams are only running between Edinburgh Airport and the West End at Shandwick Place.
No firm reopening date has been announced. The City of Edinburgh Council says structural work is expected to take several weeks, meaning disruption could continue into the Edinburgh Festival season.
What Part of Princes Street Is Closed?
The vehicle closure covers west Princes Street between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street. This includes buses and trams, although pedestrians can still access most of the surrounding area.
A smaller pedestrian cordon remains between 101 Princes Street, occupied by Boots, and the former Debenhams building at 112 Princes Street. Rose Street and Princes Street Gardens remain open to pedestrians.
Most nearby businesses are also trading normally. The council says Boots is the only Princes Street business that remains closed following the fire.
Key Details at a Glance
- Road closure: Princes Street between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street
- Pedestrian closure: Between Boots at 101 Princes Street and the former Debenhams building
- Tram service: Edinburgh Airport to West End/Shandwick Place only
- Bus services: Diverted through surrounding city centre streets
- Expected duration: Some restrictions are likely to continue into August
- Reopening date: Not yet confirmed
Why Is the Closure Taking So Long?
The fire caused severe damage to the upper part of the B-listed building, leaving walls, stonework, and parts of the internal structure unstable.
Structural engineers and contractors are working to secure two gable walls, a dividing wall, and the Princes Street façade. Steel supports are also being installed while debris and dangerous material are removed from inside.
Some of the work must be completed by hand from a crane basket, with individual pieces of damaged stone removed carefully. Even relatively light winds can stop the operation because of the unstable condition of the building.
The council is trying to retain as much of the historic structure as possible, but it remains too early to confirm how much can be saved.
Council leader Jane Meagher said public safety had to remain the priority, describing the operation as a “painstaking process” that would take time.
Edinburgh Tram Services Remain Part-Route
Edinburgh Trams are currently running between Edinburgh Airport and the West End only. Services are not operating through Princes Street, the city centre, Leith, or Newhaven.
The council says vibrations from a tram, even one moving at walking pace, could affect the damaged structure. All trams were also at the depot in the west of the city when the fire happened, meaning none can be moved to the Newhaven side of the closure.
Temporary ticket acceptance arrangements include:
- Tram tickets can be used on Lothian services 16 and 25 between the West End and Newhaven.
- ScotRail is accepting tram tickets between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley.
- Airlink 100 return tickets can be used on trams between West End or Haymarket and Edinburgh Airport.
- Some airport tram tickets are being accepted on Service 17 from Newhaven and Ocean Terminal.
Passengers should check the latest rules before travelling, as these arrangements may change.
Bus Diversions Are Affecting the Wider Network
Bus services that normally use Princes Street have been moved onto alternative city centre routes, mainly through George Street and Queen Street.
The disruption isn’t limited to buses that stop on Princes Street. Lothian Buses says congestion caused by the closure is having a knock-on effect across its network, with longer journey times likely during busy periods.
The Airlink 100 is still operating between Waverley Bridge and Edinburgh Airport, but it is using Queen Street as part of its diverted route.
Passengers are being advised to allow extra time and check the Bus & Tram app or Lothian’s service updates before leaving.
What Does It Mean for the Edinburgh Festivals?
The closure is expected to overlap with at least part of Edinburgh’s August festival season.
George Street must remain available for diverted buses, affecting plans for Festival activity in the area. The council, Essential Edinburgh, and Assembly are considering whether parts of the programme can move to St Andrew Square. A temporary ticket office may also be placed outside the Assembly Rooms.
Alternative arrangements are being discussed with Festival and event organisers, but details may continue to change as work progresses.
The city centre remains open, and the council has stressed that people can continue visiting shops, restaurants, attractions, and events outside the safety cordon.
Check Before Travelling
Anyone heading into central Edinburgh should check live transport information shortly before travelling, particularly during evenings, weekends, and major Festival dates.
The council has created a dedicated Princes Street closure page covering public transport, road restrictions, nearby businesses, and changes affecting events. Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are also posting service updates through their websites, app, and social media accounts.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. A joint investigation involving the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland is continuing once the building can be entered safely. Around 50 firefighters attended the incident at its height, and no casualties were reported.